Interview with Spandau Ballet’s Tony Hadley

By Tessa Harris on June 3rd 2010

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Hands up all those who wore frilly shirts and bandanas in the 80s! I’m guilty as charged. In my uni days Spandau Ballet was my favourite New Romantic band. They, along with Duran Duran and Teardrop Explodes, were a new and exciting post-punk movement whose style extended far beyond the dance floor and out into the high street.When I met my (future) husband in 1982 we used to dance to Communication, Gold and ‘True’, which became ‘our song.’ (We’re celebrating our silver wedding anniversary in October.) So, you can imagine my delight when Tony Hadley called me to tell me about his forthcoming visit to the Rewind Festival at Henley in August.

“How do you feel about seeing Boy George again?” I asked him.

 “I haven’t seen George for years! He’ll be there will he? I think the last time we were together was when he was djing in Ibiza,” he says surprised. He goes on to explain: “To be honest with you I’m not sure who else is going to be there because I’m running around like a headless chicken at the moment.”

It’s a good enough excuse. For the past few months Tony and the rest of Spandau Ballet have been touring the world on their Reformation Tour, playing South Africa, Dubai, New Zealand and Europe. They even sold out the O2 for three nights. For the moment the boys are back in the UK and will play several festivals around the UK including Rewind in August.

It will be the second time that Rewind has come to Henley but Tony couldn’t make it last year. “I’d love to have done, but I was away. To be honest I’d just have gone and hung out with the guys if I could, so this year I’m really looking forward to it.”

Tony hopes to be dueting with another 80s legend Rick Astley. “We may do a bit of swing, mix it up a bit,” he says. He may also be playing with ABC’s Martin Fry.

After that it’ll be back to writing for his new album, which should be out in time for Christmas. “I always said that ideally I’d do Spandau every two or three years between solo projects, so it’s worked out so well. It was great to be back with the boys again, especially after it all ended in such acrimony before,” he says. In fact their recent tour was such as success that the band has even set a date for their next world tour in the spring of 2012, together with another album.

Tony, who turned 50 this weekend and lives in North London with his wife, says that while most of his audience is over 35 there are a lot of younger faces in the audiences. “I hope we’re attracting a new generation. I enjoy the music of Sinatra, so there’s no reason why the younger ones can’t enjoy the music their parents listened too.”

In fact Tony ad his family recently went to see the legendary Tony Bennett perform in London. “He was great and we all really loved him at 82.” So does Tony hope to go on and on? “Oh yes, I’ve never been busier. I can’t ever imagine myself retiring.” Speaking as an avid fan, I hope he never does do either!

The 2010 Rewind Festival has just announced it has increased its capacity from last year’s 30,000 to 40,000 due to unprecedented demand for tickets.  Hosting a huge line-up of 80s pop giants, the festival will also feature the best of British comedy as well as posh nosh, cocktail bars and karaoke, the return of the Silent Disco, family features and fireworks. 

Last year’s inaugural REWIND FESTIVAL, lovingly dedicated to staging and celebrating the best music of the1980s, burst onto the festival scene in the green and pleasant surrounds of historic Henley-on-Thames, known for its cream teas and annual Regatta.  This year’s REWIND features an even bigger lineup including Level 42, Marc Almond, Go West and Heaven 17:

Tickets:  

 Weekend camping adult/child:               £100/£50

(Child: 12 and under; 3 and under go free)

Weekend adult /child:                                    £85/£42.50

Day adult/child:                              £45/22.50

VIP:                                                    £100.00

 Campervan pass:                          £65.00

Credit card hotline:                        0844 888 9991

Online booking:                  www.rewindfestival.com

Parking information:                     On site free parking

Nearest main line station:            Henley-on-Thames

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