Spandau Ballet, O2 Arena

1980’s British sensations Spandau Ballet are smashing their way back on to the pop scene with a reunion Soulboys of the Western World tour spanning twelve UK arenas next spring.

The well-known 80s pop group, prominent as the forerunners of the new romantic movement, have returned to the stage for the biggest reunion tour since they disbanded in 1990, following a comeback concert at the Royal Albert Hall at the end of September to kick off the tour with a bang. The performance coincided with the release of a new rockumentary film, ‘Soulboys of the Western World’, which follows the iconic band’s rise to fame and has met with positive criticism from fans and film critics alike. The film details the history of the band’s controversies that led to its separation, including the highly publicised and acrimonious financial disputes between songwriter Gary Kemp and the rest of the group.The film’s success is likely to bring a large fan base out of the woodwork for the reunion tour, which arrives at the O2 arena in Greenwich on the 17^th of March.

Led by the mighty vocals of singer-songwriter Tony Hadley, the brothers Gary and Martin Kemp, on guitar and bass respectively, will be bringing the group’s catchy power ballads back to the masses to a backdrop of synth-pop meets slick funk. They are joined by Steve Norman on that memorable saxophone and John Keeble on drums. Inspired by the likes of David Bowie, the band also took inspiration from the art and glam rock eras, with four of their albums reaching the UK album charts, including Journeys to Glory (1981) and Diamond (1982). Their third hit album True (1983) is known for its chart-topping eponymous track, which reached UK number one, and lasting favourite among fans, Gold.

The performance should offer a chance for the band to leave behind its cult status, and for fans to join them in throwing up powerful air-punches to the unforgettable echoes of the ‘80s funk. An opportunity not to be missed.