Gulf Air is throwing a party including a performance by renowned band, 'Simply Red,' for its customers and business partners invited to attend the 2008 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Gulf Air is the title sponsor of the region’s biggest mostorsport event.

“All eyes will be on the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix for the three race days and, as the official airline of the Bahrain Grand Prix, we want to use this opportunity to further promote the Kingdom of Bahrain and Gulf Air to the rest of the world,” said Gulf Air president and chief executive Bjorn Naf.  

“The race is in its fifth year and to commemorate Bahrain’s successful running of the event, we chose the top international band, “Simply Red” as a group that has earned its name, fame and fans across the globe.”

“Red is simply also the prominent colour on Bahrain’s national banner, so it works with our theme to promote the Kingdom and its national carrier,” said Naf.

He pointed out that this would be the band’s first gig in Bahrain when they perform in an exclusive concert on April 5 at a private function as part of its corporate hospitality programme.

'Simply Red are a world wide renowned international UK music group. Over time, the name 'Simply Red' has come to refer less to a specific group of musicians, and is widely regarded as a name for Mick Hucknall’s recordings.' 

By early 1985 Hucknall had assembled a band of local session musicians and began to attract record company attention. Around this time the group adopted the name Simply Red (after Hucknall's nickname, which denoted his hair colour, football allegiance to Manchester United).

Their first single, released in 1985, was 'Money's Too Tight (To Mention)', a cover of a soul standard that became an international success.

Some of their other popular numbers are; 'Holding Back the Years', 'If You Don't Know Me By Now', “Fairground” and “Something got me started.”

They topped the album charts with releases including A New Flame, Stars and Life, selling more than 50 million copies worldwide. In 2007, the band released its 12th album.-TradeArabia News Service