Tony Hadley

Jardines de Viveros, July 12 2026: The concert started with a sonic blast as they opened with Instinction, their early 80’s charting Spandau Ballet hit single. Riding the crowd’s welcoming energy, next was To Cut a Long Story Short, the band’s very first hit single, and Highly Strung. Another great single. 

Vitality best describes Hadley as he connected with fans. The night was a celebration of the songs loved from the synth-pop/ New Romantics era. Embedded memories and  a few fresh new songs together. Both his voice and the band’s playing were impeccable. 

Settling in, Hadley sang a newer song Alibi then back to favorite Spandau Ballet hits Only When You Leave and Only The Pride. The latter’s arrangement was only the guitar and keyboards making it sparse and centering on Hadley’s voice. Turn Me On was a mellower tune. Then the classic Round and Round. His vocal range was as strong as when these songs were first recorded. 

I’ll Fly For You entered with a smooth groove after the string of ballads. New Brand New preceded a cover of Queen’s Somebody to Love. After Soul Boy, Hadley performed a new solo song Walk of Shame. A brilliant latin groove and a lyrical story of seduction leading to that walk we all dread. By now blood was running hot priming fans for the dance-floor classic Chant No. 1. Hadley made his affection clear for his fans and they responded right back.

The night ended up with the biggest of Spandau Ballet hits: Lineline, True and Gold leaving fans with the grandest for last. Tony Hadley has a great long career and is still exploring. His voice is vibrant. He is a consummate vocalist and a classy entertainer. Check him out to enjoy both old classics and newer recordings. Well worth it. 

Words and photos: Philamonjaro