Biography
Mick Hucknall has long been established as one of the great vocalists of contemporary music after penning his first hit ‘Holding Back The Years’, aged 17. His soul and pop band Simply Red, formed in Manchester in 1985, were rapidly propelled into superstardom.
Every Simply Red studio album has been a UK top ten (with five reaching #1), they have achieved 13 Brit Award nominations & 3 wins, and have had multiple US chart topping singles. It is no wonder the band continue to enjoy global success today.
Hucknall was a Manchester art student when he saw the Sex Pistols at the city’s Free Trade Hall in 1976, one of the few people who can legitimately claim to have been at the concert that gave birth to the Manchester punk rock scene. It was Hucknall’s own punk band, the Frantic Elevators, that recorded the original version of Holding Back The Years, but Hucknall was too much of a melody-loving soul to be a three-chord wonder for long, and in 1985 Simply Red were born.
“For me, music has to be instinctive,” says Hucknall, on the soulful direction his band took. “It’s why I rejected the academia of being an art student: I knew that I had to make something that gets to people without their knowing why. Above all I have an obsession with melody, which I inherited through my love of the Beatles. All I’ve ever really wanted to do is to create melodies that are simple but refined. I’m evangelical about it: music takes you to a place that nothing else can take you to and it’s my job to contribute to that.”
It’s the reason why Simply Red, despite their longevity, despite a following that has seen them sell 60 million albums, have never fitted in or been defined by a trend or movement. It has helped give the music a timeless quality that has seen the band have top ten hits through the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
Early success with their first single ‘Money’s Too Tight To Mention’ and Brit Award-nominated album ‘Picture Book’ propelled the band into decades of superstardom. Their 1991 classic ‘Stars’ was the best-selling album for two years running in Britain and Europe, and every Simply Red studio album, including their latest 2019 release ‘Blue Eyed Soul’, has been a UK Top Ten. Their live show is renowned for its high quality, with Hucknall long-established as one of the great vocalists of contemporary music, and the band continue to sell out tours across the globe.
Social Feed
Mick joined @rodstewart on the Pyramid Stage at #Glastonbury for If You Don’t Know Me By Now ❤️
In 1998, Mick joined Sir Rod as a special guest for his 'An Audience With' TV special 🎤 #RodStewart
Last month, Mick made a surprise appearance during @sirrodstewart’s #Glastonbury set but that’s not the first time these two have shared the spotlight. Back in 1998, Mick joined Rod as a special guest for his ‘An Audience With’ TV special 🎤
Simply Red are thrilled to announce that acclaimed singer-songwriter @rumersongs will be joining them as a special guest on their 40th Anniversary Tour across the UK and Ireland this year. For the band’s three London shows this October, legendary British group @soul2souluk will also take the ...stage.
Limited tickets still available at the link in bio.
#SimplyRed40
Simply Red are thrilled to announce that acclaimed singer-songwriter Rumer will be joining them as a special guest on their 40th Anniversary Tour across the UK and Ireland this year. For the band’s three London shows this October, legendary British group Soul II Soul will also take the stage.
...
Limited tickets still available: simplyred.com/tour-dates
#SimplyRed40
Streaming exclusively on Veeps on July 12 🎬 Holding Back the Years: 40 Years of Simply Red, Live in Santiago, captures the band’s electrifying performance at the Movistar Arena in Chile.
Get access here: https://veeps.events/simply-red
Streaming exclusively on @veeps-official on July 12 🎬
Only two months to go until Simply Red bring their 40th Anniversary Tour to the UK and Europe! 🎉
A special thank you to all the audiences in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico who kicked off the tour in style earlier this year.
Limited tickets still available: ...simplyred.com/tour-dates
#SimplyRed40
Mick joined Sir Rod Stewart on the Pyramid Stage at #Glastonbury for a duet of ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’ ❤️
Watch the performance back on BBC iPlayer.
With the UK and European leg of the tour firmly underway, explore the latest collection of tour merchandise, available from the Simple Minds Official Store.
🔗 Link in bio.
Derby you know how to rock! What a night!
Photos: @indietrent
See Simple Minds live via link in bio
WHERE WOULD WE BE... Without the audiences who turn out to see us wherever we go in the world? 'Nowhere' is the answer! Thanks in particular to all who came to see Simple Minds in these ...recent UK shows. See you again soon, we hope.
Next up - Germany!
Image: Trent Barboza
Halifax thank you for the warm welcome! It was a pleasure
Photos: @indietrent
Get tickets for Simple Minds live via link in bio
Wouter Desmet posts: "SM have had some wonderful keyboard players over the years. But Erik Ljunggren (pic) is up there with the very best!"
Simple Minds will perform the last UK ...show of this current tour tonight in DERBY at Becketwell Live!
A beautiful Sunday night at Lytham Festival 2025
Photos: @indietrent
Get tickets for Simple Minds live via link in bio
THEY CAME... THEY SAW... THEY SANG WITH US!
Earlier in the day you could have watched the waves from the Irish Sea roll in from the shore at Lytham St Annes. Come evening? It was all about a sea ...of arms waving in the air as SIMPLE MINDS - twisting in the wind and feeling ecstatic - returned to England for the last week of the current UK shows.
Pic: Trent Barboza
SO WHAT'S NEXT? "At the end of every gig there is a moment filled with relief and satisfaction, where we get to feel thankful that all has gone well, that we have 'given our all' ...to those who have come to see Simple Minds.
