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John Aizlewood's rating
, Spandau Ballet boys bounce back after split
By
John Aizlewood
21 Oct 2009
“Where have you lot been for the past 20 years?” asked Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley as they began their first hometown gig since their bitter split.
Plainly the answer wasn’t “buying Spandau Ballet members’ solo records” or the reunion would never have happened. The rift widened in 1999 when Mr Justice Park decreed that a financially ruinous royalty‑related court case brought by Hadley, saxophonist Steve Norman and drummer John Keeble against chief songwriter Gary Kemp had “failed in its entirety”.
Kemp’s younger brother, bassist and ex-EastEnder Martin, kept shtoom and kept his money. Gary Kemp was equivocal: “Who’d have thought it?” he noted, after the others left him and Hadley to an acoustic With The Pride. “Me and the big man...”
Still, needs must, but — I’m sure, to their own surprise — they’re remembered with sufficient fondness to make last night the first of three 02s and to their credit they appeared suitably humbled and slightly shocked. It was as if we were all in on a secret: Spandau Ballet were OK, really.
In 1979/80 they almost single-handedly brought the underground new romantic movement overground but even then there was something endearingly oikish about them.
Last night they dispatched their brickies-in-skirts phase in the two opening songs, the magnificent To Cut A Long Story Short and its less‑heralded feisty sibling The Freeze. After those, in career and concert alike, they would never be so adventurous.
Still, they had their trump card in the ample shape of Hadley. A great big daft bear of a man, with the fleet-footedness of a dray horse, the voice of an air raid siren and such sheer delight at being back that he returned for the encore clutching a tumbler of Jack Daniel’s. Who could possibly not warm to him?
Things sagged in the middle when the Islington quintet wandered into a wilderness populated only by grisly album tracks but they aired all their Top 10 hits, bar the magnificent Musclebound, the zenith of their vest-wearing phase, although both Kemps both felt the encore was the right moment to re-commit that fashion crime.
And while they define a certain aspect of the Eighties, those hits have not withered, be it the brilliantly preposterous Gold; a terrific True delivered even slower than the recorded version or a deliriously dancey Chant No 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On). Not bad and not naff.
The 02 Arena tonight and tomorrow (0871 424 4444).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (29)
Coming to OZ guys?
- Kym, Brisbane, Australia, 03/11/2009 01:17
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I have to say that I had my dream come true thanks to my wonderful husband Andrew, I saw Spandau Ballet in 1989 at Newcastle city hall and they were absolutely amazing!!! 20 years on Tony Hadley you really still have it in abundance... I have been a Spandau fan since I was around 12 years old and am now 36 and the fan in me is still as apparent as ever... suffice to say to reunion gig was amazing and I came out of the O2 speechless, I now have the programme on my mantle piece in the dining room along with a photo taken on my phone, which was printed days later and now sits in a frame on the mantle also.... My fave band member was always Steve Norman and I have to say that that mans talent musically knows no bounds... I have so much to say about this gig but cant quite put it into words just yet.. I only stopped going on about it to my friends about a week down the line... Spandau Ballet I am still one of your number one fans... Will love you always!!!
- Beverley Collingwood, Manor Park, London, 02/11/2009 10:18
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A massive fan in the 80s and have followed Tony as a solo artist seeing him in many local venues, never to be dissapointed by his wonderful voice. The O2 was no different, what a fantastic voice. Had wonderful seats, seats i never sat in as the concert was brilliant 2 hours of pure TONY heaven, could listen to him singing all night!! Please don't let this be the farewell concert, we have proved as loyal fans you may return.......
- Paula Berry, guildford surrey, 29/10/2009 22:30
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Seen them in the 02 in Dublin & it was one of the best nights ever!!! Glad they came back. Us Spandau Ballet Fans waited far too long for this!!
- Avril, Dublin, Ireland, 26/10/2009 13:51
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Initally i did not think i was going to enjoy this concert and felt i had to accompany my girlfriend who was a big Spandau fan in the 80s but after Tuesday nights performance i have been converted ,what a great evening and when Barricades came on it had me singing along .All i can say is well done boys and welcome back
- Rich,, leigh on sea , england, 23/10/2009 15:55
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Saw Spandau Ballet on the last of their 3 day stint at the O2, after last seeing them live in1986 at Wembley Arena.
The boys have matured musically beyond my expectations, they were really tight and you would never have known they had not played together for 20 years.
Tony's voice has matured like fine wine and the power in it is quite staggering. One of the reasons I first liked The Spands was the fact that they actually had a singer that could really sing.
