Red Mick, possibly the only tribute artist in the U.K. to Mick Hucknall (Simply Red) gave a superbly polished performance which enthralled and excited an audience of over 140 at the choir hall last night (Friday 28th October). Not only did Red Mick present an accurate image of Mick Hucknall but he emulated his voice and mannerisms so precisely that we thought it was Mick himself on stage. He opened the show with Night Nurse (from the It’s Only Love Album) complete with dancing lights and floating smoke and while the audience were enthusiastically involved in the hand-clapping participation of ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’ , puzzled smiles were raised when the smoke alarms decided to join in. Unfortunately not in the same rhythm or pitch. No more simulated smoke at the choir hall in future, then. Leon sprinting to turn the alarm off was a sight to remember; he doesn’t even answer his mobile that quick! Unperturbed, Red Mick carried on with consummate professionalism.
We were treated to over one and a half hours of spectacular light-show backed, live entertainment containing not only many of Simply Red’s classic hits including Fairground, Holding Back the Years, The Air That I Breathe, It’s Only Love, For Your Babies and You Make me Feel Brand New but also to an immaculate medley, in his own unique style, of hits by Queen and others. Each of the two performances were filled in by a very danceable Discotheque arranged by Red Mick himself.
Birthday tributes were also paid to choristers John Wyson and Ray Needham (ages undisclosed). Fair to say, all the audience of a wide range of ages from 16 to 80 and beyond thoroughly enjoyed the evening and left the choir hall, many exhausted from over-enthusiastic dancing aerobics, just before midnight knowing that they had been through a special night. For many, the evening brought back fond memories of romanticism from the 80’s and 90’s and for others it was a totally new experience which proved that music existed long before Garage, House, Hip-hop and Rap.
Caldicot Male Voice Choir looks forward to organising many more such events in the future. Take a look at our SOCIAL pages for details of our next event; the extremely popular, Welsh comedian Owen Money (with the Soul Sharks) on November 26th. On New Year’s Eve we present Musicians in Black – details to follow. If you have any opinions to express on last night’s show or suggestions for the future, please left click on the Comment tag below and leave your thoughts with us.