The constant of the band Simply Red is its singer, leader and namesake: Mick Hucknall is not only a unique musician and lyricist, but also ensures that Simply Red still sound fresh and exciting after almost 40 years of band history.
Soul, pop, jazz: Simply Red are at home in many genres. The sound of the band, founded in 1984, is unmistakable - a decisive reason for this is frontman Mick Hucknall, who is the only remaining original member and puts his stamp on Simply Red not only visually. The band name goes back to Hucknall's fiery red hair and establishes itself after a few performances - just in time for the debut album "Picture Book".
The album is released in 1985 and makes Simply Red famous at a stroke. Especially through the singles "Money's Too Tight (To Mention)" and "Holding Back The Years" the band celebrates its first successes - not only in the British homeland, but also in other European countries and the USA. Also the two successors "Men And Women" from the year 1987 and "A New Flame" in 1989 find equally approval with fans and critics.
One of the biggest bands of the 1990s
The final breakthrough then succeeds in the early 1990s. First Simply Red win a Grammy for their cover version of the song "If You Don't Know Me By Now". Then, a year later, "Stars" is released, which becomes the best-selling album of 1991 and 1992 in the UK. Simply Red tours fill halls around the world and thrill audiences.
A personal dream comes true for Mick Hucknall in 1996: the band of the self-confessed soccer fan contributes "We're In This Together", the official anthem for the European Championship in his own country. For this Simply Red play a show at Old Trafford, the stadium of Hucknall's favorite club Manchester United.
After 25 years a temporary farewell
After a few more albums, a greatest-hits compilation and numerous successful singles and cover versions, "Home" is released in 2003, the first album that Simply Red release themselves. It is not sold through a major record company, but only distributed through the band's own label. However, the countless fans worldwide ensure that this record also becomes a success.
Despite this, Mick Hucknall announces in 2007 that the 25th anniversary two years later will also mark the end of the band. The singer, who has been the only remaining original member for many years, wants to perform and release music under his own name from now on.
Also due to the great demand, however, the farewell tour drags on into 2010. After eight months and 78 concerts worldwide, Simply Red will perform for the last time for the time being on December 19, 2010. The show in the o2 Arena in London is also transmitted nationwide in many cinemas.
Since 2015 Simply Red are active again
But Mick Hucknall does not hold out particularly long without his band. The separation lasts only five years, then follow not only another world tour, but also the new album "Big Love". The record and its successor "Blue Eyed Soul" from 2019 show impressively that Hucknall and his band have not forgotten anything.
Tickets for Simply Red are still best sellers: The impressive live shows of the band are full of love for music, enthusiasm and energy - and inspire both old and new fans.
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