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Spandau Ballet

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Spandau Ballet
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1979 in Islington, London, England
Headquarters
London
,
England
ProductsMusic albums, singles, live performances

Spandau Ballet () was a British new wave group that originated in Islington, London, in 1979. They emerged from the city's post-punk underground dance movement and quickly became the resident band for the Blitz Kids (New Romantics), performing "European Dance Music" that defined this burgeoning club scene.[1][2] Recognized as one of the most prominent acts within the New Romantic movement,[3] they were also key contributors to the new pop genre,[4] and took part in the Second British Invasion of the Billboard Top 40 during the 1980s, achieving global sales exceeding 25 million albums alongside 23 charting singles.[5][6][7] Their discography includes eight UK top ten albums, comprising three greatest hits collections and an album of re-recorded tracks. Their musical inspirations ranged from punk rock and soul music to classic vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.[8]

The band's definitive roster consisted of guitarist and principal songwriter Gary Kemp, bassist Martin Kemp, lead singer Tony Hadley, saxophonist Steve Norman, and drummer John Keeble. Their inaugural single "To Cut a Long Story Short" climbed to No. 5 on UK charts in 1980, sparking a series of ten UK top-ten singles. Their commercial zenith was marked by the 1983 release True, with its title track reaching number one in the UK and breaking into the US top five. In recognition of its enduring popularity, "True" received a BMI award in 2011 for surpassing four million airplays in the United States.[9] The group earned a Brit Award for technical achievement in 1984 and were invited by Bob Geldof to participate in the original Band Aid ensemble. They also appeared at Live Aid held at Wembley Stadium in 1985.

Following their final concert in 1990, Spandau Ballet entered a nearly two-decade-long hiatus. In 1999, members Hadley, Norman, and Keeble initiated legal action against Gary Kemp and Reformation Publishing over songwriting royalties but were unsuccessful.[10] The band reunited in 2009 for The Reformation Tour, a worldwide sold-out greatest hits series. Their biographical documentary Soul Boys of the Western World debuted at SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas (2014), followed by screenings at festivals including Rome, Ghent, NYC Doc, and its European premiere at London's Royal Albert Hall.[11]

Hadley exited the band in 2017. Subsequently, vocalist Ross William Wild was brought on board for European performances and a show at Hammersmith Apollo during 2018.[12][13] Wild departed in May 2019 to concentrate on his own project Mercutio,[14] with Martin Kemp confirming that there were no intentions to continue touring without Hadley.[15]

1976–1982: Origins and Early Achievements

In October 1976, Gary Kemp and Steve Norman established a band after attending a Sex Pistols concert. Both were classmates at Dame Alice Owen's School and later recruited John Keeble (drums), Michael Ellison (bass), and Tony Hadley (vocals) when the school relocated to Potters Bar. Their practice sessions took place during lunch breaks, featuring covers alongside original compositions such as Kemp's "I've Got Roots," which inspired their initial name, Roots. Their debut performance occurred at the school's 1976 Christmas party.

Following Ellison’s departure, the group renamed themselves the Cut with Norman switching to bass. In 1977, Richard Miller took over bass duties, prompting a name change to the Makers, as they embraced a power pop style influenced by mid-1960s bands. The British music press, including Sounds and New Musical Express, responded positively to their work. Manager Steve Dagger suggested adding Martin Kemp on bass due to his appeal with audiences, leading to the band’s rebranding as Gentry, with Martin making his first appearance on 1 July 1978.

Inspired by London's burgeoning nightclub culture from late 1978—shaped by figures such as Steve Strange and DJ Rusty Egan—the band transitioned towards electronic sounds. Writer Robert Elms proposed the name Spandau Ballet after spotting graffiti in Berlin. Their initial performance under this new identity was a private event on 17 November 1979 for prominent scene insiders, followed by their public debut at the Blitz Christmas party on 5 December 1979.

