By Ian Woolley
As Tony releases his latest single, “Because Of You” this Friday, it coincides nicely with his forthcoming 40th anniversary UK tour and book…
Tony announced on social media, “Happy Valentine’s Day! I’ve got some exciting news for you…I’m going to be releasing a new single!. It’s called ‘Because of You’ and it’ll be available from Friday 18th February”.
On the back of all this, Tony has a new book which is a reflective look at his career to date.
Tony Hadley: My Life In Pictures is published by Omnibus Press on 7th April. In a beautifully illustrated full-colour hardback photobook, Tony Hadley looks back on the decades that have defined his life.
Tony takes the reader on a visual journey through the years with fully annotated photos from his own personal collection.
Looking back at the school band that would go on to become Spandau Ballet – one of the most globally successful and musically defining bands of the 80s. Through the ups and downs of the music industry, complete with behind the scenes footage, every aspect of Tony’s spectacular career is shared here.
Endearing family photos with personal anecdotes bring his story up to date as Tony tells the tale of his music career and his life on and off stage with his trademark honesty and humour.
Tony says: “I’m so excited to share this photographic trip down memory lane, exclusive ‘access all areas’ look at my life through the lens. Celebrating over four decades in the music business got me thinking about all fantastic experiences I’ve had”.
“As the memories came flooding back, I reached for my photo albums and have had such a good time looking through hundreds of images that capture some really great events, and also just show me and my friends having fun!”
He continues, “Music is my passion and I know I’m fortunate to have a successful career doing something I love. Unearthing picture after picture for the book has been a real joy and I wanted to share the snaps and the stories behind them.”
What were the funniest things he’s ever been involved in?
“Appearing in the comedy Benidorm which I absolutely love. We all had such a great time out there and all the cast was lovely. When we recorded the wedding scene we were just howling with laughter. I think that if they offered me a residency in Neptune’s I’d take it” laughed Tony.
“The second single is ready to go and most of the next album is pretty much written. You don’t make any money out of albums these days but if I don’t carry on writing and creating then you just become a tribute to yourself”.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love singing True, Gold, Only When I Leave and Through The Barricades which is what my fans expect and love as it’s part of their lives but also on the other hand it’s nice to say listen guys, check this out this a new song” Tony added candidly.
and Tony’s other passions?
“I love skiing and it’s one of my favourite holidays. That and running (Tony and his whole family loved Joe Wicks during lockdown) and watching Arsenal. We moved out of London some 9 years ago now and live in this tiny hamlet which we love. We have chickens and they lay very proficiently. So much so, that we give some of the eggs to those in our village that can’t get out and about”.
The full interview was published in the 2021 March issue of the Beat. Back copies are available through our website.
THE 40th ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Tony kicks off his 40th Anniversary Tour on the 1st March 2022 with 40 shows around the UK with his ‘Fabulous TH Band’. The tour takes place throughout March & May, with a further 4 special Orchestral dates in October this year
Tony’s unmistakable voice still brims with passion and urgency as it first did all those years ago. Fitting for what will be a big celebration of one of the biggest voices in pop,
Tony will perform tracks from across his career, both as the voice of Spandau Ballet and as a solo artist.
New Single ‘BECAUSE OF YOU’ Release Date: Friday 18th February 2022
The song is the second single to be released from his new album scheduled for Autumn 2022. It was produced, recorded & mixed by Gary Stevenson at Stevensonics Recording. Gary, one of the co-writers, also produced a number of songs on Tony’s 2018 solo album ‘Talking To The Moon’. Written by: Tony Hadley, Ray Loverock, Jon Morbin, Gary Stevenson, Saul Molvey.
Tony Hadley: My Life In Pictures is published by Omnibus Press on 7th Apri. Published 7th April 2022.
Pre-order HERE ISBN: 9781913172718
Tony is about to embark on a full UK tour on March 1st, full ticket details here: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/tony-hadley-tickets/artist/769192