From True to Gold: The Musical Biography of Spandau Ballet

If you’ve been in love with ‘80s music, then you might have heard of Spandau Ballet. This British band has created a distinct, pop-oriented sound that has become a staple of the era. Formed in 1979, Spandau Ballet has gone through various musical transitions, creating a unique blend of soul, funk, and new wave that set them apart from other bands at that time. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the band’s musical biography, from their beginnings to their most famous soundtracks.

Spandau Ballet got its start as a new wave band, inspired by the likes of Roxy Music, Kraftwerk, and David Bowie. Their early songs, such as To Cut a Long Story Short, were edgy, guitar-driven tunes that showcased lead singer Tony Hadley’s powerful vocals. As they progressed, they moved away from their punk sound to focus more on soulful ballads, with Hadley’s voice taking center stage. Their debut album, Journeys to Glory, released in 1981, embodied the band’s new direction, hinting at the soulful sound that would define them.

The band’s most famous album, True, was released in 1983 and proceeded to top the charts throughout Europe and North America. The title track, True, had a soulful, romantic sound that transcended the musical boundaries of the time, becoming an iconic song that people still enjoy today. The album’s other hits, such as Gold and Communication, further cemented Spandau Ballet’s place in the music world, showcasing their unique blend of soulful crooning, funk-driven bass lines, and catchy melodies.

Spandau Ballet’s influence on music is undeniable, with their sound inspiring other artists such as Duran Duran and George Michael. They paved the way for bands that mixed pop and R&B, creating a fusion of genres that has since become the norm. Their use of synthesizers and electronic drums would influence pop music’s production and recording styles, becoming a significant influence on artists of the ‘80s and beyond.

In 1985, Spandau Ballet released Through the Barricades, which showcased the band’s political and social awareness, tackling issues such as apartheid and the Northern Ireland conflict. The album’s title track, an epic ballad, was an instant hit, becoming one of the band’s signature songs. As the ‘80s progressed, Spandau Ballet would dabble in more cinematic sounds, particularly highlighted in the track Always in the Back of My Mind, which featured strings, horns, and an aching vocal performance by Hadley.

After a disbandment in 1999, Spandau Ballet would regroup in 2009, performing sold-out concerts and releasing a new album, Once More. The band’s legacy lives on, with their distinctive sound and unforgettable hits still loved by millions today.

Spandau Ballet’s musical biography has been one of changing styles and evolving soundscapes that have undoubtedly shaped pop music’s landscape. Their fusion of soul, new wave, and funk has created a sound that was unique to them – and still is. From their punk-influenced early sound to their ‘80s pop anthems, Spandau Ballet has been a brilliant source of inspiration for music listeners over the decades. Let us all continue enjoying the timeless music that this band created.

Spandau Ballet’s musical biography has been one of changing styles and evolving soundscapes that have undoubtedly shaped pop music’s landscape. Their fusion of soul, new wave, and funk has created a sound that was unique to them – and still is. From their punk-influenced early sound to their ‘80s pop anthems, Spandau Ballet has been a brilliant source of inspiration for music listeners over the decades. Let us all continue enjoying the timeless music that this band created.