Long before Mick Hucknall achieved international stardom with Simply Red, he fronted the gritty Manchester punk band The Frantic Elevators. Formed in 1976, the group featured Hucknall on vocals, Neil Smith on guitar, Brian Turner on bass, and Kevin Williams on drums. They became known locally for their urgent, emotional sound and socially charged lyrics, carving out a small but passionate following during the height of the UK punk and post-punk movements.
Between 1979 and 1982, the band officially released four singles on vinyl, including Voice in the Dark, You Know What You Told Me, Searching for the Only, and Holding Back the Years (No Waiting) — the latter of which featured an early version of the song that would later become a global hit when re-recorded by Simply Red.
But The Frantic Elevators’ discography extends beyond those four singles. Their sessions with the BBC, live performances, and demo recordings reveal a broader catalogue of songs that never made it to commercial release but circulated through fan recordings and rare pressings. Some compilations and retrospective releases — particularly the 1990s CD The Frantic Elevators 1978–1983 — have helped bring lesser-known tracks to light, showcasing a band that was evolving well beyond its punk origins.
Despite their creative output, mounting internal tensions and a lack of mainstream breakthrough led to their split in 1982. Hucknall soon formed Simply Red, bringing a more polished soul-pop sensibility to the spotlight, while his former bandmates briefly carried on under the name The Elevators before disbanding.
If you've never heard them before, check out these tunes! ♪♫
Original recording of "Holding Back the Years" in The Frantic Elevators era:
It’s just so strange to hear Mick Hucknall singing punk, because I’ve always known him as the smooth, soulful voice behind Simply Red. But it’s fascinating to look back and see where his musical journey began — gritty, raw, and full of edge.
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