 | | Simply Red (pic: Elly Roberts) |
The tension was physically palpable, there was an air of high expectation and with a short set of eight songs and start time of 7.40pm, it was always going to be a bit of a whirlwind set. Instruments were neatly packed onto the tiny stage – it looked like it was going to be pretty tight for everyone, which added to the splendour of this unique occasion. After a slow saunter on stage and brief pleasantries, the awesome and ever improving voice slipped into action on The World And You Tonight. It was well received – he was just warming up really – this was familiar territory. The ladies at the front couldn’t believe their eyes (or their luck) – he was inches away from them - and they reminded him after every song. This may have been my fourteenth Simply Red gig, but it brought a new insight into Hucknall’s stage persona. Normally miles from the crowd, we saw a relaxed and confident star casually engaging with the fans on a cosy level, with plenty of banter and plenty of humour too.  | | Simply Red (pic: Elly Roberts) |
Next up was ‘new’ single, the melancholic ballad So Not Over You. It’s not exactly the best choice for a single, nevertheless they loved it when he said, “You’ll be hearing this on the airwaves quite soon.” Scream, scream, cheers, cheers. He couldn’t go wrong. Then came the strongest song of the night – Stay – a nice slice of sophisticated urban-soul-pop: his forte. The band were on a silky oomph and the sound quality was incredible. Tribal bass and drums introduced Good Times Have Done Me Wrong, one of his beefiest songs in years, which kept the pace intact, with guitarist Kenji ‘Jammer’ Suzuki giving his first major solo break. A quick swig of water later, and a sweaty Hucknall delivered loungy-jazz Lady, with the ladies reaching for quick touch on the hands as he got up close. “And the now the time has come…” he lamented. “Home is a place where I belong…” as an emotional Mick launched into Home. With tears in his eyes, he left us with the simple “Thank you so much. Good night”. IN truth, it didn’t need any more. | 
