The Stranglers at Guildhall Square, Southampton (14.6.2025) with Buzzcocks supporting and Simple Minds with China Crisis supporting (29.6.2025)
It’s inside the Guildhall usually where the bands play but these Summer Sessions involve use of the outside space in the large square in front of the Guildhall pillars, hemmed in by towering blocks. It’s a good space and in a good location. A selection of artists over the summer and the weather has been kind.
Plenty of places to eat and drink along Above Bar Street. Met up with friends for the first one, in Belgium & Blues basement bar, with a feast of ales to choose from.
I came to one of the Southampton Summer Sessions last year, for Placebo, blog is here for reference. Two visits this summer, one for The Stranglers and the other for Simple Minds.
It’s Stranglers gig 33 for me, or those are what I can confirm anyway. Buzzcocks is at least 10. It’s just one original Buzzcock these days, Steve Diggle.
What I have done with this blog is treat it like a photo reel. First, The Stranglers and Buzzcocks support.
Great set from The Stranglers, drawing on their significant catalogue and finishing where it started really…..chart-wise, with No More Heroes.
Buzzcocks
The Stranglers
Later in June is was time for Simple Minds. Another band I have seen a lot but early on and in the last 10 years – I had a big gap. The big gap was the same for China Crisis.
China Crisis
China Crisis bringing their friendly small gig approach to what is quite a big gig. Unlike The Stranglers, this one is sold out and it’s busy.
Simple Minds on the other hand bring their arena rock down a peg to the same arena. It’s not huge. Maybe 3500 capacity?
Again, a cracking set. Few words but here are some of my pics from the night.
Simple Minds
Two great nights. Simple Minds considerably warmer – bit of cool wind blowing up for The Stranglers.
Both near the top of my gigs for the year. Reliable entertainment for a grey-haired gig goer.
All photos from my trusty TZ90 Panasonic pocket zoom.
Gigs with Ivan 