It's finally True: Spandau Ballet reunites

 
Spandau Ballet announced Wednesday that they are indeed back together and planning a full world tour. How soon 'til we can hear classics like True and Gold here in the U.S.? Not soon enough. Cross your fingers that they make the trip across the pond.

"After a hiatus of almost 20 years, we shall once again be prowling the world’s largest stages. I bought a ticket to the world. And now I’ve come back again," drummer John Keeble says in an official announcement on the band's Web site. "The pathway to reformation has been long and challenging. There have been many heroes along the way. They all know who they are."

Tony Hadley, Keeble, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp and Steve Norman were all on hand for the announcement aboard HMS Belfast, the infamous British battleship moored in the River Thames and the scene of a notorious Spandau Ballet gig in 1979, when a crowd of thousands showed up at the unadvertised show and blew the ship's electric system.

"Only a few weeks ago the five of us placed ourselves together in a rehearsal studio for the first time in nearly two decades. As ever it was so, I counted to four and what happened next surprised even the most optimistic of participants: The very, very loud noise immediately sounded like a band," Keeble said. "Everything from that point on was really quite simple. All we need now is an audience."

The tour begins Oct. 13 in Dublin. Dates (still in the works) are available online.

[Getty Images]

Comments

[sparky]

Steve I was the one who pointed the story out to Sean. Figured it would brighten up his day.

[don in tulsa]

much like sean i have always detested their song "true" and because of it i never have listened to any of their other songs. it's that bad to me.

[CHAD]

i'm really happy for you steve, but i don't see them playing a big tour. they weren't any bigger than human league, in fact, i might say human league were bigger. the fact that human league doesn't tour in the us much says a lot. in andy taylor's book, he says there was a rivalry with spandau, but there really wasn't. those bands were miles apart. unless they package themselves with a few other like minded bands, i don't see them making much of a dent over here.

[Jen in Korea]

The lyric quotation in the official statement reminds me of Still Crazy when Bill Nighy's character quotes his own lyrics during his father of the bride speech.

Sorry Steve, my ears will be bleeding along with Sean's. They were supposed to open for Power Station, so my friends and I turned up late for the show. It turned out one of the brothers (I think) had broken an arm (leg?), so a good local band had filled in. We felt totally robbed...

[Scott From Canada]

Well I always knew this day would come... time to get some ensure and head into my bunker till they go away.

kidding.

[Dave in Sydney]

Spandau Ballet reforming and Sean Daly's birthday within a day of each other?? A coincidence? More like the planets aligning....

[Spears]

Yes, yes, it's all about Sean.

Actually, he's the one who pointed out the initial story on CNN, though I'd received word a couple days ago. Just was waiting til the official announcement.

[Rebecca]

I know this much is true . . . my ears will be bleeding along with Sean's!

[Spears]

Sean Daly is too busy writing about 8-year-old guitar prodigies to worry about Spandau Ballet.

[Bassnote]

Sean Daly's ears are now bleeding.

[Steve Spears]

The boss has rejected my plan to take the rest of the day off to celebrate.

I hope the waters of Lake Itopia are ready to hear the drunken wailing of "True" tonight. Waterfowl and neighbors be damned.

[Marissa]

When did Keith Urban join Spandau Ballet (the guy second from the left.)

This is pretty groovy news for everyone but Sean Daly. His pain will never cease.

[Richard]

First ABC, now Spandau Ballet?

Steve, the return of the british invasion is official.