Steve Norman's performance was equally impressive, he has really improved his Saxophone playing.
The highlight for me was ' With The Pride ', one of my personal favourites. Last time I saw it live was with Keyboard accompaniment, but with Gary's guitar this time made it special.
I have to admit that the handshake at the end brought a tear to my eye, as if to say we are all friends again which is what all fans wanted for the last 20 years.
To sum up, the best live concert i've ever seen and I look forward to seeing them again soon.
- Ian Humphries, Feltham, Middlesex, 23/10/2009 12:46
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OH MY GOD - Tony can sing and the music was spot on - it was such a good concert and I was proud to be part of it - AMAZING BOYS !!!!!!
- Trisha -, Greenwich - London, 23/10/2009 08:18
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Never got to see the band first time around, but lucky enough to get tickets for opening night Tuesday. What a great show. Still buzzing now 2 nights on. Thought the whole band were brilliant but particularly Steve Norman on sax. Loved every minute - so did my other half.
- Steve, Poole, Dorset, 22/10/2009 23:34
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We went to see Spandau Ballet last night at the 02 last night , We thought they were excellant . It was quite a surprise seeing them all togeather considering when tony signed my tshirt a couple of years ago their was no way Spandau Ballet was even going to back togeather again.
We hope that now all the guys have sorted out their differences that everything can be equally shared and no repeat what happened when they were younger .
Well done Spandau Ballet you were fantansic .
- sarah, u.k., 22/10/2009 21:00
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After 20 years Spandau Ballet are still the best group I have ever seen live! I went with my cousin who I used to go with to see them back in the 80s and we both agreed that they are just as good now as they were then. Everyone was singing & dancing, fantastic venue for a truely amazing band! Forget these manufactured groups Tony, Gary, John, Steve & Martin are the real deal...... Can't wait to see them again.
- suzanne, Worthing, West Sussex, 22/10/2009 19:22
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Fantastic night at 02 on Tuesday, we looked forward to it so much and wasn't disappointed, Tony voice was faultless and Steve Norman was incredible, they were all brilliant, let's hope there's more to come.
- Michelle, Colchester, 22/10/2009 17:47
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Spandau Ballet at the O2 London. Fantastic show had everyone up singing and dancing. Tony's vocals were amazing and it really took me back to the 80's. If you were a fan then you will love them now.
Who knew I would remember all the lyrics. The encore of Gold was amazing and the whole arena singing along made the hairs rise on the back of my neck. Nice to see that the band really seemed to enjoy themselves as well. The O2 arena is a great venue and Spandau pulled it off superbly.
- Wendy, Greenhithe, 22/10/2009 13:48
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me and my mate was there too oh we had a great night really good show.we had this lady next to us who well loved em she really went for it the crowd where good .and had a right laugh what a night cheers boys .
- Jo, norfolk, 22/10/2009 12:51
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Was so excited to be at the O2 opening night and I had been looking forward to it very much, was not disappointed at all. When the show opened and the heartbeat could be heard over the short film they were playing I thought I was going to burst by the time they came on stage. 2 solid hours of Spandau Ballet. I screamed, shouted and sang so loudly my throat is still hoarse 2 days on. They have still got it oh yes!
- Jackie Djemaa, London, 22/10/2009 10:12
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Was there last night ... they were fantastic and they really showed these new acts what a real simple band without the fancy show can do ... they were all brilliant and the Tony Hadley voice was just as I remembered and well it just goes to show if you got it ... you will always have it ... even if you've been away for 20 years!!! Pure and simple ... absolutely fantastic!!!!!! Hope they do stay together and give us some more great stuff!!!!!
- Am, london, 22/10/2009 09:47
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I was in the front row of last night's concert & he sang superbly, looked cool, & moved around the stage a lot. Even jumping onto the speakers in front of us. There was no slow point in that gig & the band were actually on stage for a fulll 2 hours with no break. All members played brilliantlly. I can't imagine how hard they all practised to put this show together after 20 years. They were amazing & it was one of the best nights of my life!
- Hazel Hargraves, Rayleigh, 22/10/2009 00:02
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Last time I heard most of these songs live was at the Assembly Hall in Worthing as Hadley, Norman and Keeble played in front of around 500 people. Have to say even that was a great concert but last night was special. This time nearly 15,000 packed the O2 Arena to witness a night of pure 80's magic where the band and the crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves in equal measures. There were many highlights but 'Through the Barricades' always gets the hairs standing up on the back of my neck and last nights rendition certainly did that. Sitting behind us also enjoying the show was Duran Duran drummer Roger Taylor. Always meant to be great rivals at the time but it was a nice tribute to his fellow 80's showmen to be present at their big London return. All in all a great concert and everyone seemed to leave with big smiles.
