Spandau Ballet Personified New Wave
If you look up a dictionary for the definition of “New Wave” bands, you’ll likely find the name “Spandau Ballet.” Spandau Ballet created a style of music that was unlike anything before. Music that was so unique, it literally created a new genre. So, let’s look at how Spandau Ballet personified New Wave.
Thapson
New Wave/New Romantic Music
Post WW II saw the proliferation of R&B and Rock & Roll through the 60s. The “British Rock Invasion” of the mid-60s nurtured a major fusion of styles. Bands of this period continued experimenting with sounds through the 70s. By the late 70s, the tail end of the baby boomers was experimenting further and creating an eclectic style of music never heard before.
This new music, with origins in the late 70s and early 80s is regarded as the “New Wave” style of music. With roots going back to the “glam rock” era, New Wave music was primarily a UK/Europe creation. New Romantic style was the subset of the New Wave with a more avant-garde face. And Spandau Ballet is a perfect reflection of this genre.
A Brief History
The band’s roots lie in Gary Kemp, their guitarist, and musical prodigy Steve Norman forming a band in 1976. They brought on drummer John Keeble, bassist Michael Ellison, and Tony Hadley on vocals. Their sound was more punk oriented and were called the “Roots.”
After the departure of Ellison, they renamed the band “The Cut.” Fellow student Richard Miller came on as the new bass player and they again renamed the band “The Makers.” By now they were receiving positive reviews and decided to go professional. Gary Kemp’s brother Martin was onboarded to replace Richard Miller due to his better onstage persona. The band, now called “Gentry,” consisted of the five that would form “Spandau Ballet.”
By 1978, Gentry had earned a respectability in the club circuit with their dance style funky sound. Only one thing remained: a name change.
Spandau Ballet
The first time I heard of Spandau Ballet, it rolled off the tongue as smoothly as the name of a baseball team. On further introspection, I suspected it had connotations to WW II Germany, which made me uneasy.
Along with their newfound recognition as a band, a new name was felt necessary. Apparently, it was taken off a bathroom scribbling in Germany. The name definitely has links to an unpleasant past; but that’s not what we’re about here. So, let’s overlook that trivia, and concentrate on the band’s music and their image which is symbolic of that interesting era.
Checking out Their Music
As always, no talk about any artist or band is complete without listening to their work. There are others who are better qualified than me to talk about the intricate details of their work, life, and personal successes. Here we just enjoy what magic the artist, in this case Spandau Ballet, created that makes them an unforgettable icon in the world of music and pop culture.
Spandau Ballet released seven albums spanning the period from 1981 through 2009. The best way for anyone to appreciate them would be through an album that was released without their permission. This is the “Singles Collection” from November 1985. This album contains their biggest hit singles until then. So, here’s a sampling of my favorites from this album, in the order they were chronologically released.
To Cut a Long Story Short (1981)
This single was recorded in 1980 and part of their first album “Journeys to Glory.” This song marked the arrival of Spandau Ballet to the world of New Wave music. Along with the funky Euro-disco style riffs, they also marketed their styles in the threads they wore. The music and the look made the world realize this was a band that would not be ignored and is destined for big things.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
The Freeze (1981)
This single was also included on their debut album in 1981. Critically acclaimed, this number has a dance club style beat which received mixed reviews from the critics. Tony Hadley’s superb vocals and the beat seems to flow through the song. I still love it’s beat so many decades later.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
Instinction (1982)
Part of their second album, “Diamond.” After the critical success of their first album, there were high expectations from Spandau Ballet. They weren’t disappointed. The song’s poetry and the beats proved how mature the band had become.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
Chant No. 1 (I Don’t Need Pressure On) 1982
Another unique hit by Spandau Ballet off their second album. Cool funky dance floor style number. A very 80s style of rap closes off this song underscoring their versatility. Some of their fans claim this early style was their best work.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
She Loved Like Diamond (1982)
This is where Spandau Ballet seem to transition from funk dance hall stuff to a poppy sound. A wonderful example of Tony Hadley’s almost operatic vocals making the band stand out. The vocals and the beautiful harmonies in this song signal a musical shift. And the music video accompanying is a reflection of those times.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
Gold (1983)
From their third album “True.” Despite my familiarity with their name, this song was the first time I heard the music of Spandau Ballet. It was the first of many New Wave sounds I heard at the time. I was hooked to the brilliance of this new niche. Cool lyrics, Hadley’s fantastic vocals, the wonderful all round music production and I was a fan. The video, shot in Spain, is a wonderful complement to the song and I consider among the best made from that era. The mystery girl in it, Sadie Frost, went on to marry Gary Kemp. I read somewhere that Steve Norman, a musical prodigy, taught himself the saxophone for this song.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
Lifeline (1983)
Another top ten hit from them and included in the True album. By now, Spandau Ballet had established themselves firmly and had fans around the world. Wonderful all-round production from them. No fancy stuff. Just the music, interesting lyrics, and perfect vocals. What more do you need?
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
True (1983)
Some consider this Spandau Ballet’s best songs. Beautifully penned by Gary Kemp, it’s interesting to read what he says about what inspired him to write it. All in all, the song is hauntingly beautiful and the world agreed as it reached No. 1 in the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the US. And pretty near the top in many other countries.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
Only When You Leave (1984)
This single was their eighth top ten hit from the fourth album, “Parade,” released in 1984. They continue with the sophisticated vibes that have placed them firmly at the top of the music world. Sounds as good today as it did almost four decades ago.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
Highly Strung (1984)
Spandau Ballet reminds you of their fast tempo rock style music roots after a string of pop hits. Again, a wonderful all-round production. Even the music video for this song has that mid-80s vibe to it and with fashions reminiscent of the changing times even then. The shots of Hong Kong are sure to bring back memories of that place when it was more “touristy and open,” albeit dangerously close to cliched.
Spandau Ballet (Official) / YouTube
With so many hits, it’s hard to leave anything out – and I definitely have. Including what Hadley’s considers his favorite song, “Through the Barricades,” from their 1986 album of the same name. And it has a personal connection with the band.
The Last Word
So, there you have it. My no frills look at another favorite band whose music formed the soundtrack of our lives. Just the artist(s) and their work. As usual, I stay away from their private lives unless it holds any significance to their work.
Spandau Ballet is one of the major contributors to that wonderful era when music truly transcended all genres. One needs to place yourself in that period to appreciate how bold they were to “think outside the box” creating these new sounds and fashions that set the foundation for artists to follow. Creativity so genuine, it still feels fresh today, winning new fans. Spandau Ballet truly did define a musical era.
I’ll be back with another artist soon. Feel free to share anything using the form below.
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