Journeys to Glory

Throughout 1980, Spandau Ballet built momentum through a series of exclusive 'secret' performances held in unconventional venues like the Scala cinema and the cruiser HMS Belfast, promoted solely via word-of-mouth. This approach generated considerable industry attention, sparking a competitive bidding process among major record labels. After signing with Chrysalis Records, they released "To Cut a Long Story Short," produced by Richard James Burgess of Landscape (band). The single achieved a UK top five position and charted internationally in Australia, Ireland, and Spain. Their subsequent release, "The Freeze," reached the UK top 20, followed by the double A-side "Muscle Bound"/"Glow," culminating in their gold-certified debut album Journeys to Glory.

In May 1981, Spandau Ballet held their first US showcase at New York's Underground Club, coinciding with a fashion event by Axiom—a collective of London club scene designers that included Sade Adu. They also became pioneers as the first UK pop band to perform live at Ibiza's famed Ku Club.

Adapting to shifts within the club scene and Soho’s fashionable Le Beat Route nightclub, the band embraced funk influences with the single "Chant No. 1 (I Don't Need This Pressure On)." This track peaked at number three on UK charts and reached number seventeen on Billboard's Disco Top 100 in the United States during 1981, receiving notable support from DJ Frankie Crocker on WBLS.

Diamond

Released in 1982 and produced again by Burgess, Diamond earned gold certification from the BPI. Burgess provided remixes for every single from both albums for their B-sides and extended 12-inch club versions, which were subsequently compiled into a boxed set. Despite this effort, the album's second single "Paint Me Down" stalled at number thirty in the UK charts, ending their streak of top 20 hits, while the third single "She Loved Like Diamond" failed to enter the UK top 40.

The fourth single "Instinction," remixed by Trevor Horn, was released alongside a dance remix of "Chant No. 1" on its 12-inch version. This release marked a return to the UK top ten following earlier singles’ lower chart performances.

True

Their third studio album, True, was released in March 1983 and showcased a refined pop style, crafted under the production of Tony Swain and Steve Jolley at Compass Point in the Bahamas. Steve Norman enhanced the band's sound by incorporating saxophone. The album’s title track became their inaugural UK No. 1 single and achieved significant success in the United States, reaching the top position on the Adult Contemporary chart, climbing to No. 4 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Cash Box, and entering the US R&B charts. In December 1983, the band sold out four performances at The Wilton and The Palace venues in Los Angeles. "True" also secured number one spots in Ireland and Canada, while ranking within the top five in multiple other countries. The track was honored with a BMI award for surpassing four million US radio plays.

The subsequent single, "Gold", reached No. 2 in the UK charts and placed within the top five in Belgium, Ireland, and Spain. The album achieved international chart-topping status, maintained a presence for 64 consecutive weeks in the UK top 100 albums chart, and attained No. 19 on the US Billboard 200. Singles "Gold" and "Communication" peaked at No. 29 and No. 59 respectively on the US Hot 100. During their UK tour, they made history as the first rock group to perform at Sadler's Wells and Royal Festival Hall.

Parade and Live Aid era

The follow-up album, Parade, was released in June 1984 and produced hit singles across Europe, Oceania, and Canada. Its lead track, "Only When You Leave", marked their final American chart success. They secured their inaugural Italian top 10 hit with "I'll Fly for You", followed by further hits including "Fight for Ourselves" and "Through the Barricades". At the close of 1984, Spandau Ballet participated in Band Aid, joining prominent artists such as Duran Duran, Culture Club, and Wham!. They also performed at Live Aid in 1985 before an estimated worldwide audience of 1.9 billion viewers. Their largest tour to date, "Spandau Ballet World Parade 84–85", spanned Europe, America, Asia, and included debut performances in Australia and New Zealand. The UK segment culminated with six consecutive sold-out nights at Wembley Arena. Unfortunately, an injury to Steve Norman’s knee during a show in Los Angeles led to the cancellation of remaining dates on the tour, including planned stops in Spain and Italy as well as a supporting slot for the Power Station in the US.

In 1984, without the band's approval, Chrysalis Records released The Singles Collection, which achieved platinum status but prompted legal action from Spandau Ballet against the label.

Through the Barricades

Following resolution of disputes with Chrysalis, Spandau Ballet secured a £1.5 million contract with CBS Records in 1986 and launched their fifth studio album, Through the Barricades. Produced by Gary Langan, this record marked a transition toward stadium rock influences from their earlier pop-soul sound. A conflict between Our Price Records and Sony resulted in CBS singles being boycotted by Our Price outlets, which negatively affected sales of the lead single "Fight for Ourselves". Despite peaking at number 15 in the UK charts, it reached top ten positions in Italy and the Netherlands. The emotionally resonant title track—written in response to a friend’s death in Belfast—became a top ten hit across both the UK and Europe alongside strong album sales.

