Seeing one of my favourite 80s bands with my own sons. It doesn’t get much better than that! Depeche Mode (Detroit, 1993); Duran Duran (Pretoria, 1995) and now Spandau Ballet at the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence (ironic on numerous levels). As you’d expect from a bunch of 50 years olds, they weren’t perfect, but the audience (most of whom were bald) happily forgave them. The Kemp brothers haven’t changed much, but Tony has put on 30kg and struggled in places. His voice is still good, but he doesn’t have “the moves”. The surprise was Steve Norman, who has improved with age and stole the show with stunning sax solos. See Steve’s solo during True from 2:00 to 2:46 and 4:30 to end (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyEJZmBiz_o&feature=related). ‘Round and Round’ was also really good because up on the big screen behind them was a montage of the early days, which caused both the band and the audience to laugh a lot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoFu1Vtx93I). I’m not surprised Virgin media named them best comeback act of 2009. For anyone interested, I am thinking of writing a full review of the concert (too long to blog). For those under 40 or over 50 (!), Spandau Ballet is a British band, inspired by the early 80s new romantic movement (of which I was a member!). They achieved ten Top Ten singles and four Top Ten albums between 1980 and 1990, but split acrimoniously in 1990 over royalties. A good night out!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Spandau gold!
Seeing one of my favourite 80s bands with my own sons. It doesn’t get much better than that! Depeche Mode (Detroit, 1993); Duran Duran (Pretoria, 1995) and now Spandau Ballet at the Nelson Mandela Forum in Florence (ironic on numerous levels). As you’d expect from a bunch of 50 years olds, they weren’t perfect, but the audience (most of whom were bald) happily forgave them. The Kemp brothers haven’t changed much, but Tony has put on 30kg and struggled in places. His voice is still good, but he doesn’t have “the moves”. The surprise was Steve Norman, who has improved with age and stole the show with stunning sax solos. See Steve’s solo during True from 2:00 to 2:46 and 4:30 to end (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyEJZmBiz_o&feature=related). ‘Round and Round’ was also really good because up on the big screen behind them was a montage of the early days, which caused both the band and the audience to laugh a lot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoFu1Vtx93I). I’m not surprised Virgin media named them best comeback act of 2009. For anyone interested, I am thinking of writing a full review of the concert (too long to blog). For those under 40 or over 50 (!), Spandau Ballet is a British band, inspired by the early 80s new romantic movement (of which I was a member!). They achieved ten Top Ten singles and four Top Ten albums between 1980 and 1990, but split acrimoniously in 1990 over royalties. A good night out!
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How very, very cool. Spandau Ballet, your two boys, Nelson Mandela Theatre! Old Tony certainly has stacked on the good life(!!), but then again, who hasn't? You've inspired me to hunt down some tickets on eBay. Looks like you're having a ripping time Ewing family...the blogging is spectacular. See you soon! The Reid Family.
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