Following a cracking performance, in the glorious sunshine, for the Radio 2 Festival in a Day, it’s been a great time for SIMPLY RED fans. Check out Something Got Me Started from that gig. Now before we go any further we have a confession. Here at SOUTH WALES LIFE we do love us a bit of SIMPLY RED, in fact, we’ve now seen them live a dozen times. In fact the last time was on the ‘STARS’ tour at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, which is where the band will playing this year.
I suppose the reason we’ve seen them so often is precisely the reason why the band are back out on the road. It’s a fantastic, fun, entertaining night. For us in the audience and the guys up on stage. At least that’s how it always seems. We’ve seen them in all sorts of venues, from Motorpoint to Westonbirt Arboretum and the Royal Albert Hall. Each time the band have been fantastic.
Now we want to say, of course we all know Mick Hucknall, but don’t be in any doubt that SIMPLY RED are indeed a band. A band hailed as one of the most successful live acts ever to come out of the UK. We’re certain they’ll be firing on all cylinders, delivering their all-time classic hits from a stellar career, such as ‘Stars’, ‘Holding Back The Years’, ‘Fairground’ and ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’, as well as some raw and soulful new grooves.
In case you need reminding of a few crowd favourites, here they are….
Should we have a quick picture discography as well……….
Mick Hucknall has been SIMPLY RED’S songwriter and bandleader since the very beginning in 1985, aided by long-serving saxophonist Ian Kirkham since 1986. The current line-up has remained consistent since 2003, and the new tour will play to the core strengths of this fantastic band.
Mick told us……
“I want them to enjoy playing, for crowds to get up and move around, and everybody to put their heart into it. It’s all about capturing the groove.”
That last album sleeve above is for ‘BLUE EYED SOUL’ which is out now, and it’s another belter. It was recorded as live with a few overdubs at British Grove Studios in London. All ten tracks, including the single ‘THINKING OF YOU’, were written by Mick Hucknall and produced by long-time collaborator Andy Wright. Musical reference points draw on classic funk and soul: Wilson Pickett, Dyke and the Blazers, James Brown, and the roaring horns of Tower of Power.
Mick said………
“I’m looking forward to playing it live because it’s real. I want to have a good time”.
Here’s a listen to their current single THINKING OF YOU.
SIMPLY RED will be playing songs from the new album and a set crammed with all their greatest hits. You can see them at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Tuesday 20th October. Tickets are available from the box office on 02920-224488 of go here SIMPLY RED