Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield – 5 March 2015
Spandau Ballet hold a lot of firsts for me. True was my first slow dance and my first kiss, at a school disco in December 1984. And they were my first concert in the mid 80’s in Manchester with my friend Mel. And 30 years later I was in Sheffield with my friend Mel to watch The Soul Boys of the Western World perform again.
The film on the backdrop proves that in the last 30 years nothing has changed. Tony Hadley still has a voice of velvet richness like melted chocolate with honey poured over. And, although Martin Kemp rocks the sexy silver fox look, no-one has aged at all.
There were all the classic hits intermingled with some new ones. A nice touch was the medley of very early new romantic hits, set in the Blitz nightclub in homage to the late Steve Strange.
It was a very visual feast with a fabulous light show, nostalgic projections and wonderful close ups on the big screen of all 5 of the Soul Boys clearly enjoying themselves. And the sound was excellent too, still managing to be heard over the noise of thousands of screaming fans, all the boys shined. From Steve Norman’s sax to John Keebles drums via Martin and Gary Kemp’s guitars and Tony Hadley’s vocals.
And all too soon it was over, the last song being the iconic True and then an emotional and poignant version of Through The Barricades where they made mention of the huge falling out and court case, which is thankfully now behind them. But, of course, it had to end with Gold
If you can grab a ticket, then go and see the tour, its a wonderful night out, lots wonderful songs with thought provoking good memories
Sat 07-March Liverpool Echo Arena
Sun 08-March Glasgow SSE Hydro
Tue 10-March Nottingham Capital FM Arena
Wed 11-March Brighton Centre
Fri 13-March Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Sat 14-March Manchester Phones 4 U Arena
Sun 15-March Newcastle Metro Radio Arena
Tue 17-March London O2 Arena
Thu 19-March Birmingham LG Arena
www.spandauballet.com