In 2005, Simply Red took their signature blue-eyed soul to Havana for a landmark performance at the historic . This wasn't just another tour stop; it was a deeply immersive cultural exchange where Mick Hucknall and the band connected with local Cuban musicians to blend their soulful sound with vibrant Afro-Cuban rhythms. The Soul of the Performance
: The setlist reimagined classics like "Holding Back the Years," "Fairground," and "Stars" with a distinct Cuban flare, alongside then-new tracks like "Perfect Love" . A Deep Cultural Connection Simply Red Cuba!
: The band doubled their horn section and featured classically trained local dancers to create a high-energy "carnival" finale. In 2005, Simply Red took their signature blue-eyed
You can dive deeper into this era through the full Cuba! (Live at El Gran Teatro) album on or watch the official documentary on YouTube to see the rehearsals and local interactions. A Deep Cultural Connection : The band doubled
The concert was captured in the documentary and live album , showcasing a raw, carnival-like atmosphere that felt far removed from the polished major-label tours of the past.
: Mick Hucknall specifically praised the Teatro de la Habana for its warm acoustics and historical weight, noting that the sound perfectly suited the band's independent, post-label era.