Spandau Ballet is a British band that rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like "True" and "Gold". At the forefront of the band was the lead singer, Tony Hadley.
Early Life
Tony Hadley was born on June 2, 1960, in Islington, London. He grew up in a working-class family and attended Dame Alice Owen's Grammar School in Potters Bar.
Hadley's love for music began at a young age, and he was heavily influenced by artists like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. He started singing in local pubs and clubs when he was a teenager.
Spandau Ballet
In 1979, Hadley joined Spandau Ballet, which was formed by his school friends. The band's sound was a mixture of new wave, soul, and electronic music.
Spandau Ballet released their first single, "To Cut a Long Story Short," in 1980, which became a top 5 hit in the UK. The band's popularity continued to grow with the release of their second album, "Diamond," in 1982.
Success and Controversy
Spandau Ballet reached the height of their success in the mid-1980s with the release of their third album, "True." The album's title track became a worldwide hit and reached the number one spot in several countries.
However, the band's success was overshadowed by a bitter legal battle over songwriting royalties. Hadley and his bandmates sued their former songwriter, Gary Kemp, claiming that they were entitled to a share of his royalties. The case was settled out of court in 1999.
Solo Career
After Spandau Ballet disbanded in 1990, Hadley pursued a solo career. He released his first solo album, "State of Play," in 1992, which included the hit single "Lost in Your Love."
Hadley continued to release solo albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s and toured extensively. He also appeared on several reality TV shows, including "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" and "Celebrity MasterChef."
Personal Life
Hadley has been married to his wife, Alison Evers, since 1983. The couple has five children together.
Hadley is also involved in several charitable causes, including the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity.
Legacy
Spandau Ballet and Tony Hadley have left a lasting legacy on the music industry. Their unique sound and style helped define the new wave era of the 1980s.
Hadley's powerful and soulful voice continues to be recognized as one of the greatest in British music history. His work with Spandau Ballet and as a solo artist has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
Conclusion
Tony Hadley's contribution to the music industry cannot be overstated. He helped define a generation with his unique sound and style, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians today.
