: The band doubled their horn section and featured classically trained local dancers to create a high-energy "carnival" finale.
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. Simply Red Cuba!
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. : The band doubled their horn section and
Behind the scenes, Hucknall explored Havana, noting the city’s resistance to globalization and the "untouched" beauty of its people. One of the most poignant moments involved Mick inviting a young local street musician he met to perform with the band on the grand stage, bridging the gap between international fame and local artistry. (Live at El Gran Teatro) album on or
: 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
: 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.
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