Simply Red is a British soul-pop band formed in 1985 in Manchester, led since its inception by singer and songwriter Mick Hucknall. Their music blends elements of soul, pop, jazz, and funk, characterized by Hucknall's distinctive emotional vocals and elegant arrangements.
With their debut album Picture Book (1985), which featured the hit “Holding Back the Years,” they achieved international breakthrough. In the years that followed, they released classics such as “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” “Stars,” “Something Got Me Started,” “Fairground,” and many others that shaped the musical landscape of the 1990s.
The album Stars (1991) was the best-selling album in the UK for two consecutive years and cemented Simply Red as one of the biggest British musical sensations. Their work has earned multiple BRIT Awards, including Best British Group.
Although the band officially disbanded in 2010, Hucknall revived Simply Red in 2015. Since then, they have continued to perform worldwide. In 2023, they released the album Time, which explores themes of maturity, love, and self-reflection, continuing their musical style with a sense of modern elegance.
In 2025, the band is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a special tour featuring their greatest hits and retrospective moments. Simply Red remains a symbol of timeless soul-pop aesthetics and outstanding vocal interpretation that continues to resonate with generations of listeners.
