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Ballet good show wows crowds after 20-year absence
THE screams started before they had even played a note.
There was no doubt that after a 20-year absence Spandau Ballet fans were more than ready to welcome back the band that last hit the high notes in the 80s.
To rapturous applause they kicked off their Sheffield Arena gig with To Cut a Long Story Short followed by The Freeze, and Highly Strung, which had the crowd on their feet and dancing.
Front man Tony Hadley sang powerfully and struck up an instant rapport with the audience.
"It's the first show for 20 years in England - we didn't know what to expect - thank you so much!" he said as the crowd cheered his every word.
Hearing the amazing saxophonist Steve Norman, drummer John Keeble and Kemp brothers Gary and Martin, was a reminder that these are guys were not just pop stars but accomplished musicians too.
And while they may be a bit older and bit less flamboyant in the outfit department than in their New Romantic days, they still had the energy and enthusiasm to excite an audience.
Gary was celebrating his birthday and didn't seem to mind having the entire crowd sing their good wishes.
The atmosphere was electric as the band clearly enjoyed performing and the crowd couldn't get enough.
And the hits just kept coming. Instinction, Communication and Through the Barricades - recently selected by Derbyshire yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur as one of her favourite songs on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs.
Lifeline, Chant and Gold were big crowd pleasers and the two hour-show flew by.
And as Tony Hadley sang their smash-hit ballad True, accompanied by the entire audience, it was as though the band had turned the clock back two decades to long ago school discos for the audience of mainly 30s and 40s who loved the show - and loved the band all over again.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
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