Tony Hadley and Paul Young @ Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle – 22 October 2008

Last night I achieved a childhood dream. I saw Tony Hadley and Paul Young in concert.

Some of my younger readers might be asking “Who?” For their benefit, here’s a history lesson. I was lucky enough to be born in the 1980s. In this glorious decade Paul Young and Tony Hadley topped the charts, Paul with his solo career and Tony as lead singer of Spandau Ballet. These days they’re a bit older, a little heavier, but Paul and Tony are still delivering those hits to their faithful fans.

The show opened with both 80s icons taking the stage for a surprise duet of the Don Henley classic “Boys of Summer.” I was so overwhelmed with seeing both men on stage at once I immediately dug my camera out of my bag. Apparently it didn’t realise what a significant musical moment this was, because it refused to play. I couldn’t believe it. I would love to have a photo to show you, but it just wasn’t to be.

My despair at the camera situation faded though once Tony left the stage to allow Paul to shine in the spotlight. He took us down memory lane early with “Love of the Common People.” Poor Paul’s voice isn’t a patch on what it used to be, but we were happy to sing along loudly and make up for his vocal flaws. He was certainly energetic though, and no one could accuse him of failing to entertain.

After a few solo moments Tony returned to join Paul in his smash hit “Senza Uno Donna.” Then it was Paul’s time to rest while Tony belted out some Spandau Ballet classics. Unlike Paul, Tony was in fine voice. When I was busy swooning over him as a girl I don’t think I realised exactly how well he sings. And for the record, despite the extra kilos he’s gained, Tony Hadley still makes me swoon!

The night continued in much the same vein, with solo hits interspersed with some memorable covers and duets. It was an inspired format which kept the energy levels up and everyone in the room engaged. These guys know they are able to tour today because they had some massive hits twenty years ago. They’re appreciative of their fans’ loyalty, so they’re happy to play the classics the supporters love.

The 80s wasn’t about particularly deep music, but what it lacked in messages it made up for in fun. I had a ball dancing with the other adoring girls up the front, singing along to every word of songs like “Come Back and Stay” and “Gold.”

But what I will remember most about last night is that I heard my favorite song in the world live. That song is “True.” Yes it’s overplayed and overblown, but seeing Tony perform it right there in front of me was something I’ll never forget.

After the show Tony and Paul decided to again thank the fans for their devotion by sticking around for autographs and photos. Again, I cursed my petulant camera. So I don’t have the photo to prove I met my childhood heroes, but I do have this concert ticket. And I have the memory of Tony wrapping me up in a cuddle and kissing me on the cheek!

Tomorrow I will go back to being a serious music journalist. But right now I’m happy to just be a gushing 80s music fan.

Image source: own photo