Tony Hadley & Go West @ 16 Footers, Belmont – 5 November 2011

It’s taken me a few days to write this review as I’ve attempted to make the transition from squealy fangirl to serious reviewer. I’m still not sure I’ve gotten there, but the clock’s ticking. The thing is, I’m coming off the sort of extended concert high that I haven’t felt in a long time. And on Saturday I had one of the best nights of my life.

Long time readers of my blog will know I’m a sucker for 80s music, and in particular that of Spandau Ballet. So when I heard the band’s lead singer Tony Hadley was playing Belmont 16 Footers I jumped at the chance to attend. Knowing that Go West would be joining him was the ice on a neon colored cake.

Go West kicked off the night with a bunch of songs I didn’t know. It didn’t matter though; give me some synthesizers and I’m a happy girl. I was also thrilled to hear Peter Cox’s voice is just as strong as it always was, and the band were just as tight.

I was enjoying myself listening to Go West’s sleeper hits, but my mood reached another level when Tony joined the band for Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer.” The combination of Tony and one of my favourite 80s tracks saw me up on the dance floor. I didn’t leave it for much of the night, and I admit that I brought back many of the moves from the discos of my youth.

The night saw the guys singing hits and covers solo, then reuniting for some choice duets. There were the expected but no less appreciated songs. I loved hearing Go West sing “We Close Our Eyes” and “King of Wishful Thinking,” and went nuts for Spandau’s “Only When You Leave,” “Communication,” and “Gold.” Slow dancing with my husband to “True” was so special that I got teary.

But it was the unexpected numbers that made the night really special. Go West’s version of “Tracks of My Tears” was killer, as was Tony Hadley’s take on Nina Simone’s “Feelin’ Good.” He also made us all squeal with delight at “Rio.” Who needs Simon Le Bon? These covers were interesting, but not as bizarre as hearing them sing out Foo Fighters “Learn to Fly,” Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire,” and Stereophonics “Dakota.” Bizarre but completely awesome.

If I’m critical it wasn’t a perfect night. The sound quality was pretty poor in places. It seems the 16 Footers really needs to learn about sound checking. But I couldn’t fault the bands. They brought the 80s back to us all for an evening, and it was incredible.

Image source: own photos

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