But before we have left the stage, that night's gig already feels like history, our minds will have already drifted onto the next." Jim Kerr
Pic: Trent Barboza
Rock Werchter really is in a league of its own. Simple Minds is so grateful to have been part of the 50‑year anniversary celebration, what an incredible honor. Playing for you all is a memory ...we’ll treasure forever
Video/Photos: @indietrent
See Simple Minds Live on tour this year.
Get tickets via link in bio.
88,000 @ ROCK WERCHTER: HOLY GROUND FOR SIMPLE MINDS!
Within the story of Simple Minds, Belgium's Werchter festival site, is almost considered to be 'Holy Ground.' Going way back ...to the very first appearances in '83 and '84, then including subsequent visits in the passing decades - it is not wrong to say that Simple Minds discovered 'the art of playing outdoors to the biggest crowds' at Werchter.
The invitation to take part in this year's 50th anniversary event was an honour never to be missed (see pic) and for that we say thanks to all involved for the opportunity.
Of course the biggest thank you goes to the Belgian audience. Not for the first time it felt glorious for Simple Minds to be on stage at Werchter. Hopefully not the last!
pic: Jef Streatfield @jeffers3starr
From day one with Simple Minds, we’ve always given everything we’ve got, every album, every show. It’s been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments. This tour feels different, ...in the best way. From Latin America to the USA, Canada, and now Europe, we’re truly grateful for the amazing welcome we’ve received along the way
Video by: @indietrent
Get tickets for Simple Minds live via link in bio
SIMPLE MINDS @ WERCHTER THROUGH THE YEARS!
Easily one of Europe's most prominent outdoor music festivals - Simple Minds first played WERCHTER in 1983. (See pic)
Jim Kerr says. "At ...that time, it was the biggest audience we had ever played in front of us, even now I can easily remember how nervous I felt prior to going on stage that evening. Excited to be returning once again this year, we look forward to giving our very best - just as we did all those years ago!"
Pic: Guy Knaeps
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With the UK and European leg of the tour firmly underway, explore the latest collection of tour merchandise, available exclusively from the Simple Minds Official Store.
➡️ ...https://store.simpleminds.com/
*Shipping available in the UK & EU only.
From day one with Simple Minds, we’ve always given everything we’ve got, every album, every show. It’s been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments.
...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNq5Jn_DTMw&t=1s
Video by: @IndieTrent
Rock Werchter really is in a league of its own. Simple Minds is so grateful to have been part of the 50‑year anniversary celebration, what an incredible honor. Playing for you all is a memory ...we’ll treasure forever.
Video: @IndieTrent
Simple Minds in Dublin: seasoned pros bring the party atmosphere via @IrishTimesCultr



Crowd roar along to hit after hit from Jim Kerr and bandmates at Trinity Summer Series 2025
www.irishtimes.comSIMPLE MINDS ARE LIVE TONIGHT IN BEDFORD, ENGLAND ...GORDY'S BACK IN ACTION!
pic: Trent Barboza
.@simplemindscom’ Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill Share Their Story in New Memoir ‘Our Secrets Are The Same’



This is the remarkable joint memoir by Simple Minds founding members and follows the fantastical, chaotic, and global adventures of two friends who...
‘Our Secrets Are The Same,’ the long-awaited joint memoir by Simple Minds’ founding members and lifelong friends Jim Kerr and Charlie Burchill, is out on October 2.
Available to ...pre-order now: https://www.simpleminds.com/our-secrets-are-the-same-memoir-book-by-jim-kerr-charlie-burchill
#OurSecretsAreTheSame
Glasgow, what a way to kick off the European leg of the Alive and Kicking tour. Thank you for the incredible welcome, there’s truly nowhere like it 🏴
Video by: ...@IndieTrent
Get your tickets for Simple Minds live via link in bio.
At the NYC premiere screening of 'Everything Is Possible', Jim and Charlie were presented with a @Spotify award marking one billion streams of 'Don’t You (Forget About Me)', ...which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Video by @IndieTrent
Simple Minds’ landmark 1985 album 'Once Upon A Time' is being reissued for its 40th Anniversary on October 17th.
https://simpleminds.lnk.to/OUAT
#OnceUponATime40
SAY HELLO, WAVE GOODBYE!
Simple Minds will never forget the thrills involved while touring North America over these weeks. Despite the thousands of miles travelled, we know that we only ...scratched the surface.
Mick joined @rodstewart on the Pyramid Stage at #Glastonbury for If You Don’t Know Me By Now ❤️
In 1998, Mick joined Sir Rod as a special guest for his 'An Audience With' TV special 🎤 #RodStewart
Streaming exclusively on @veeps-official on July 12 🎬
It's officially summer! Which #SimplyRed songs are soundtracking your sunshine? ☀️
In June 1996, Simply Red took the stage at Old Trafford, performing for over 60,000 fans.
Pleasure at the fairground on the way 🎢 #SimplyRed
Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) - Live in Santiago 💰 #SimplyRed
Holding on since 1985 🎤 #SimplyRed #HoldingBackTheYears
For Your Babies - Live in Santiago 💙 #SimplyRed40 #SimplyRedCinema
Now showing in Canada! 🇨🇦 #SimplyRed40 #SimplyRedCinema
24 hours to go ⏰ #SimplyRed40 #SimplyRedCinema
Stars - Live in Santiago 💫 #SimplyRed