Spandau Ballet

The Profile

Spandau Ballet are a British new wave/New Romantic band formed in London in 1979. The classic lineup features Tony Hadley, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Steve Norman, and John Keeble. They rose to international fame in the early 1980s with hits like True, Gold, and Only When You Leave; the band originally split in 1990 and reunited for tours and releases from 2009 to 2019.

Core members: Tony Hadley (vocals), Gary Kemp (guitar, principal songwriter), Martin Kemp (bass), Steve Norman (sax/guitar/percussion), John Keeble (drums). Signature hits include True and Gold; part of the New Romantic scene originating in London.

Four DeBaser reviews trace Spandau Ballet from sharp New Romantic/post‑punk origins to sleek pop. True gets the warmest nods (especially its iconic sax solo), while Parade is remembered fondly yet ranked below True. Diamond adds funk and horns; Journeys to Glory is praised for minimal, inventive charm. Tony Hadley’s voice and Steve Norman’s sax are recurring strengths.