IN PHOTOS: Spandau Ballet in Manila, a reunion show like no other

MANILA, Philippines – Obviously, when you speak of iconic ’80s new wave bands, this group is right up there with the best to them. And in case you’ve been out of the loop since their heyday, as one of their song titles states, “To Cut a Long Story Short” it goes something like this. 

A bunch of London teenagers, back in the late 70’s, started a band. They struggled initially but found their niche. They created a radio-friendly, worldwide mega-hit, a karaoke staple known as “True.” Sold millions upon millions of albums and toured the world, a young musician’s dream come true.

 

Ten years and 6 albums later, the fame and fortune began to lose its luster, other things in life took precedence over the band. They broke up, an extensive court battle ensued over music rights, they spent 20 years fighting over money. While each pursued his own interests, one of the members almost died – Martin was diagnosed with two brain tumors. He survived, they all made peace and reunited.  

Even if you’re not an ’80s music fan, I’m sure you’ve heard the song “True”, it put them on the map. From their third album of the same title, it was released in 1983; a #1 hit in 21 countries, #4 in the U.S. A classic song that will live on forever, showing up on a regular basis everywhere you turn, from appearances in movie cameos and placement on TV, from Edward Norton on Modern Family to Steve Buscemi in The Wedding Singer, to numerous cover versions, or being sampled on the 1991 P.M. Dawn song “Set Adrift On Memory Bliss.” 

Their current tour, intriguingly titled Soul Boys of the Western World, is also the namesake of their 2014 documentary film about the band which entertainingly explains their rise and fall. Even if you’re not a huge rockumentary fan, this one is not like most. It’s a gripping drama from stage to courtroom, it’s worth checking out.

 

Now touring again for the first time since 2009, Spandau Ballet are undertaking a 6-month arena tour across Asia, and fortunately Manila was one of their stops, the bands first time in the Philippines.  

Gary Kemp wholeheartedly addressed the crowd: “This is my first time in Manila and you are some of the most beautiful and lovely people that I’ve ever met in my life!” 

Performing all their classic tracks, to an almost sold-out audience at the Mall of Asia Arena, the eager fans sang in unison to many of the songs. Tony Hadley on lead vocals still has the chops, didn’t miss a beat, an impressive vocal performance.

 

I loved the saxophone in many of their tracks, which can be challenging for some bands, that instrument can effortlessly take over, overpowering most vocalists. The balance here was extrodinary and it helps that Hadley is gifted with a strong, yet tender and soulful voice, which blends perfectly with the brass instrument. 

The band also consists of brothers, Gary Kemp on guitar and Martin Kemp on bass, with Steve Norman on saxophone and percussion with John Keeble on drums, who unfortunately couldn’t make it to the Manila show; Tony apologized for his absence.

They are seasoned musicians, you’d never guess they were apart for so many years, and they were a pleasure to experience; onstage they functioned as one. I know it’s corny but you could feel that something electric, something indescribable in the air while they performed.   

On one of the tracks towards the end of the evening, Hadley held a note which seemed like eternity, really something special. Match that with riveting on-stage charisma, the swagger of an old-school crooner with mannerisms reminiscent of Frank Sinatra, a well thought out lighting design, and you have an outstanding event that the audience simply ate up.

It was also impressive how the crew seamlessly worked in portions of sound bytes from the movie, along with some video clips to explain their story, very well done indeed.  

At the conclusion of the show, it was obvious everyone in the crowd was pleased, but for me it was even more intriguing to witness the jubilation from the band themselves.

When they finished and they all put down their instruments, they didn’t just smile and take the ubiquitous group bow. They where ecstatic, their faces were glowing as the joyfully hugged each other, high-fiveing like a bunch of overzealous teenagers. Everything in full circle. I, for one, was elated see their triumphant return. I wish them well. – Rappler.com