Jim Kerr and the boys have not played in the capital for around six years but when Simple Minds took to the stage at 8pm and finally left at 10.30 the whole of the Motorpoint Arena had enjoyed a set list full of the old favourites which made them one of the biggest recording artists of the 80s and early 90s.

From humble beginings in Glasgow’s Mars Bar as Johnny and the Self Abusers to playing to millions at Live Aid these Scottish rockers have been there and got the T shirt.

In Cardiff they opened their huge set list with songs from the new album Big Music which seems go back to albums like New Gold Dream for its inspiration. Some tracks were lovingly retooled , The American was played acoustically and an extended I Travel sounded more juddering than ever.

Kerr had lost none of his stage craft running around the Cardiff stage in a tartan jacket and scarf , while Charlie Burchill dressed all in black, was as unassuming as ever, letting his guitar mastery tell its own tale.

The second half of the set opened to massive anthems Waterfront and Don’t You Forget About Me ( the Breakfast Club theme celebrating its 30th birthday this week) Where Have All Those Years Gone the four song dollop from 1982’s New Gold Dream was wondrous, while Glittering Prize and the rarely-played Hunter and the Hunted sounded heavenly and ethereal. .

The encores lased long into the night and even after the other musicians had gone and the house lights came up, Kerr was still on stage, busting out dance moves to the sound of the Kingsmen’s Louie Louie playing over the PA .

He is relishing every last second of the band’s unexpected Indian summer - and so am I!