Let’s be honest: life can get a little beige sometimes. You need a bucket of primary color, a splash of pure joy, and a voice that could melt a glacier. That’s where Simply Red comes roaring back.
Mick Hucknall and his legendary band are celebrating 40 glorious years on the road. To mark the occasion, they’ve rolled out a massive 2026 tour, and the setlist is basically a written promise of pure, unfiltered good times. Are you ready to sing until your neighbors complain?
The Setlist: A Time Machine Disguised as a Concert
Forget the headphones. This setlist is a masterclass in how to throw the perfect party. It opens with the unmistakable groove of “Something Got Me Started.” Right away, you know you are in for a treat.
Then, it hits you. Hit after hit. “Stars,” “Holding Back the Years,” and “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” are all there. You will be crying happy tears into your overpriced concert beer. It’s a beautiful mess.
And they haven’t forgotten the deep cuts. For the superfans (hello, you!), they’ve dusted off gems like “Come To My Aid” and “A New Flame.” It feels like Mick is personally whispering, “I remember that B-side you bought in 1992.”
Why This Tour Makes Life More Fun (Seriously)
Think about it: when was the last time you just let go? A Simply Red concert isn’t just listening; it’s a full-body experience. You will be swaying, you will be shouting the lyrics, and you will definitely be doing that terrible-but-delightful shoulder-shimmy.
The energy is contagious. You watch Mick, now in his 60s, still hitting those high notes with a wink and a grin. If he can look that cool after forty years, surely you can find the courage to sing along to “Fairground” in public.
Simply Red 40th Anniversary Tour – M&S Bank Arena: October 3rd 2026
It’s a reminder that joy doesn’t age. That “blue-eyed soul” soundtrack to your youth? It’s still here, louder and more vibrant than ever.
What’s on the Menu (The Hit List)
Let’s break it down. You can expect to hear the absolute bangers in a very specific order. The show usually kicks off with that punchy “Something Got Me Started,” then slides into the silky “Your Mirror.”
Mid-show, they hit you with the one-two punch of “Positively 4th Street” (yes, the Bob Dylan cover) and “Stars.” The crowd becomes a single, swaying organism. It’s magic.
And the finale? “Money’s Too Tight (To Mention)” always gets the house down. You leave the venue feeling like you just won the lottery of life. Your wallet might be lighter, but your soul is fat and happy.
A Note on the Vibe: It’s All About You
This tour isn’t passive. It’s an invitation. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who knows every saxophone lick or a casual listener who just wants to hear “Holding Back the Years,” you belong there.
Setlist: SImply Red "40th Anniversary Tour" - Playlist - Apple Music
Mick has a way of making the arena feel like a cozy living room. He’ll crack a joke, tell a story about writing the song in a dingy London flat, and then launch into a note that shakes the rafters. It’s intimate and epic all at once.
So, buy the ticket. Call your friend. Heck, go solo. The people next to you will become your best friends for two hours. Just be ready to hug a stranger during “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” It’s a ritual.
The Uplifting Finale: Why You Should Let the Red Wash Over You
Life is too short for mediocre playlists. The Simply Red 40th Anniversary Tour is a celebration of endurance, of staying true to your sound, and of getting the whole world to sing along one note at a time.
You will walk out of that venue feeling lighter. The stress will have been sweated out, the nostalgia will have been turned into present-day joy, and you will have witnessed a master showman still at the top of his game.
So go ahead. Let the warmth of Simply Red fill your calendar. Learn the setlist, practice your air saxophone, and get ready for the best night you’ve had in years. Because forty years in, Mick Hucknall isn’t just reminiscing—he’s showing us how to live. And you definitely want a front-row seat to that lesson. Get your tickets, and let the music do the rest.
