Simply Red set for Edinburgh Castle summer gig

Mick Hucknall and Simply Red are heading for the Castle. Picture: Getty

Mick Hucknall will lead his band to the Capital as part of a world tour – and has promised fans a trip down memory lane by performing a host of classics.

The concert – scheduled for Thursday, July 14 – comes six years after they last sold out the Castle Esplanade.

Tickets go on sale on Friday at 9am, with fans set to flock to hear hits such as Fairground, Something Got Me Started and Stars.

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.

“Anyone who attended their sold-out concert back there in 2010 will know that we are in for a sensational evening.

“Over the years Edinburgh Castle has played host to many international stars such as Rod Stewart, Blondie, Elton John, The Proclaimers, Leonard Cohen and Pink.

“It’s great to bring Simply Red back to this iconic venue.”

Hucknall has promised some new songs as well as his much-loved back catalogue.

He said: “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.”

Hucknall will be joined by long-serving bandmates Ian Kirkham (saxophone), Steve Lewinson (bass), Kenji Suzuki (guitar), Kevin Robinson (trumpet and flute) and Dave Clayton (keyboards), plus new drummer Roman Roth.

Edinburgh Castle executive manager Nick Finnigan said: “We’re pleased to have one of Britain’s most iconic soul and pop bands, Simply Red, confirmed as the first act in next year’s Castle Concerts line-up.

“We look forward to welcoming them to Edinburgh Castle in summer 2016 as they perform and entertain the crowds with some of their greatest hits.”

n Tickets will go on sale at 9am on Friday from www.ticketmaster.co.uk or on 0844 844 0444.