Simply Red to play Edinburgh Castle
They played a sold out concert at Edinburgh Castle’s famous Esplanade in 2010 – and soul-pop veterans Simply Red are set to return to the historic venue next summer.
Mick Hucknall’s band are about to kick off a world tour to celebrate their 30th anniversary, and the flame-haired singer has promised fans a hit-packed set – including Holding Back The Years, Money’s Too Tight To Mention, Fairground and Stars – plus a selection of newer songs penned to coincide with the tour.
“I think it’s a miserable so and so who doesn’t celebrate their anniversary, so I figured this as the thing to do,” said Hucknall, whose band have sold a staggering 60 million albums worldwide, notched up over 30 Top 40 UK singles, and countless awards, including three Brits, two Ivor Novellos and a Mobo Special Achievement gong.
“We have had a wonderful love affair with our Scottish fans over the past 30 years so we can’t wait to see them all again in the magnificent surroundings of Edinburgh Castle next summer.”
Simply Red released a new album earlier this year, but Hucknall admits it came about almost by accident.
“It was a bit like an unplanned pregnancy – it wasn’t meant to happen,” said the 55-year-old Mancunian. “I thought it would be nice to give the fans one or two new songs.
“I got to the second song and when I got to the third I thought, ‘Why don’t you try and write a whole album?’”
The Capital concert is scheduled for Thursday, July 14, and tickets will go on sale this Friday at 9am.
Barry Wright, director of Castle Concerts, said: “It is with real delight we are able to announce Simply Red as the first act to play Edinburgh Castle in July.
