To cut a long story short, they pop-rocked

May 14, 2015 11:23 pm 0 comments Views: 5

Tony Hadley out front of Spandau Ballet at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Pic: Marc Robertson
Source: News Corp Australia

THE Spandau Ballet boys brought a little suaveness and sophistication to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre last night. And staff were on standby to mop up the drool from the audience in the front row.

The five-piece of all-original members — Tony Hadley, Gary and Martin Kemp, Steve Norman and John Keeble — now in their 50s, were looking good as they hit the stage for the first date of Australian tour.

But while these 1980s kings might have been known for their sharp suits and soft haircuts, on this night Spandau Ballet proved what they truly are: incredible musicians.

They immediately showed they still have what it takes kicking off with new song Soul Boys from their recent best-of.

It was great to see artists like frontman Tony Hadley and guitarist/songwriter Gary Kemp cosily rocking out side by side when they might have once only faced each other in a courtroom. They looked like they were having a good time, as were the audience, some of whom had to be escorted back to their seats for dancing in the aisle after only the second song.

Steve Norman brings the joy of sax. Pic: Marc Robertson
Source: News Corp Australia

Gary Kemp on guitar. Pic: Marc Robertson
Source: News Corp Australia

“I love you too,” were Hadley’s first words to the crowd.

“It’s like a sauna in here. Are you hot and sweaty like me? You will be.”

Many know Spandau for the soft soul period when True became a global phenomenon, but these boys were born on the dancefloor of London’s Blitz club and set the pace for a generation with heart-kicking synth songs such as Chant No. 1 and To Cut a Long Story Short.

A flashing neon display of the Blitz name honoured the legacy in a section they dedicated to the club’s pioneer, the late Steve Strange of Visage. It was great to see Norman blast off on sax while Hadley had a go at the congas.

Spandau Ballet prove their appeal is enduring three decades on. Pic: Marc Robertson
Source: News Corp Australia

The boys have been blitzing their way around the world on their Soul Boys of the Western World tour, an uplifting reunion that sees the band back in fine form. The band were first here in ’85 and last in ’09. Australia had not forgotten them and we like to feel the love affair was mutual.

The tour is timed to coincide with a warts-and-all documentary which charts their progress from childhood friends to ’80s heroes to bitter enemies to a happy family once more.

It might make a good story on screen, but nothing compares to two hours live. To cut a long story short, an excellent time.

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