You don't need to be a die-hard fan of Simply Red to enjoy 'Holding Back the Years', a new live show coming to the Brass Monkey, but with songs as accessible as Money's Too Tight (To Mention) and Something Got Me Started, who wouldn't be?
According to Geoff Kellett, lead singer of the seven-piece band which is set to play a two-hour matinee tribute to singer-songwriter Mick Hucknall and his band Simply Red, the songs are just as relevant as when they were created - which for many of them, was back in the 1980s.
"The Australian charts were never far behind the UK charts in terms of the music that was released here so a lot of Aussies love Simply Red," said Mr Kellett, who grew up around 40 kilometres from Hucknall in the city of Preston, Lancashire.
"The ballads really go off, including all the hits like Holding Back The Years, Fairground, Money's Too Tight (To Mention), Sunrise and If You Don't Know Me By Now."
The band recently played a sellout show at The Vanguard and will be playing Cronulla for the first time on Sunday, March 7.
"It's a really vibrant show and the musicians are spectacular - some of the best in Sydney that I've ever worked with, and I've been doing it a long time," Mr Kellett told the Leader.
Audience members can expect Mr Kellett to share a few yarns on stage, from his years moving in the same circles as Hucknall in the eighties.
Though he admitted he didn't want to 'talk himself up', Mr Kellett acknowledged that he's "really good" at what he does - skills born from being an ambitious singer running his demos to the same record producer as Hucknall in the early days.
Promotional material for 'Holding Back The Years' claims Mr Kellett captures the essence of Hucknall's smooth and charismatic presence, as well as his "dry sense of humour".
Indeed, when the Leader asked him what would be his message for locals who are thinking of coming to see the show, Mr Kellett joked: "Don't be late - because I'll heckle you if you're late!"
"But honestly, it's a show not to be missed," Mr Kellett said.
Book online at www.brassmonkey.oztix.com.au. Tickets include a reserved table with an entree and main meal.
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