Simly Red simply brilliant at Brighton Centre
Mick Hucknall and Simply Red might have played their last gig at the Brighton Centre but at least they went out in triumph.
This is supposed to be the band's farewell tour but beware the Frank Sinatra comeback syndrome.
If this really was a farewell it was one that will leave an indelible mark on the memories of the fans who applauded like they were never going to stop on Saturday night. (july 10)
Hucknall has attracted a good deal of sniping for being an alleged champagne socialist while writing fairly acidic social comments in some songs. Money's Too Tight To Mention, a terrific song from early days, has an ironic ring now from a multi-millionaire.
To my mind Hucknall is not given enough credit for writing one of the most moving love songs ever written- no not one of his smash hits but the searingly soulful album track You've Got It. Any devoted lover would identify with this wonderful number.
The relatively obscure Out on The Range from the album Life was a warm-up for a red-hot band was that absolutely stunning the whole evening, including some gripping solo work.
Yet soaring above this was the pure white-soul voice of Hucknall, which to my mind sounds better now than in his early years of the band.
The hits were rattled out, including the one he borrowed from Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, a tear-jerking version of If You Don't Know Me By Now.
Give It All Up for You allowed Hucknall let rip vocally but opened the door for some dazzling trumpet and sax solos that swept the crowd away.
The blend of the band's brilliant musicianship and Hucknall's great voice will be missed in live gigs, whatever the arguments about the impact of some the band's last albums.
For those lucky enough to be at the Brighton Centre this wasn't just Simply Red; it was simply magic.
Chris Dennett
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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