‘We're back to doing what we love’

As Let’s Rock the Moor returns on Saturday after a year’s hiatus, headliner Tony Hadley has spoken about his excitement to be back on a live stage after more than a year away due to the pandemic.

“People ask me ‘what hobbies do you have?’ but I don’t have any other hobbies really, because my hobby is music and writing,” said Tony.

“Not being able to perform in front of a live audience for 18 months was incredibly frustrating.

“However, the last few months have been fantastic. We’re back to doing what we love and playing at gigs and festivals.”

The former Spandau Ballet singer added: “Do you know the first show back was really scary.

“I always get nervous anyway before I go on stage, even after all these years.

“Myself and The Fabulous TH Band – my mates who are great, great musicians – have a little routine that we go through, but just when I’m waiting for the intro music to come on that the butterflies start to kick in.

“Once you’re on stage, everything’s working, and the audience are there smiling and hugging each other, we were just so happy to be back.”

Although he still loves to perform the ‘Spandau classics’ – True, Gold and Through the Barricades, to name a few – Tony has his sights firmly set on the future, with a 40th anniversary tour booked and a new album, currently untitled, in the works.

“We’re going out on the road in March and in May to basically go to all the parts of the country which we’ve not toured for years and years,” Tony added.

“We’re also going all across the world in 2022; we’re off to Spain, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and Japan, so I’m going to be a very busy boy next year!”