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.
Their 1991 classic album ‘Stars’ was the best-selling album for two years running in Britain and Europe, 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’ (the first of 13 nominations, and 3 Brit Award wins) 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.
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Lies lies, all those goddamned lies. #ToriesDestroyingOurCountry


Brexit: an update (with Anna Ford)
Shades 22 - Out Friday ⌛️
Pre-save now through the link in bio.
Shades 22 - Out Friday ⌛️
Pre-save: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Pre_SaveShades22
Shades 22 - Out Friday ⌛️
Pre-save: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Pre_SaveShades22
Tory Tory Tory .. OUT ! OUT ! OUT!!! #ToriesDestroyingOurCountry
Only met this Gentleman once, but he struck me as a kind and caring person who remained proud of his Working Class roots. RIP Paul O’Grady. ❤️M
The story behind 'Better With You' from our upcoming album 'Time' ⌛️ #SimplyRed #BehindTheSong
The story behind ‘Better With You’ from our upcoming album ‘Time’. Who wants to hear some new music from the album? ⌛️
The story behind 'Better With You' from our upcoming album 'Time'. Who wants to hear some new music from the album? ⌛️
Pre-order: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time
The story behind 'Better With You' from our upcoming album 'Time'. Who wants to hear some new music from the album? ⌛️
Pre-order: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time
Loyalty, bravery, commitment, and the UKToryGov payback. Closing safe routes, politicizing misery and division. Sooner these churlish corrupted liars run out of gas the better, because we can be ...better than this.#ThePollutedToryLegacy #ToriesUnfitToGovern
Afghan pilot who served with British forces facing deportation to Rwanda https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/afghan-pilot-small-boat-deportation-rwanda-b2307456.html
I have enormous admiration for @AlexCrawfordSky Her reporting from Yemen is both tragic and exceptional. Iran and Saudi Arabia should be utterly ashamed of themselves. ❤️M
Get ready to turn back the clock as Mick takes us through the music that's shaped him on next week's Tracks of My Years. Tune in to @bbcradio2 every weekday from Monday to Friday at 09:30am... UK time to listen 🎧
Shades 22 - Out Friday ⌛️
Pre-save now through the link in bio.
The story behind ‘Better With You’ from our upcoming album ‘Time’. Who wants to hear some new music from the album? ⌛️
Let’s celebrate the 20th anniversary of ‘Home’! 🎉 #Home20
Released on this day in 2003, it not only was the band’s eighth album but also a significant milestone in their career. ...‘Home’ was the first album the band released under their label, Simplyred.com, and went on to become the highest-selling self-released album worldwide, including hit singles ‘Sunrise’, ‘Fake’, ‘Home’ and ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’.
As we fast forward to 2023, Simply Red are back with their upcoming album ‘Time’, which marks their return to @warnermusic, the label that helped launch their career back in 1985.
Just Like You - from the new album 'Time' by Simply Red ⌛️
Pre-order through the link in bio.
Follow the official Simply Red playlist on Spotify to listen to their latest releases and greatest hits all in one place.
Link in bio 🔗
‘We’re talking about money, money’ 💰 Filmed at @montreuxjazzfestival, 1992.
Time, the new album from Simply Red, arriving 26th May ⌛️
Pre-order your signed copy of the deluxe CD exclusively at @hmvinstagram.
Hey Mister - from the new album 'Time' by Simply Red ⌛️
Pre-order now through the link in bio.
The new album Time is released on 26th of May. Pre-order the download on @iTunes at the link in bio.
Take a look at the VIP ticket packages for Simply Red’s European Summer tour at the link in bio.
All show dates and details can be found at www.simplyred.com
Photo credit: ...Christie Goodwin
Releasing this single has been a pleasure and we can’t wait for you to hear ‘Time’ in full on 26th May.
@itvnews, @granadareports, @calpol29
Shades 22 - Out Friday ⌛️
Pre-save: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Pre_SaveShades22
The story behind 'Better With You' from our upcoming album 'Time'. Who wants to hear some new music from the album? ⌛️
Pre-order: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time
Let's celebrate the 20th anniversary of 'Home'! 🎉 #Home20
Released on this day in 2003, it not only was the band's eighth album but also a significant milestone in ...their career. 'Home' was the first album the band released under their label, Simplyred.com, and went on to become the highest-selling self-released album worldwide, including hit singles ‘Sunrise’, ‘Fake’, ‘Home’ and ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New'.
As we fast forward to 2023, Simply Red are back with their upcoming album 'Time', which marks their return to Warner Music UK, the label that helped launch their career back in 1985.
Listen to 'Home' here: https://li.sten.to/HomeSR
Just Like You - from the new album 'Time' by Simply Red ⌛️
Pre-order: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time
Follow the official Simply Red playlist on Spotify to listen to their latest releases and greatest hits all in one place.
👉 https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/GH_Playlist
‘We're talkin' about money, money’ 💰 Filmed at Montreux Jazz Festival, 1992.
