Simply Red were back in Nottingham last week performing their 40th Anniversary show at the Motorpoint Arena, marking the eleventh time Mick Hucknall has brought his band to the arena since being the very first act to perform when it opened in 2000.
As Motorpoint Arena Nottingham celebrates its 25th anniversary year, the occasion marked not only a milestone for the venue, but also for Simply Red – a band whose enduring connection with Nottingham has spanned the arena’s entire history.
Over the past quarter of a century, Simply Red have delighted audiences time and again with fan favourite hits including Holding Back the Years, Stars, and If You Don’t Know Me By Now. Their latest show once again filled the venue with unforgettable moments.
To mark this milestone in the band’s history with the venue, Mick Hucknall was presented with a Golden Arrow Award, a new accolade that recognises artists who have performed at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham at least ten times. Simply Red are the first music artists to receive the award, presented by Hollie Marron, Arena Programming Manager, with other artists including Busted, McFly, and John Bishop to join the Golden Arrow Club later this year.
Mick Hucknall has a deep personal connection to Nottingham, beyond music. His family heritage includes generations of blacksmiths in the city, giving his performances here a sense of personal meaning.
“From the very first show to their most recent performance, Simply Red have been an extraordinary part of our journey. Presenting Mick with our new Golden Arrow Award was a small way to thank him and the band for being part of our story over the past 25 years. Mick explaining his family connection with Nottingham on stage made the show even more memorable for the thousands of fans present.”
As part of its 25th anniversary year, the arena is hosting a record number of shows in the run up to Christmas, including performances from Duran Duran, Madness, and Stereophonics, offering music fans a season full of unforgettable nights.
Posted on 17 October 2025
