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Journeys to Glory: The Spandau Ballet Story

Jonathan Ross tells the story of five mates from Dame Alice Owen's School in Islington, North London, who became one of the biggest UK bands of the 80s.

As Spandau Ballet return to live performance for the first time in 19 years, Jonathan Ross tells the story of five mates from Dame Alice Owen's School in Islington, North London, who became one of the biggest UK bands of the 80s.

Jonathan Ross has been a fan of Spandau Ballet since he was a regular at the Blitz, the club where they performed and which some consider the birthplace of New Romanticism. All five band members - Tony Hadley, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp, Steve Norman and John Keeble - contribute to the programme. It covers the band's beginnings, the heady days at the Blitz, the glory days of chart topping singles and platinum albums, and outrageous 80s fashion. Followed by decline, a bitter break up, years of legal arguments and the eventual reformation earlier this year, with a new album and tour.

The Spandau Ballet story remembers the massively popular, but indulgent 80s music scene, when New Romantic bands evolved from fashion driven icons to become major international rock stars. Theirs is a traditional rock 'n' roll story of indulgence, disintegration and eventual re-incarnation, told in an open and frank style by the five guys who first dreamt of stardom as school mates back in 1976.

1 hour

Last on

Tue 17 Nov 2009 22:30

Broadcast

  • Tue 17 Nov 2009 22:30