Spandau Ballet review and Photograph by Peter Fannen as appeared in the Sunderland Echo Newspaper (North East Press Ltd)

Not another 80’s revival. Not another ‘has been’ band reunion jumping on the proverbial ‘bandwagon’ to earn a last big payday.
We were more than a little inquisitive as to how these middle aged New Romantics could perform after all these years and to be honest, were prepared to be a tad disappointed prior to the evenings’ ‘comeback’ tour performance.
Formed way back in 1976, Spandau Ballet had incredible success during the 1980’s until they had a major public fallout following a failed court case in 1990, in which Tony (Hadley), John (Keeble) and Steve (Norman) tried to gain a share of Gary Kemp’s royalties. After various successful acting careers and failed solo music efforts, fast forward to March 2009 and the band announced their ‘happy’ reunion.
Spandau Ballet arrived at the Newcastle Arena on Monday 27th October, and although not selling out, there were an impressive number of bodies within the venue. A huge projected screen covering the front of the stage showed videos and images of the band in their youth and at the height of their success. Then, behind the screen, the misty view of the band members standing ready in position could be seen by the anticipating crowd. With no support act, was this going to be two hours of embarrassing hell by watching some ‘old men thinking they’ve still got it?
Fear not, following the screens’ removal, the sound and performance they delivered was top drawer. Tony Haley, although much the chubbier, still has a great voice, and in fact may be even better than before. Martin (SCS Sofa) Kemp does not appear to have aged, although the years have not been too kind to drummer John. The latest versions of their mammoth back catalogue of hits gave the songs a fresh sound and by the third song, the crowd were on their feet. Funny that, and there’s us thinking we were in for a dull evening.

Peter Fannen