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With his new album Closer — a deliberate nod to Close (1988) — the superstar of the 80s Kim Wilde ignites the scene of BikiniThe date April 17th displays complete and promises an evening where the guitars form a true wall of sound and where the rock’n’roll reigns supreme. On the menu: a clever mix of new tracks and revisited classics — Kids in America, Cambodia, You Came, Never Trust a Stranger — delivered by a voice she considers more powerful than ever. Surrounded by her brother Ricky and his niece ScarlettShe invites the public to prepare themselves: Ready to rock out to the sound of rock’n’roll! »
Kim Wilde returned to France for a tour that sounds like a rejuvenation treatment : new songs, reworked classics, and undiminished stage energy. After the release of Closer, the icon of 80s The Bikini venue was ablaze on April 17th, in front of a packed and buzzing crowd, with tickets selling out in a flash. A look back at an evening where rock music reclaimed its rightful place and the past was celebrated without clinging to nostalgia.
A tour that blends past and present
Kim Wilde’s new French tour is not just a simple best-of compilation: it offers a skillful mix of tracks from Close (1988), of unpublished titles of Closer and the essential songs that have forged his legend. On stage, popular songs like You Came Or Never Trust a Stranger alongside lesser-known gems and new releases, offering a setlist designed to surprise as much as to satisfy.
The concert at Le Bikini in Ramonville-Saint-Agne, announced for April 17th, was sold out—proof that the public’s affection has not waned: see the reviews here and here. In Marseille too, the enthusiasm was palpable during a recent visit, as reported by La Provence.
An alchemy between yesterday and today
Rather than getting lost in nostalgia, Kim Wilde plays the card of updating: certain themes and sounds of Close They reappear, but seen through the lens of a more mature artist. The order of the songs and the arrangements allow us to relive the classics in a new light, sometimes more direct, sometimes more intense.
A decidedly rock sound
On stage, Kim and her band don’t do things by halves: the show is rock’n’rollOften loud and decibel-laden, driven by a tight rhythm section and massive guitars, the pop element is ever-present—it’s the essence of the music—but it’s the sheer wall of sound during the live performance that truly leaves a lasting impression. Sensitive souls, be warned: this is the place to be.
A sustained and more powerful voice
Contrary to popular belief, Kim Wilde’s voice has strengthened over the years. Long years of touring have helped to maintain and develop her vocal instrument, giving it a power and confidence that she proudly asserts today.
The audience was won over and the theaters were full.
Ticket sales prove it: demand for the tour is exploding. With the Bikini venue sold out for the Toulouse date, fans have had to turn to other sources to try and get their hands on a ticket — information and ticket options are available on platforms like Concert Tickets and the official ticket office Fnac Spectacles.
Press reports confirm the enthusiasm: rave reviews and theaters that often display sold out (see reports here and here), a sign of its continued popularity.
The spirit of the 80s: revival or continuing legacy?
For Kim Wilde, the 80s These are not just an era to celebrate: they represent a fertile period where rock, pop, dance, punk, and electronic music intertwined—a melting pot of influences that remains vibrant today. While the decade has sometimes been overshadowed, it is now returning to the forefront through festivals, reissues, and dedicated tours. Kim fully embraces this legacy while refusing to be confined by it.
Why does it still work?
The music of the 80s possesses a vitality that transcends generations: catchy melodies, memorable choruses, and often inventive production. Mixed with the freshness of a contemporary interpretation, the result appeals to both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike.
Working as a family: a winning dynamic
On the creative front, Kim continues to team up with her brother Ricky Wilde, a historical composer and producer, and is now showcasing his niece Scarlettbringing a welcome feminine energy to a predominantly male group. This family collaboration fosters a palpable camaraderie on stage and in the studio, and new songs are already in the works for a release planned for early next year.
A united team on stage
Scarlett’s presence adds a touch of modernity and balance, while the chemistry between Kim and Ricky ensures a musical coherence true to their identity. Together, they know how to maintain their pop roots while pushing the rock volume where it counts.
Hits that never disappoint
In concert, certain songs inevitably ignite a fervent enthusiasm: Kids in America, Cambodia, Checked Love and of course You Came These remain key moments of the show. Kim explains that sometimes you can immediately feel when a song has that “little something” that will make it a hit, and the audience confirms it with each chorus sung in unison.
The setlist carefully balances pop immediacy and rock energy, offering spectators as many moments to sing along to as moments of pure decibels.
Extensions and next steps
With the announcement of a new album in the works and a tour that shows no signs of slowing down, Kim Wilde proves she’s far from finished. Between celebrating her repertoire and creating new compositions, she’s forging a path that delights longtime fans and attracts new ones.
To keep up with upcoming dates and find out if any tickets become available, it is advisable to check ticketing websites and tour reports (examples of media coverage here and here) so as not to miss anything from the icon’s appearances on French stages.
Kim Wilde on tour: burning questions and electrifying answers
Q: The new album Closer is it a nod to your album Close from 1988?
A: Yes, it can be seen as a wink: Closer draws on the spirit of Close while bringing the wisdom and color of a more mature artist. We find some familiar themes, revisited arrangements and a different way of approaching life — a bit the same person, but with a fresh perspective.
Q: Are you going to replay any of the songs from Close during the tour?
A: Absolutely. The tour is an opportunity to dust off not only the expected hits but also lesser-known tracks from Close that the public loves to rediscover. And of course, we mix these gems with the new songs from Closer.
Q: The date on Bikini Full poster — are you surprised?
A: Delighted rather than surprised: it’s wonderful to be back in France After a long absence, and to feel this enthusiasm. After sold-out shows in Holland and Germany last year, to find this audience ready to sing along with us is proof that the magic is still working.
Q: What is the date in Toulouse and what can we expect there?
A: We will be at Bikini THE April 17Expect an energetic concert mixing old hits, lesser-known tracks, and recent songs. CloserA guaranteed fountain of youth and a good dose of rock’n’roll!
Q: Has your voice changed since the 80s?
A: Yes, in a good way: my voice is more powerful today than it was back then. Years of concerts and training have strengthened it and allowed me to maintain a greater stage presence.
Q: The latest album has a rather rock sound, is that your current state of mind?
A: Quite. Closer reflects the group’s energy on stage: a lot of rocka good dose of pop and a veritable wall of sound built by energetic guitarists and a bassist. A noisy and exhilarating concert — not for the faint of heart!
Q: Are the 80s back or have they always been popular?
A: The 80s have indeed experienced a resurgence: I’m increasingly finding myself at “80s” festivals, and it allows me to celebrate this period without being trapped by it. It was a fertile decade where pop, rock, disco, punk, and electro intersected—a cocktail that continues to inspire.
Q: How is working with your brother in the family business? Ricky and your niece Scarlett ?
A: It’s fantastic. Working with Ricky remains a precious alchemy — he has been composing and producing for decades — and sharing the stage with Scarlett It brings a breath of fresh air. The tour is dominated by a male team, so his creative presence is a real plus.
Q: How do you know when a song is a hit, and do you have a favorite?
A: You can often feel it in the composition: there’s that little “je ne sais quoi” that grabs you. My preference remains You Came, but I also have a soft spot for classics like Kids in America, Cambodia And Checked Love — all played on tour and always electric.
Q: Are there any new projects after Closer ?
A: Yes, we’ve already started writing new songs with Ricky and the team. The idea is to release a new album early next year, so the creativity continues during the tour.