Live at the O2 was the head start for Spandau Ballet's Reformation tour. It had been the first one they'd done since breaking up in 1989, and failing miserably to sue each other in court ten years before. Tickets sold out very swiftly, and thousands of once die hard fans flocked to the venue to see their favourite band take to the stage once more. The comeback had been announced on Daybreak (then GMTV) a couple of months prior to the day, and they were glad to be back. Once More was released later that year.
Being a Spandau Ballet fan myself, this was the first concert I'd ever watched. At the actual time of the concert taking place, I would have only been ten years old, and there was no way my parents would have forked out for it. I got a very positive first impression of what they were like on stage when I watched it last year, and since then purchased it on DVD so I would be able to watch it whenever I desire. They had certainly chosen the right venue to hold the event alright; the place was completely and utterly packed! In some respects I felt sorry for those who were at the front; the poor souls had no seats! But, they were quite lucky to be so close in the first place. They probably were the ones who jumped as soon as SB announced they were touring and the kick off concert would be at the O2 in London. the city where all five originated from.
The kick off was just amazing, but I still think to this day they should have kicked off with Gold rather that To Cut A Long Story Short, as Gold, being a massive hit in the 1980's, made the band what they are today. I've always liked TCASS because although it was on the first album [Journeys to Glory], the tune is quite catchy and I know all the lyrics off by heart. In fact, I liked the order in which their classics, and some songs I'd never even heard before were played. Keeping my eye on the crowd though, they were quite enthusiastic and had their hands in the air, dancing, laughing and having a great time. Halfway through though they seemed to be like swaying plasticine figures, wanting them to get on with it. I've seen major rock bands like The Rolling Stones and The Who perform live, and SB performed at a more steady pace, where for me, was alright, because I could enjoy all the songs at the duration they were meant to be at.
I didn't really like the layout the band were at on stage. John was suspended on a higher platform above the rest. I don't know if that was to show his face, to show his 'godly' status or something else. But still, he played a crucial part, banging those drums to extreme extent, making the music unique.
Overall, I enjoyed the concert all the way through. It just proves that after not being around for 20 years, they can still bounce back with a vengeance and still just be as awesome as they were in the eighties. 5 out of 5, definitely.
Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it.
Flea
