ACAPELA STUDIOS, PENTYRCH, SATURDAY APRIL 15th, 2023
It was going to take something a bit special - a lot special actually - to bring me out of my self imposed blogging retirement. Lockdown and no gigs took away my musical spirit for a while and I've been gradually getting it back. Tonight at Acapela, I witnessed something a LOT special. So True blew the roof off the Acapela. Now, I'm there at least every other week watching a huge variety of bands and artists and I've had some great nights there but not many leave me hoarse from singing. Tonight did.
A relatively new tribute band, less than a year, So True (formerly Spandau Too) have chosen some of the toughest songs to present live. Over their six album career Spandau Ballet went from young Soul Boys to a sophisticated purveyor of fine songsmithery with intricate arrangements and instrumentation. And TRUE deserve applause for successfully recreating these fabulous tunes. All famously composed by Gary Kemp - except for 2 Tony Hadley solo songs, tonight's 2 hour set recreated the band at their height of their power.
With the normal Acapela 'game of two halves' the band played two 1 hour sets with a break, which for an audience now of certain vintage was a relief for a couple of reasons.
The band kicked off set one with the first single - To Cut A Long Story Short
It's obvious from song one that these know how to play. And Ian's voice is enough like Hadley's to carry off the songs with the same conviction, power and drama that Tony put into every song he sung. All six of the albums were visited in tonight's set with most of the biggest hits held over for the second half. a wise choice as a section of the crowd were up and dancing in the second half.
Part one included such beauties as Communication, I'll Fly For You and Round and Round. We were also treated to lesser known Spandau songs such as Foundation, a fabulous version of Swept and a two part version of Pride.
The highlight of part one was a storming version of the Through The Barricades where vocalist Ian Pont really showed the power behind his vocals. Part one ended with one of the Tony Hadley solo songs - the uplifting Because Of You - the perfect way to leave the crowd wanting more.
Part Two opened with the second of Tony Hadley's solo songs - Take Back Everything, another uplifting and uptempo number. As I said earlier, most of the big hits were held back for part 2 and with the audience now up and dancing it was lift off in Acapela.
The first big surprise of Part 2 was a spirited version of Glow which was part of the Musclebound release as a double A side in 81 and never appeared on the Journeys To Glory debut.
Next up we had the The Freeze from Journeys before two of my favourites,
Lifeline from True and Instinction from Diamond with enough of the Trevor Horn dynamism which made the remix probably my favourite Spandau song. 'Stealing Cake To Eat The Moon', indeed. Only When You Leave was up next - a slight breather before we return to Diamonds and the powerhouse duo of Chant Number 1 and Paint Me Down.
By now the band had the audience in the palm of their hand and they saved the 2 biggest hits until the final two songs. Unbelievably as I write, the true album has just celebrated it's 40th birthday. Where the hell did that 40 years go?
Acapela was now singing on the top of its voice and really, it was quite moving. Even the boys were singing! The final song, was of course Gold!
It really was a privilege to be here tonight to hear these fabulous songs played live. The audience loved the show - plenty of handshakes at the end didn't go unnoticed and hopefully the band will be invited back to play another show - if so, please include Heaven Is A Secret.
- Nick Baker
OPENING NIGHT
20th May 2022 and
an enthusiastic crowd at Witham Public Hall were treated to a stunning performance from a band who have clearly gone to great lengths to recreate a truly authentic Spandau Ballet live experience.
Ian Pont’s impressive powerful vocal range somehow matches that of the one and only Tony Hadley. Equally at home tackling all the different genres of the Spandau back catalogue, Pont sang with real confidence knowing he was backed by such accomplished musicians.
On guitar, Tom McCabe seemed to effortlessly reproduce Gary Kemp’s intricate diverse chord structures. Dave Green continually wowed the audience with his repertoire of skillful saxophone solos that Steve Norman would have been more than proud of. The rhythm section was tightly held together by Kevin Wild on bass and Dean Moorcroft on drums. The lineup was completed by keyboard wizard John Michaels and Sara Adams on backing vocals and percussion.
The extensive two hour set opened smartly with debut song ” To Cut a Long Story Short” which was preceded by the atmospheric 1980 themed quotes of the Reformation Tour introduction. Part one highlights that followed on the superbly lit colourful stage included the single “Communication” and four tracks from the “Parade” album, closing my eyes, it sounded like I was listening to Spandau Ballet on their 1984 tour !
Part two opened with the stylish 007 Bond theme cleverly merging into Hadley’s own storming track “Take Back Everything”. “Lifeline” got the stalls section dancing in the aisles as did “Chant No.1” when Green’s booming sax blew me away as it sounded like a whole horn section ! The brilliant rousing finale of “Through The Barricades”, “True” and “Gold” encouraged audience participation and sent everyone home overjoyed.
Don’t miss the chance to see SO TRUE on their UK tour this summer. 10/10
— Martin Cutmore
What The Audience Says
“Sounds exactly like Tony!” - Gary Kemp, Founder Spandau Ballet
“He’s the audio image of Tony Hadley” - Andy Smith, ELO Again Tribute
"To be fair, I never thought I would hear these songs again live, I know Tony sings a few but that's not the same. They have the makings of a fine tribute career" - Nick Baker, Music Critic
“I have been around for a year or two and have seen many highly acclaimed tribute bands but you guys have got to be bloody close to the top of the tree!” - Allen M.
“You guys are the world’s best Spandau Ballet Tribute” - Bob. P. (Music producer)
“This sounds very, very much like him… when I closed my eyes, I could hear Tony Hadley” - Helen R.
“Popped on here to hear what they are like, the real Spandau Ballet should hire this singer” - Andy P.
“It could be Tony himself xx impressed!” - Clare B
“Amazing voice so close to original maybe spot on.” - Josie T.
“Wow I closed my eyes I it sounds so True pardon the pun lol well done guys and I hope your diary is filling up nicely.” - Steve E.
“Excuse my French! But f****** love it!!!!..well done guys!!” - Leonardo A.
“Wow! Close your eyes and that could be Tony Hadley. Fantastic voice” - Miriam W.
“Great… thought it WAS Tony Hadley. Hope you do well guys” - Debbie G.
“Amazing sound and excellent vocals…perfectly chosen musicians.” Mike R.
“I absolutely love this group.” Betty C.