Simple Minds rolled back the years at Birmingham's O2 Academy with an impressive set list of 25 songs from their first five albums on their 5x5 tour.

The band took the stage at around 7.30 and with just a 10 minute break for Jim Kerrs 'cup of tea' they didn't finish until 10pm.

They rocked the room with tracks including Love Song, I Travel, The America, Somewhere in Summertime, Promised you a Miracle, Life in a Day and the haunting Celebrate.

Maybe this was nostalgia and self indulence for Kerr and Charlie Burchill but I was proud to be part of an audience paying homage to this band's roots.

Die-hard fans were here for the songs that didn't make the big stadium gigs of the 80s and 90s, and it was an honour to appreciate the music that shaped the band.

The years have certainly not diminished Kerr's energy and stage presence, and, from the off, this crowd were firmly in the palm of his hand.

We've all come a long way from that first make up clad gig at the Dourne Castle pub in Glasgow... thankfully the journey continues.