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Spandau Ballet announce new singer Ross William Wild and London show

Former frontman Tony Hadley quit the band in 2017

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Thursday 07 June 2018 03:56 EDT
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Spandau Ballet with new singer Ross William Wild
Spandau Ballet with new singer Ross William Wild

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Spandau Ballet have announced that Ross William Wild will perform as their new singer at a special one-off UK show in London.

The band will be newly fronted by Wild, who was introduced to the group after starring as Elvis Presley alongside bassist Martin Kemp in The Million Dollar Quartet, in 2016.

"He gave me goosebumps every time he sang," Kemp told the band. When they began discussing a return, Wild was suggested as a potential lead singer.

Songwriter Gary Kemp said of Wild: "Ross's great talent and passion has given us the confidence to continue playing the music we love. To quote one of our own songs: 'There's power in his voice and it makes us feel so sure..."

Steve Norman added: "Ross not only has the technical ability to cover Spandau's songs but he's already introducing his artistic creativity to the fold. On top of that he's a right nice bloke. We struck lucky."

Wild said: "Spandau's music is so current. Having listened to it from a young age and then getting back into it recently, this stuff is still so valid. That's why it's so important that they keep going. Spandau Ballet isn't about one person.

"It isn't just about the boys that are there now. It's not about me. It was a movement. If it wasn't for Spandau so much stuff wouldn't have happened. They are pioneers. To be at the helm now with them feels just ridiculous!"

Former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley quit the band in July last year via an unusually-worded statement where he ruled out any future shows.

Remaining members Martin Kemp, Gary Kemp, Steve Norman and John Keeble said they would continue making music and touring as Spandau Ballet, stating they were unable to continue working with Hadley and had made the decision to "move on" as a band.

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