Dave Clayton has performed with Simply Red since their Home album (Picture: Getty)

Simply Red has confirmed its keyboardist Dave Clayton has quit the band after nearly two decades.

The musician joined the Holding Back the Years hitmakers back in 2003 for their album Home and has extensively toured all over the world with the group, led by vocalist Mick Hucknall.

But on New Year’s Eve, the Stars performers’ Instagram account posted a statement, revealing the ‘sad news’ Dave had decided to focus on his personal life and leave the limelight.

Sharing a picture of Dave on stage, they wrote: ‘Sad news for Simply Red. Our dear friend and colleague Dave Clayton has announced that he no longer wishes to tour and is inevitably leaving the band. We fully respect his decision. Touring is a challenge even for young bucks!

‘Dave is a lovely, admirable human being who we understand wishes to spend more quality time with his delightful partner Sue.

‘All at Simply Red wish him a prosperous and happy future and thank him for his wonderful contribution over many years. Simply Red HQ.’

Dave Clayton performing with Simply Red in Germany (Picture: Getty Images)

Simply Red shot to fame in the 80s with the release of their debut solo album Picture Book in 1985.

Since then, they have had ten songs reach the top 10 in the UK Singles Chart, including If You Don’t Know Me by Now, which also climbed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.

In the UK, the band has had five number one albums, with Stars being the best selling album of the year in the UK for both 1991 and 1992.

Their awards include two gongs for Best British Group at the Brit Awards in 1992 and 1992 and three Grammy nominations for Best New Artist, as well as two nods for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

Simply Red’s last album was 2019’s Blue Eyed Soul which debuted at number six on the UK album charts, selling nearly 100,000 copies in its first week.

Mick, 62, had previously announced in 2009 that Simply Red were splitting up, having said he had ‘decided that the 25 years is going to be enough.’

Mick Hucknall is the only OG member remaining in Simply Red (Picture: Getty)

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The ‘final’ concert took play at the O2 Arena in London in December 2010, with the gig streamed in cinemas across the UK.

However, five years later Simply Red announced they would be reforming in 2015 for a 30th-anniversary tour and have performed and released music ever since.

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The band said Dave wanted to spend more time with his partner.