FROM RED TO BLUE

As the multi-million-selling figurehead of Simply Red, MICK HUCKNALL found himself in a creative cul-de-sac. On his debut solo album, a tribute to his idol BOBBY ‘BLUE’ BLAND, he’s recharged his batteries, as he enthuses to TERRY STAUNTON

It’s been said that meeting your heroes is not always a good idea. There is a risk that those you’ve worshipped from afar can disappoint in the flesh, forever tainting your vision of them as idols or inspirations. Coming face-to-face with a musician you’ve admired for 30-odd years is even more nerve-wracking when you’re clutching an album of their songs you’ve just finished recording. Such was the scene at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis last year when Mick Hucknall called upon soul veteran Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland. But within minutes, the 47-year-old Mancunian and the 77- year-old Tennessee legend were kicking back like old pals. Thankfully, Bobby loved what Mick had done with 60s classics like I’ll Take Care Of You, I’m Too Far Gone and Chains Of Love.

It was almost like going to church for Hucknall, being granted an audience with the object of his passion on his home turf (Bland was a parking valet at the Peabody in his youth). Initially wary of playing his album to the man who sang the definitive versions of these great songs, he left with the ultimate seal of approval.

“The whole thing was a very strange scenario: walking into a room to meet the guy carrying a CD full of his songs,” recalls Hucknall. “But he was an …

by Terry Staunton
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