Time, the new album from Simply Red, arriving 26th May ⌛️
Pre-order your signed copy of the deluxe CD exclusively at hmv: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time_Signed_dlx
Hey Mister - from the new album 'Time' by Simply Red ⌛️
Pre-order: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time
The new album Time is released on 26th of May. Pre-order the download on iTunes here: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/TIME_iTunes
Take a look at the VIP ticket packages for Simply Red’s European Summer tour here: bit.ly/SRTourVIP
All show dates and details can be found at www.simplyred.com
Photo credit: ...Christie Goodwin
Releasing this single has been a pleasure and we can’t wait for you to hear ‘Time’ in full on 26th May. https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time
📹 ITV News, Granada Reports
“It’s that feeling you want to share with people to get your priorities right” - Mick
Last week, Mick made an appearance on BBC Breakfast to talk about Simply Red's latest single ...'Better With You' from their new album 'Time' ⌛️
Pre-order it here: https://SimplyRed.lnk.to/Time
NOT A DROP IN THE OCEAN!
There's an Arabic proverb that I like, it says all that needs to be said about people and potential and makes me feel good.
"You are not a drop in the ...ocean. You are the entire ocean, in a drop."
JK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn1EIx0bc3k
Pic JK
PIANO 36
As you’ll see from this article, Jim and Charlie have helped their old secondary school to buy a new piano for the music department.
They had the names of 36 singers and bands from... the Glasgow area added to it.
https://news.stv.tv/west-central/dont-you-forget-about-key-new-piano-for-holyrood-secondary-in-glasgow-thanks-to-simple-minds
Simple Minds ‘Neapolis’ is out April 22nd exclusive to Record Store Day UK! 📀🎵
The 1998 album, featuring the tracks 'War Babies' and 'Glitterball' will be on vinyl ...for the very first time Find the nearest participating store here: https://recordstoreday.co.uk/shop-locator/
#recordstoreday #RSD23
LET THERE BE LOVE
It’s Valentine’s Day! What Minds song suits best on a day like this?
I would pick Let There Be Love…particularly as sung by our Aussie pal, Iva Davies. ...It's the cellos on the ICEHOUSE that do it for me.
Check it out!
JK
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsSl5XlOmz0
Don't You (Forget About Me) made number 1 on Virgin Radio's 100 Greatest Songs Of The 80's, as chosen by the public!
Did some of your favourite tracks make the list?


We asked, and you delivered! Here are the 100 greatest songs of the 1980s.
virginradio.co.ukALAN RANKINE
Simple Minds are saddened to hear of the passing of our fellow Scottish musician Alan Rankine.
Our thoughts are with Alan’s family and friends today. Rest In Peace ...Alan Rankine.
Jim Kerr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPsdRUHiCAE
Image: David Corio / Redferns
CHEERS!
"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot."
It is unnerving how time is seemingly going faster than I ever anticipated. That said, I always ...welcome the spirit of each New Year as it comes to my door.
Wishing You All A Very Happy New Year!
JK
Tune in to the official Live Aid YouTube channel on the 28th Dec for a full day of non-stop music to celebrate 1 million subscribers.
12am GMT / 1pm CET / 7am ET. Don't miss it!
...https://bit.ly/LiveAidOneMillionSubscribersEvent
The Heart Of The Crowd softback has finally arrived at the UK distributor (This Day In Music) so those who pre-ordered should receive them soon or you can now buy a copy here:
...https://thisdayinmusicbooks.com/product/simple-minds-heart-of-the-crowd-2/
𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 apparently has the perfect rhythm for CPR. The British Heart Foundation has just launched #LifesavingBeats to inspire the nation to ...learn CPR to their favourite songs. More info here: http://www.lifesavingbeats.com
@TheBHF
There's an interview with Charlie in the current issue of Guitarist Magazine, available now in all good newsagents or you can buy a digital copy here: https://pocketmags.com/guitarist-magazine
Jim is special guest on this week’s @BBCRadio2 “Sounds Of The '80s with Gary Davies” https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001fwd5
Listen in from 20.00 GMT to hear Jim’s 4 proudest ...career moments between 1980 and 1989.
The story behind 'Better With You' from our upcoming album 'Time' ⌛️ #SimplyRed #BehindTheSong
Let's celebrate the 20th anniversary of 'Home'! 🎉 #SimplyRed #Home20
‘We’re talking about money, money’ 💰 #SimplyRed
Time, the new album from Simply Red ⌛️ Pre-order your signed copy of the deluxe CD at @HmV
We can’t wait for you to hear ‘Time’ in full on 26th May ⌛️ #SimplyRed
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the official video for our new single ‘Better With You’ ⌛️
‘Everywhere I go, there’s a love song that reminds me of you' 💔 #SimplyRed
Time ⌛️ The new album from Simply Red. Coming 26th May. #SimplyRed
The official video for 'Better With You' from our upcoming album 'Time' is available to watch now ❤️
Simply Red - Better With You (Official Video)
Simply Red - Time (Album Preview)
'I don't believe in many things, but in you I do' 🎶 #SimplyRed