Going for Gold: Search is on for new Spandau Ballet singer

SPANDAU Ballet are looking for a new singer to fill the gap left by former band member Tony Hadley, Martin Kemp has confirmed.

Hadley (pictured above) announced he was quitting the new wave group in July but did not give a reason.

Bassist Kemp said the search has already begun to find someone to fill his shoes.

He said: ‘I will tell you the truth, we are in rehearsals in a couple of weeks trying out new singers.

‘So, we’re moving it on, and it’s moving on pretty fast.

‘For me, this is probably the most excited I’ve been about the band for such a long time that we’ve got all of this freedom, we don’t know what’s laying ahead and it’s exciting.’

Speaking after a screening of a new documentary about the remastering of the band’s album Through The Barricades, featuring extensive footage of the group at the time they made the 1986 record, saxophonist Steve Norman said: “He decided he didn’t want to be (a member of the band) any more, it’s as simple as that.

‘There is no ulterior motive, there is nothing behind the scenes, he just didn’t want to be in the band any more and that’s it. We have to respect that and wish him luck and move on.’

Hadley announced his departure from the band on Twitter on July 3 but guitarist and songwriter Gary Kemp said they knew he wanted to leave two years earlier.

Spandau Ballet were formed in 1979 and through the 1980s they enjoyed huge success with classic hits like True, Gold and Only When You Leave.

The band split in 1990 but reformed nearly 20 years later in 2009, releasing a new album — Once More — and hitting the road again.

The remastered and extended anniversary edition of Through The Barricades will be released on September 22.

Author: Simon Garner