Simply Red got a simply sensational send-off at the M.E.N. Arena last night as the Manchester band played their final home show after 25 years at the top.

Even United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was in the audience to see the Farewell Tour, a chronological marathon through the band’s biggest hits including The Right Thing, Every Time We Say Goodbye, A New Flame and If You Don't Know Me By Now.

Denton-born frontman Mick Hucknall, who hit the headlines earlier this month after admitting sleeping with around 3,000 women during the band’s 80s heyday, is Simply Red’s only surviving member.

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But last night’s audience was clearly one that has grown up with the group since their breakthrough hit, Money Too Tight (To Mention), went to number 13 in 1985. That could have been an unlucky number for some, but not Simply Red, who have gone on to sell 50m albums and tour the world several times.

"We’ve had to leave a few out or we would have gone over the curfew - and we still might go over the curfew," laughed Hucknall, 50, to great cheers.

Flanked by a fantastic six piece band in front of red drapes and palm tree-style lighting rigs, Hucknall looks just as content on stage as he always has - as flamboyant and exciting a performer as he was at the tender age of 25.

One thing is for sure, Hucknall isn’t calling time on the band because he’s lost that famous soul voice. From early tracks like Come To My Aid to later hits For Your Babies and Stars, his vocals have withstood the years as well as his famous shock of red hair.

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