Their 1986/87 "Through the Barricades – Across the Borders" tour represented their most extensive European concert series yet, featuring six record-breaking nights at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Stadium, six nights at Wembley Arena in London, plus large outdoor concerts drawing crowds of approximately 80,000 in Madrid and 50,000 in Treviso. Band members Hadley and Gary Kemp also performed "Through the Barricades" during a Prince's Trust event alongside renowned artists including Eric Clapton, Midge Ure, and Phil Collins. Additionally, they collaborated on "With a Little Help from My Friends" with George Harrison and Ringo Starr. In 1988, Spandau Ballet performed at Barcelona’s Royal Palace for Spain’s King alongside Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé, supporting efforts related to the 1992 Olympics.

Heart Like a Sky

Following a period away from recording, the group unveiled Heart Like a Sky (originally named Home) in September 1989. Gary Kemp shifted his approach by creating demos using programmed drums, keyboards, and bass, collaborating with session keyboardist Toby Chapman, instead of rehearsing with the entire band. Although the album and its singles did not achieve significant success in the UK and were not distributed in the United States, the band maintained popularity in countries like Germany, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands. There, singles such as "Raw" and "Be Free with Your Love" secured positions within the top 40 charts. The album also included "Motivator," marking Steve Norman's first songwriting contribution to the band since their project The Makers.

1990–1999: Disbandment and Individual Endeavors

The band wrapped up their tenth anniversary tour on 6 March 1990 at Edinburgh Playhouse before taking a break to focus on separate acting and musical careers.

Gary and Martin Kemp portrayed the notorious East End gangster twins Ronald and Reginald Kray in The Krays, which debuted in London in April 1990 and earned two Evening Standard British Film Awards. Tony Hadley recorded his debut solo album in Los Angeles with producer Ron Nevison. Steve Norman engaged in producing Balearic chill-out music while in Ibiza. Drummer John Keeble continued performing alongside Hadley and formed the band 69 Daze with Neal X, former guitarist of Sigue Sigue Sputnik; he also toured Europe with The Herbs and Pacific.

Gary Kemp expanded his acting portfolio in Hollywood with his wife Sadie Frost, featuring in films such as The Bodyguard and Killing Zoe, produced by Quentin Tarantino. He released his solo album Little Bruises in 1995.

Martin Kemp appeared in various American television series and films including The Outer Limits, Murder Between Friends, Highlander: The Series, and Sugar Town, which also starred John Taylor from Duran Duran.

The group officially dissolved during the 1990s following a dispute over royalties. Hadley, Norman, and Keeble unsuccessfully pursued legal action against Gary Kemp to claim a portion of his songwriting earnings. After abandoning their appeal, they were compelled to sell their shares in Spandau Ballet's company to Kemp to settle legal expenses. As a result, they toured under the name "Hadley, Norman and Keeble, ex-Spandau Ballet," since Kemp retained ownership of the band's name rights.

After undergoing successful brain tumor surgery mid-decade, Martin Kemp joined the cast of EastEnders in 1998 as Steve Owen, earning several acting accolades before departing in 2002 to pursue an ITV drama contract. He also authored a best-selling autobiography and directed his first film.

Gary Kemp continued songwriting collaborations with Paul Stratham, participated in theatre productions including Bedbug at the National Theatre (2004), and maintained an active acting career across stage, film, and television.

Steve Norman launched lounge group Cloudfish in 2001. Tony Hadley released three solo albums, portrayed Billy Flynn in West End's production of Chicago, won ITV’s reality competition Reborn in the USA (2003), and provided lead vocals on Alan Parsons’ album The Time Machine.

2009–2019: Reunion

Early in 2009, Spandau Ballet’s official website hinted at a reunion that was later confirmed during a press conference held on 25 March aboard HMS Belfast in London—one of their early performance venues. The band acknowledged influences from contemporary artists like The Killers and Florence and the Machine.

