CELEBRITY
Blue eyed boy
Touring his 12th album and visiting Colwyn Bay en route, Mick Hucknall talks to Shire about enjoying more than three decades of musical success with Simply Red
Legendary: Mick
and the band
F
to create something tailored to the strength of his fantastic band. resh from the success of their latest top 10 album Blue Eyed Soul, “I asked myself, what would these guys really like to play, pop-soul legends Simply Red have announced an exclusive night after night? I want them to enjoy playing – for crowds to North Wales show on 14th August. After 40 years in the business there is no doubt that this is one band that genuinely deserves to get up and move. It’s all about capturing the groove. I wanted be referred to as legendary, and having stalled the much-anticipated to push my voice a little harder too, challenge it a little bit.” At 59, his incredible range and depth is still there. latest tour due to ongoing restrictions, this is one “It’s deepened a bit but I’ve kept the high end, so night out that is guaranteed to be worth the wait. it's all I can still hit those notes. Singing is pure pleasure Discussing the band’s appearance at Stadium Eirias, Colwyn Bay, Mick Hucknall said: “I can’t to me. Through good times and bad, it is a deep, about wait! I’ve spent most of my life singing for people, fundamental love of music that has kept me going.” capturing so it has felt strange not to have that the past couple of years. I’ve missed being able to express myself. ” Good times the Simply Red have sold more than 60 million “I’m happy with this album, it’s feeling pretty good,” groove albums worldwide, with no fewer than five Mick said. “I’m looking forward to playing it live going to No. 1 in the UK – and have more because it is real. I could do one of these dark, reflective than 1 billion views on YouTube. Their 1991 albums that people tend to do at a certain age. But classic Stars was the best-selling album for two years running in I wanted to make something punchy. I want to have a good Britain and Europe. Blue Eyed Soul is the 12th and is described time. I’m not saying it’s my last album – I’ve got no thoughts of as the “rawest, funkiest, dirtiest, brassiest and most purely stopping. But when I go out, I want to go out with a bang.” 100 per cent soulful concoction of their stellar career”. The styling of the latest offering was an easy decision for Mick. On 14th August Simply Red will perform an “I didn’t have to dig into record crates for inspiration. I’ve been exclusive show at Stadium Eirias, Colwyn Bay. listening to soul music since I was a kid – it’s been in my head and For tickets go to www.venuecymru.co.uk heart for 50 years. I’m doing what comes naturally.” He also wanted July/August 2022 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 53
