Live: Spandau Ballet

Verdict: ****

By John Earls, 18/10/2009

O2 Arena Dublin

AFTER 20 years apart, Spandau Ballet are back.

And just like their famous lyrics, they're indestructible.

Making up after the Kemp brothers were unsuccessfully sued by the other three band members, they're ready to wheel out some of the most memorable hits of the 80s.

In a tight suit, singer Tony Hadley asks the fans "What have you been up to in the last 20 years?"

Worse is bassist Martin Kemp's leather waistcoat, apparently made from one of the DFS sofas he advertised. Fashion gaffes aside, it's a storming two hours, neatly mixing ballads the 40-something crowd had their first snogs to, with synth club tracks that are right back in fashion.

After so long away, Spandau have been written off as Duran Duran's cheesy rivals. They kill off that notion in the first two songs, with early dance hits To Cut A Long Story Short and The Freeze as cutting-edge as anything Simon Le Bon's mob came up with.

Much like Tony, the show is soft in the middle, with a few dated ballads. I'll Fly For You couldn't be more naff and 80s if Spandau had played it while bouncing on Spacehoppers.

Sat on stools, Tony and Gary Kemp look and sing like Westlife's dads on With The Pride.

True is tender and there can't be many better hits to end a show with than Gold.

Although, in places, they're positively platinum.

Your comments

This article has 13 comments

I hope Kevin (20/10/09) went to Spandau Manchester I think he got his monies worth and would not have been disappointed. The band were in great form and in my opinion have improved since the 80s
Shame us 40 somethings have had to wait 20+years for the guys to get back together I think the boys will now look back with regret at all the politics when playing should have been their (chant) number one priority. to cut a long story short they were pure Gold.
Heres to the next tour

By Stuart Kay. Posted October 29 2009 at 11:23 AM.

Have returned from NEC birmingham following a SUPERB night out with my wife, I had my reservations if Spandau could pull it off. however these were blown away. The group were 100% on the money. well done lads (and the backing singer)

By Mark Jones. Posted October 25 2009 at 5:24 PM.

I was at the o2 the other night. It was without doubt a breath taking experience. Being an 80's man, I have followed many of the groups through the years. Spandau hit the mark in every area. They were spot on in terms of timing and Tony Hadley was outstanding vocally.
Im sure I was like many other '40 somethings' in the crowd that pinned for those days gone by. Experiencing the lads the other night rekindled my youth.
Ill die happy one day knowing I had the chance to hear them again.
A fantastic experience. Thank you boys for playing such a big part in my life.

By Jim Howe. Posted October 23 2009 at 5:20 AM.

Carol, I think you should go and watch them live, trust me they still have it in abundance. The strictly Come Dancing version of Gold was a reworked acoustic version from their new album, that is not the version they perform on tour. Spandau have as much energy and charisma now (if not more) when they perform live as they ever did. Spandau Ballet Live at the O2 was an absolutely 5 star performance, many bands now would be put to shame with the musicianship energy these guys show. This is a band that still have it, this is an 80's band that definately still have it...

By Rob . Posted October 22 2009 at 1:46 PM.

Just got back from the 02 and it was fantastic!!
They sound and play so much better than in the 80's.....anyone who has spent money to see them will NOT be disappointed, fantastic music!

By dizzy2. Posted October 21 2009 at 2:44 AM.

There will always be difficulties when you cjange rthe arrangements on classics that have stood the test of time. However I think the new album show cases their musical talent. I also have all of Tony's solo albums and I honestly think his voice is far better now than 20 years ago. It's just such a shame that I've moved to Oz so won't be able to attend the concerts. Still you never know, maybe they'll tour Down Under!

By Kevin . Posted October 20 2009 at 2:30 PM.

I was very excited to see spandau on Strictly, but very disapointing I have never seen Tony Hadley looking so unfit and FAT,and didn't think much to the new arrangment of Gold, I have Spent a lot of money on tickets to see them in manchester, I have waited a long time for this I loved Spandau in the 80s .I hope I have not wasted my money, because they are making a mint.

By Sue Smith. Posted October 18 2009 at 11:46 PM.

Unbelievable lastnite at Glasgow, sounded better than did 20yrs ago, Steve Norman, i want your babies, lol

By lynn. Posted October 18 2009 at 8:34 PM.

They were fab in Glasgow.Through the Barricades was spine shivering and so true saw the crowds go wild with everyone in the audience singing.

By Liz. Posted October 18 2009 at 7:47 PM.

regarding strictle come dancing spandau were playing live .live in glasgow . playing the best they had ever.the slowed down version was for strictley only watch them live every one will see the difference.best gig of year

By jim sweeney. Posted October 18 2009 at 7:00 PM.

Simply awsome in sheffield friday night

By Jez. Posted October 18 2009 at 11:50 AM.

Tony hardly 'lumbered' through Gold on Strictly, if you havent noticed it was a different arrangement. They must be sick to death of singing that over the last 20yrs so changed it. If you recall their comeback on Jonathan Ross's show they were in great form!

By Shannon. Posted October 18 2009 at 11:34 AM.

After watching them on strictly come dancing, i felt disappointed. They lacked all sparkle, Tonf Hadley appeared to lumber through Gold. Perhaps they should again retire and watch other 80 bands who still have it

By Carol Jones. Posted October 18 2009 at 7:52 AM.

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