Back in 2002 things weren’t looking too good for Messrs Hadley, Norman & Keeble. Once part of one of the biggest bands of the ‘80’s, they had it all, now they were locked in a bitter legal battle with former band mates (and main Spandau Ballet songwriters) Gary and Martin Kemp. That battle was drawn out and involved issues over song-writing credits, royalties and ownership of the band name.

Now in 2009 and that is all behind them. Spandau Ballet have reformed, are about to release a new album (albeit a re-recording of some of their best known hits) and have sold out every date of their comeback tour- including several nights at London’s O2 Arena.

This release of 'An Evening of Gold' is well timed, as there is currently a lot of interest in the band. The CD was recorded in 2002, in a smaller venue than the band were accustomed to - a nightclub in Bradford. The set-list features some of the bands biggest hits, including 'Gold', 'True', 'To Cut A Long Story Short' and 'Chant No 1', and has a more guitar edged sound than most people would expect.

The songs sound as good as they did back in the ‘80’s and there is an interesting choice of cover in Duran Duran’s 'Save A Prayer'- interesting given the rivalry between the two bands back in the day (this was on a scale similar to Blur Vs Oasis at the height of ‘90’s Britpop).

Had the original band not managed to bury the hatchet, then this touring group of Spandau Ballet members would probably have managed to keep fans happy. However, the real thing is doing that right now, 'An Evening of Gold' is still well worth checking out though.

****

Review by Nikk Gunns

£12.99

© 2009 Angel Air Records. All rights reserved.