Play The Hits: Tony Hadley

Posted on Monday 16th October 2023 at 16:00

A defining sound of the decade, Tony Hadley rose to fame in the 1980s as the frontman of the definitive new romantic band Spandau Ballet. His unmistakable voice – with its incredible range and tremendous capacity to convey emotion – helped sell more than 25 million records.

When the band split in the following decade, Hadley continued to pursue his passion for soul and pop as a solo artist. He continues to write and record new music, playing to packed out venues around the globe.

Next year, Hadley head out on the Big Swing tour. It sees him perform songs from the classic era of swing from such great artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett plus reworkings of his own greatest hits. Tickets for Tony Hadley’s Big Swing tour during March 2024 are on sale right now with Gigantic – CLICK HERE to book yours!

In anticipation of the upcoming tour, we’re taking a look at all his biggest and best hits that we need to hear live, as part of our Play The Hits series.

"True"

Spandau Ballet’s first No.1 single "True" would be both the title track of their best-ever-selling album and become a signature song for the rest of Hadley’s career. The six and a half minute loved-up epic dropped in the spring of 1982 is the very definition of a power ballad. It has since been covered by Black Eyed Peas.

“Gold”

Following hot on the heels of "True", “Gold” would enjoy a nine-week run in the Top 10 peaking at No.2. Songwriter Gary Kemp was inspired by the dramatic energy of John Barry’s Bond themes, matched by a promo video shot in Carmona, Spain to emphasis the spy film vibes.

"Through the Barricades"

"Through the Barricades" is taken from the fifth Spandau Ballet album of the same name. The 80s had seen a rise in violence in Northern Ireland and The Troubles had claimed the life of the band’s merch seller Thomas Reilly AKA Kidso. "Through the Barricades" is a plea for love and connection at the height of division, and Hadley considers it the best Spandau Ballet song.

"Lost in Your Love"

Spandau Ballet first split in 1990, seeing other members pursue various personal music projects and acting. Tony Hadley would return two years later with his first solo single "Lost in Your Love". It would be the start of a career which has also seen the release of six albums plus recent single release "Because of You".

📆 Tour Dates: