Spandau Ballet

Spandau Ballet
Spandau Ballet in 2009
Background information
Origin	Islington, London, England
Genres	New wave blue-eyed soul synthpop
Years active	1979–1990 2009–present
Labels	Chrysalis Mercury Epic
Website	spandauballet.com
Members	Tony Hadley Gary Kemp Steve Norman John Keeble Martin Kemp
Past members	See "Early Members"

Spandau Ballet /ˈspændaʊ ˈbæl.eɪ/ are an English band formed in London in 1979. The band were inspired by, and an integral part of, the New Romantic movement. They became one of the most successful groups to emerge during the New Romantic era. The band's classic line-up features brothers Gary Kemp and Martin Kemp on guitars, vocalist Tony Hadley, saxophonist Steve Norman and drummer John Keeble.

The group's debut single "To Cut a Long Story Short", which reached No. 5 in the UK in 1980, was the first of ten UK top 10 hits, including a No. 1 single "True", a No. 2 single "Gold", and two No. 3 singles: "Chant No. 1" and "Only When You Leave". The band have had eight UK top 10 albums, including three "greatest hits" compilations and an album of re-recorded material.

At the height of their popularity in 1984, they received the Brit Award for technical excellence. The band split in 1990 and the members pursued solo careers, with both Kemp brothers winning acting roles. Since their reformation in 2009, the band have been recognised at the Q Awards and Gary Kemp's songwriting has been honoured by the Ivor Novello Awards.