It's 20 years now since soul-popsters Simply Red first appeared in the charts with their debut single, Money's Too Tight To Mention. Most of their contemporaries have long since disappeared into the bottomless void that has swallowed up so many Eighties popstars.

But Simply Red - essentially a solo vehicle for fiery-haired vocalist Mick Hucknall - still command a colossal international following. The sales figures speak for themselves: In its first week of release the new album, Simplfied, went in at number 2 in the Austrian charts, number 3 in the UK, and number 4 in Germany and Italy.

Indeed, it's hard to disagree with Hucknall's own description of the band as "up there with some of the best long-term chart successes".

The new record sees Hucknall re-visiting old songs, generally with more stripped-down production that showcases the strength of the original melodies as well his voice which, over time, has become "deeper and more enriched".

"I'm reaching a time in my career where my voice is at its absolute peak," he continues. "Your voice physically tends to peak around the age of 45 and from about 50 onwards it starts to fade. So it couldn't be a better time."

Love or hate the diamond-toothed crooner, then, this could be a chance to see him at the zenith of his powers.

He's not slowing down just yet though: His follow-up album is scheduled for release in Spring 2006.

Starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £35, call 0870 900 9100.