Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley would 'never' reunite with ex-bandmates after row

18 March 2023 , 17:00

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Tony Hadley says he will never reunite with his ex-bandmates (Image: Getty Images)

Former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley says he will NEVER reunite with his ex-bandmates.

The 61-year-old dramatically quit the iconic New Romantic group in 2017, saying in a brief Twitter statement he was no longer a member.

And now Tony, who sang on classic hits True and Gold, says: “You could offer me all the tea in China and I wouldn’t get back with them. There’s no way.

“I’m pretty easy-going, it takes a lot to get to that point but once you’ve pushed me and crossed that line, that’s it. I’m done.”

Spandau Ballet decided to take a break in 1990 for solo projects but it turned into a full-blown split when Tony, drummer John Keeble and saxophonist Steve Norman unsuccessfully sued guitarist Gary Kemp – the brother of bassist Martin Kemp – in a royalties row.

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Spandau Ballet, circa 1985. Left to right: bassist Martin Kemp, drummer John Keeble, singer Tony Hadley, saxophonist Steve Norman and guitarist Gary Kemp (Getty Images)

Despite the bad blood, the group re-formed for a world tour and new album in 2009. The old rivalries soon flared up again and Tony quit in 2017 – but he says the band’s insistence that he simply didn’t want to work with them any more is not true.

He says: “There’s a very specific reason as to why I left and they’ve never been brave enough to say.

“It’s not for me to say why, because I didn’t create the situation. It’s for them to be honest with fans and say, ‘Look, we cocked up. We did this to our ex-lead singer, which caused him to leave the band. We’re really sorry, we made a big mistake.’

Tony’s solo career is thriving

Tony did a 40-date UK tour last year to celebrate 40 years in music (black arts pr)

“Unfortunately, their actions were such that I couldn’t do it any more and I quit. The only one I’m in touch with is Steve.”

Meanwhile, Tony’s solo career is thriving and the dad of five did a 40-date UK tour last year to celebrate 40 years in music.

Tony, who lives in Buckinghamshire with second wife Ali, says: “I loved being in Spandau and we had fantastic times but I’m having amazing times now. I think it’s sad and it’s sad for the fans but that’s life.”

Tony’s ex-bandmates were contacted for comment.

Tony will sing with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival on April 29. For tickets, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

Sue Crawford