Their global tour commenced in October 2009 with dates across the UK and Ireland; tickets for their London O2 Arena concerts sold out within twenty minutes, leading to additional shows being scheduled. On 24 April, they made their first public appearance and interview in nineteen years on BBC’s Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.

On 19 October 2009, they released Once More, an album featuring semi-acoustic reinterpretations of classic hits alongside two new tracks—the first penned by Tony Hadley. The record attained Gold certification in Italy and Silver status in the UK. Virgin Media honored them as Best Comeback of 2009.

In April 2010, Spandau Ballet toured Australia alongside Tears For Fears, followed by headlining the Isle of Wight Festival 2010. Their final UK performance of the Reformation Tour took place at Newmarket Racecourse in June 2010.

In 2014, they embarked on an anthology world tour promoting the documentary Soul Boys of the Western World, which premiered at South By Southwest and featured rare archival footage. Concurrently, they collaborated on new material produced by Trevor Horn. Their greatest hits compilation, The Story – The Very Best of Spandau Ballet, included three fresh songs and reached the UK top ten. Singles "Steal" and "This Is The Love" charted on US Adult Contemporary lists.

The band toured internationally throughout 2015, appearing on American television programs such as The Today Show and The Talk.

On 3 July 2017, Tony Hadley departed due to circumstances beyond his control; however, the remaining members chose to continue without him. Initially considering Seal as a replacement vocalist, he later withdrew from consideration. On 6 June 2018, Ross William Wild was announced as their new lead singer following an extensive audition process. Their live debut with Wild occurred at Subterania Club in West London where they performed "Through the Barricades." Wild had previously collaborated with Martin Kemp during the West End musical Million Dollar Quartet. The band completed several European performances that year to favorable reviews.

Tony Hadley performed separately at London’s Palladium theatre in October 2018.

By early 2019, tensions surfaced; Wild formed a new group called Mercutio amid delays with Spandau Ballet projects. Gary Kemp stated there were no plans for band activities into 2020 but expressed hope for Hadley’s eventual return. On 23 May 2019, Wild officially exited Spandau Ballet; Martin Kemp confirmed no tours would proceed until Hadley rejoined. While the band expressed gratitude for Wild’s contributions, he disclosed frustrations over communication issues during his tenure. Saxophonist Steve Norman revealed he was not involved in decisions regarding Wild’s departure.

In March 2021, Ross William Wild (born Ross Davidson) was arrested and subsequently convicted in 2024 on multiple sexual offence charges.

In popular culture

In the episode titled "Great Expectations" of the ABC sitcom Modern Family, actor Edward Norton portrayed Izzy LaFontaine, a fictional bassist and backing singer for Spandau Ballet, positioned "between Richard Miller and Martin Kemp."

Members

  • John Keeble – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1979–1990, 2009–2019)
  • Gary Kemp – guitars, keyboards, synthesizers, piano, backing vocals (1979–1990, 2009–2019)
  • Martin Kemp – bass guitar, guitar, backing vocals (1979–1990, 2009–2019)
  • Steve Norman – saxophones, wind synthesizer, guitar, percussion, keyboards, backing vocals (1979–1990, 2009–2019)
  • Tony Hadley – lead vocals, keyboards, synthesizers, percussion (1979–1990, 2009–2017)
  • Ross William Wild – lead vocals (2018–2019)

Discography

Q Awards

The annual Q Awards recognized Spandau Ballet with a single accolade.

|- | 2009 | Spandau Ballet | The Q Idol |

BRIT Awards

Presented by the British Phonographic Industry, the BRIT Awards granted Spandau Ballet one award from one nomination.

|- | 1984 | Spandau Ballet | The Sony Award For Technical Excellence |

Ivor Novello Awards

In 2012, the Ivor Novello Awards, which celebrate excellence in songwriting and composing in London, honored Gary Kemp with the Outstanding Song Collection award.

|- | 2012 | Gary Kemp | Outstanding Song Collection |

Variety Club of Great Britain Awards

|- | 2009 | Spandau Ballet | Outstanding Contribution To Popular Music Award |

See also

Literature

External links

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  12. ↑ "Band Return With Ross William Wild". spandauballet.com press release, 7 June 2018.
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