Tony Hadley 'still at it' after 50 years in music
BBCTony Hadley has described the success he had as lead singer of Spandau Ballet as "phenomenal" as he prepares for his latest solo tour.
The singer of Gold, True and many other 80s hits is setting off on his Christmas Big Band Tour, including a November date at the White Rock Theatre in Hastings.
Hadley is celebrating 50 years in the music industry, having co-founded the first iteration of Spandau Ballet in 1976.
He said: "To sign a record deal when you're 20 and then to have a top five single with To Cut a Long Story Short, that was incredible."
"It took a few years before we found world fame with True, which was number one in 21 countries," he added.
"But, as soon as you had that hit record, you want another one and another one.
"And here we are 50 years later and Ton's still at it."
Hadley sang at Live Aid in 1985 and was appointed an MBE in 2019.
He announced his permanent departure from Spandau Ballet in 2017 to focus on his solo work.
He said: "I love what I do. This is my hobby and I get paid for my hobby.
"I'm very, very lucky."
Hadley now has a big band behind him on tour, performing swing songs as well as Spandau Ballet classics.
"I love Sinatra, Jack Jones, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitz, Dean Martin," Hadley said.
"So, this is my little excuse to go on a tour and play all these wonderful songs."
He said there would be 18 people on stage, adding: "It sounds enormous with the big band behind it."
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