“He gave dedicated Spandau Ballet fans the nostalgia and familiarity they sought.”
On March 1st, Tony Hadley released his latest solo album, “The Mood I’m In“. The 10 song tracklist explores the genre of Swing, a style of music that Hadley has always been a fan of, and one that seems to be creeping back into modern music. Hadley’s seventh studio album formed the foundation for the songs making up this incredibly memorable evening of music on the third night of The Big Swing Tour.
Walking on to cheers from all around, a limping Tony Hadley took centre stage, and instantly began with the performance of the album’s title track. With his leg in a brace, Hadley alternated between standing and sitting while he sang. Having previously watched him perform live, I have seen how he embraces the concept of stage presence. Where he’d normally walk around on stage and interact with the crowd, it appeared as though there was so much he wanted to do but couldn’t due to an injury he’d sustained a few months ago. This didn’t halt his stage presence in the slightest though, his diverse vocal range still commanded all the attention.
In July of last year, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Tony Hadley where we chatted about a range of things. The main subject of discussion was this tour, and of course the artists who Hadley aimed to commemorate and memorialise. Just before this interview, Tony Bennett sadly passed away and when asked about the poignance of this in his own work, Hadley said “it makes it all the more poignant when you’re singing these songs that no-one else is singing anymore“. He also said “well you’re crazy, and I mean that in the nicest way possible,” when I asked if he shared Bennett’s sentiments about Scotland being his favourite place to play.
In between songs, Tony Hadley would tell the audience tales about songs including why he loves them. He also explained that a lot of the songs he would perform were from a time where different language and attitudes were adopted, making it clear that he does not share the same beliefs. It felt like an incredibly relaxing concert, a drastic contrast from the gigs I’ve become accustomed to attending. It felt like a mix between a traditional concert, with the vast array of instruments present, and ‘an audience with‘ kind of show. His humour and humble personality shone through as he told tales, including one he’d previously told me in the chat I had with him last year. He discussed his favourite artists, including Tony Bennett who he had met and nothing but high praise for him.
The album itself has allowed Hadley to explore a genre he’s always loved, and recreate the classics that he, along with so many others, hold dearly. The tracks I was most excited to hear live were ‘Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered‘, ‘Walk of Shame‘ and ‘Touch Me‘. Each of these are different speeds and normally different styles, but Tony Hadley executed them perfectly. The latter is a cover of The Doors’ popular tune but with a slight Swing twist, something I didn’t think I needed but I’m very glad exists.
He also gave dedicated Spandau Ballet fans the nostalgia and familiarity they sought as he played his own versions of the band’s biggest hits. These included ‘Through the Barricades‘, ‘True‘ and ‘Gold‘. There was also a lot of discussion about Paul Anka and the impact his writing and renditions had on music. There was a nod to this as he played a cover of the incredibly popular ‘My Way‘ which has seen major success for a monumental list of acts including Sid Vicious, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
Included in his band full of many musical talents, percussionist Lily Gonzalez captured the attention of all in attendance. As she played, she danced along with the smooth and often catchy Swing songs. Her percussionist multi-tasking also extends into immersive and immediately astonishing vocals too. She and Hadley performed a part of a song together, and it was incredibly successful.
Spanning over two parts, including an interval, Tony Hadley and his incredible band captivated and maintained the attention of the packed out venue as they performed back-to-back Swing hits. As one of the most noticeable voices in modern times, and one of the nicest musicians I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting, this was a concert I was so excited to attend. Hadley is arguably the most talented person to come from Spandau Ballet, and I’ve seen Martin Kemp’s live shows.