Spandau Ballet, one of the leading New Romantic bands of the early ’80s, gained immense popularity with numerous British hits and the iconic American hit ‘True.’ Emerging as a successful group from the new wave era, they outshone most other New Romantic bands, with only Duran Duran enjoying greater commercial success. Initially known for their synthesized dance-pop sound, the London-based quintet transitioned from a Roxy Music-inspired style to a more refined white soul act influenced by Bryan Ferry.
The band, formed in 1979 by the Kemp brothers, Martin and Gary, along with Tony Hadley, Steve Norman, and John Keeble, quickly rose to fame in the vibrant London nightclub scene known as ‘New Romantic.’ With their flamboyant fashion sense and makeup, Spandau Ballet captured the essence of the era and caught the eye of Chris Blackwell, head of Island Records. Despite rejecting a contract offer from Island Records, they established their own label, Reformation, and achieved success with hits like ‘To Cut a Long Story Short’ and ‘Musclebound.’