People want escapism and a good time now
Now recovered from Long Covid, Simply Red’s Mick Hucknall tells MARION McMULLEN he’s ready for a long summer of concerts to help lift the current gloom
SIMPLY RED singer Mick Hucknall says he didn’t feel too ill when he came down with Covid, but one lingering symptom caused him serious concern – the impact of the virus on his voice.
“I think I had the Omicron variant so it was pretty mild, but for a few months afterwards I had this niggle in my throat, which for a singer is pretty scary,” he admits.
“I was in Germany and I saw this consultant who gave me three different medications that I took for about a month and then a couple of weeks ago I found everything had completely disappeared and my voice is better than ever.”
It was not just Mick who was struck down by Covid – almost all of his Simply Red bandmates tested positive at the same time.
“Apart from superman Steve Lewinson,” says Mick , “he did not get it all. We want whatever he’s got. The rest of us all came down with covid at the same time and we were in the dressing room deciding what to do next. We had all been jabbed and none of us got really ill. We were not mixing with anyone, we were alright in our own little bubble, but we decided to cancel concerts because of the insurance implications, but I don’t think we had to cancel that many.
“I remember doing concerts last autumn in the UK and walking out at the beginning of the show was very emotional actually. I would be looking down at the audience and there would be the empty seats dotted around. We’d start the concert with Home, a very emotive song, and there were tears, there would be crying in the audience, but by the middle of the concert the same people would be smiling and clapping and having a good time. That’s the inspiration music can bring.”
Simply Red will now be performing throughout the summer and Mick says the emphasis will be firmly on serving up a good time and helping people forget their troubles for a short time.
“This summer is really going to be about escapism,” says the Manchester-born singer. “People are generally having a sh***y time at the moment, but for different reasons. People are facing economic difficulties and I just hope we get everything sorted sooner rather than later. People want some escapism and want to have a good time now.
“I attended this Abba event the other night and the place was heaving and people were jumping in the mosh pit like before the pandemic, but we now need some escapism.
“They say there could be a heatwave this summer and we should hopefully have some sunshine from time to time.”
Simply Red certainly know how to deliver unforgettable music and concerts. They have had more than a billion hits on YouTube and have sold more than 60 million albums worldwide with five going to number one in the UK.
The 1991 classic Stars was the best-selling album for two years running in Britain and Europe. They have had two US Billboard chart toppers with classic singles Holding Back The Years and If You Don’t Know Me By Now, along with their UK hits Fairground and Money’s Too Tight (To Mention). Every Simply Red studio album has been a UK top 10, including 2019’s Blue Eyed Soul.
Mick kept busy during lockdowns spending time with his wife and daughter and working on new songs for an album that he aims to release next year.
“I’m not just a singer in a band, I write the songs, and songwriters spend a lot of time at home in isolation, days when noone is around, so my life did not change that much during lockdown. You wait for inspiration, then write the songs and release them. I’m already looking ahead to 2023 and even 2024.
“The summer dates are all about fantasy, escapism, and fun.”
Mick hopes we have seen the end of lockdowns too.
“I don’t think lockdowns are going to happen anymore,” he says. “I think they would try different methods.”
Mick will be turning 62 while on tour, but says he will not be planning any big celebration – “maybe a couple of shandies,” he laughs. “I love my work and I am very fortunate. It’s a way of life really, it’s not a job. It’s a good feeling and I’ve got a great team around, technicians and musicians who have been with me for a long time. I’m very keen to get out there. I’ve got the UK dates until September and then we are in Europe in November.
“I used to tour non-stop for a year and a half at a time.” He adds with a chuckle: “But then I was 20 years younger. I don’t think I would want to do that now. This is a doddle, it will be like a walk in the park, and we are all going to have a good time.”
I love my work and I am very fortunate. It’s a way of life really, it’s not a job
Simply Red will be playing outdoor venues across the country this summer. Visit MyTicket.co.uk for tour dates and ticket details