- Mary Carrington, Worthing, West Sussex, 21/10/2009 23:05
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What a fantastic gig! 20 years on and all wearing well. Tony's voice has lost noNe of the magic, Martin has finally learned to play Bass guitar and Steve can do no wrong. Just how many instruments does the gorgeous man play?! A brilliant night of nostalgia. The new single is great too. Lets hope it is the first of many. Thank you boys for such a fantastic night.
- Liz, Maidstone, Kent, 21/10/2009 16:59
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Absolutely brilliant. Saw them three times in concert years ago, were as fantastic then as they were last night. Fantastic to see them back together again. Good British talent that has stood the test of time and matured with age. If you are a fan and thinking of getting tickets, don't hesitate you won't be disappointed with the bands performance, which was outstanding. On a negative note, let down by the company responsible for selling the merchandise. Concert t-shirts are normally made of good quality fabric which last for years. The ones we purchased last night, when we got them home, were thin cheap material and don't look as if they will survive a couple of washes let alone a couple of years.... Spandau management please find a better supplier !!. Otherwise well done for a brilliant night.
- Ade, London, 21/10/2009 16:12
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I was at the concert last night and had a fantastic time. Steve Norman showed what a brilliant musician he is, and also how to keep yoursellf wonderfully preserved! Tony Hadleys voice is still amazing and that together with a certain amount of nostalgia made for a great evening.
- Sophie Guinan, Sevenoaks, 21/10/2009 15:48
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Great show last night. Tony was off-key in a few places, but was on outstanding vocal form otherwise. The band were pretty tight too, perhaps surprising given that they hadn't played together for so long (and in the case of Martin Kemp, probably hadn't played much at all; at least, I've not heard of any musical output from him since the first split). Very enjoyable show. The backing singer was okay and not too intrusive as they could have been (as in 1986). Could have done with the screen on for the first two songs though.
Gary Kemp's solo album 'Little Bruises' is well worth checking out, but I guess it was never going to sell loads!
- Ed, London, 21/10/2009 14:30
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I was there last night. It was fantastic - Tony's voice is as good as ever and they all looked fab and have aged very well. Am still humming the songs today....loved it , loved it!! Wonderful stuff.................
- Essie, London, 21/10/2009 14:19
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We loved last nights gig. It was fun and Tony sounded fantastic! So pleased we went:-)
- Nicola And Robin, Upper Norwood, London, 21/10/2009 14:16
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good gig, Tony Hadley still has a great voice... they played all the old classics, and some new stuff (which never really goes down well at a come back gig ... BUT the new single is a good song)
shame they have tried to 're-mix' the old songs, GOLD was the finale but they tried to change it - the crowd were having none of it and out sung him to the rhythm of the old version....
great show though, 2 hrs of excellence from the 80's......!
- Anne Headland, guildford, surrey, 21/10/2009 13:52
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Tony Hadley's voice is far from the sound of an Air Raid siren. His voice is still as velvety today as it was then. I have seen him sing solo too over the years and he is brilliant. So glad Spandau are back together. Brilliant
- E Sullivan, London, 21/10/2009 12:58
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I finally saw them at the O2 last night, I first tried around 25 years ago in Brighton but the gig was cancelled. This is not a band that has to hide behind blinding light shows and dance routines (yes Britney I mean you) but a group of musicians who can entertain by their talent alone.
Well done guys - it was an awesome show.
- Jo Lynch, Herts, UK, 21/10/2009 12:35
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Fantastic evening out - I'd forgotten just how good they are!
- Tim Burgoyne, Addlestone, Surrey, 21/10/2009 12:22
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Was at the concert last night and thought they sounded brilliant. Tony Hadley's voice does not seem to have deteriorated over the years and he was still going for, and getting, most of the high notes. There was a very good backing singer to lend a hand as well.
You can see why they had to get back together because neither party can really function without the other. The songs are still great but would not be the same sung by anyone but the big man.
Whether this is just a short term marriage of convenience remains to be seen but the guys were on top form last night and certainly took me back 20 years or so.
- Markc, South Croydon, Surrey, 21/10/2009 11:54
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I always liked Spandau Ballet and pleased that they're getting a good reception to their comeback concerts.
- Janicebyrne, sussex, 21/10/2009 11:13
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