271958 fans
Simply Red was always just about Mick Hucknall. Many other accomplished musicians have been part of the ride but, as singer, songwriter and sole mastermind, Simply Red is a vehicle for Hucknall's carefully crafted marriage of pop and soul. Legend has it that he was inspired to become a singer by seeing the Sex Pistols in Manchester in 1976 and formed punk band Frantic Elevators to do it. After surviving for seven years with little success Hucknall changed course to launch Simply Red - popularly believed to be named after either his red hair or his beloved Manchester United. Their first single - a cover of the Valentine Brothers' Money's Too Tight To Mention - charted and, following it with a re-recording of an old Frantic Elevators' track Holding Back The Years, Hucknall was on his way. Gradually becoming more populist, he hit the jackpot with 1991's Stars, Europe's best-selling album for two years running. In 2009 he announced he'd retire Simply Red in 2010.
Artist biography compiled by BDS/West 10. All rights reserved
