Every person’s story is unique. This article explores the fascinating journey of Mick Hucknall, who overcame significant challenges to become a legend of pop and R&B music in the United Kingdom. In his early years, he faced difficulties that would later shape his distinctive worldview and drive for success. Next on manchesterski.
Early Life of the Future Musician
Mick was born in 1960 in Manchester. A pivotal event in his childhood was his mother leaving the family when he was only three years old. Raised by his father, Mick described his childhood as happy until the age of 10, after which conflicts with his father became more frequent.
Mick attended Audenshaw School and later enrolled at Tameside College. He also studied Fine Art at Manchester Polytechnic’s School of Art.
It wasn’t until Mick was in his 30s that he reconnected with his mother in the 1990s. He had seen her only twice since she left the family. The emotional impact of her departure inspired him to write “Holding Back the Years,” which became one of the biggest and most iconic hits of his band, Simply Red.
Mick Hucknall’s Journey as a Singer and Songwriter
Mick’s music career was significantly influenced by the Sex Pistols. Attending their 1976 concert at the Lesser Free Trade Hall marked a turning point in his life.
In the late 1970s, Mick joined a band called Frantic Elevators, releasing four singles with them. Later, he became the lead vocalist and central figure of Simply Red, the group that brought him widespread recognition not only in Manchester but across the UK. Mick’s distinctive appearance, with his long curly red hair, also made him memorable, often featuring on album covers and music videos.
His music career progressed steadily, and by the late 1990s, Mick had received a Music of Black Origin Award for his outstanding contributions, despite being a white artist. He was also a co-founder of the reggae record label Blood and Fire.
In 2007, fans of Mick and Simply Red learned that the band planned to disband in 2009. Mick released his first solo album, Tribute to Bobby, in 2008.
In 2011, he was awarded the BASCA Gold Badge in recognition of his contributions to music. In 2012, he released American Soul, a collection of his favorite songs re-recorded with his vocals.
More Than a Musician
Mick Hucknall was not just a musician and songwriter. He actively engaged in political causes and initiatives.
He was a supporter of the Labour Party, donating over £5,000 to the party in 1998. In 2003, he publicly supported the UK’s stance on the Iraq War, arguing that British critics of the war were fortunate to live in a country where free expression was allowed.
By 2015, however, Mick became critical of Labour Party leadership. In 2017, he announced he would no longer support the party, citing issues such as Jeremy Corbyn’s stance on antisemitism. In 2019, Mick described himself as “politically homeless.”
In 2014, during a political discussion on BBC Question Time, Mick voiced his support for same-sex marriage.
Another interesting fact about Mick is his passion for football and his loyalty to Manchester United. He even wrote a song titled “We’re in This Together,” which became the anthem of the UEFA Euro 1996 tournament. Mick performed the song at every opening and closing ceremony.
Mick Hucknall remains a renowned English singer and songwriter from Manchester. While the peak of his fame was in the 1980s, as the lead singer and songwriter of Simply Red, he has continued to perform and record music in the 21st century. With a career spanning 25 years in the band, Mick sold over 50 million albums worldwide.
His unique voice and charisma made Simply Red one of the most popular bands of their time. Hits like “Holding Back the Years” and “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” cemented his status as an international star. Even after his 1980s success, Mick remains a highly sought-after and beloved artist. His concerts regularly sell out, and his new albums receive praise from both critics and fans. Mick’s enduring presence in the music industry ensures his legacy continues to resonate with audiences in Manchester and around the world.