This is a special re-release of an interview I recorded with Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet late last year. It was such a fascinating conversation that I knew it deserved to be heard again.

Long before True, Gold, Only When You Leave, and Communication became worldwide hits, Spandau Ballet were at the centre of a cultural revolution that transformed music, fashion, and pop culture. In this in-depth conversation, Martin takes us back to the band's formative years, from the legendary Blitz Club in London's Soho to becoming one of the defining bands of the 1980s.

The interview also celebrates the release of Everything Is Now – Vol. 1: 1978–1982, the definitive box set chronicling Spandau Ballet's groundbreaking early years. Martin shares stories about the band's rise from underground innovators to international superstars, the creative energy that fuelled their first recordings, and the friendships that helped shape one of Britain's most successful bands.

In this episode you'll hear:


The incredible story of how Spandau Ballet was born at London's legendary Blitz Club


The making of the early classics including To Cut a Long Story Short, The Freeze, Chant No. 1, and Instinction


Behind-the-scenes stories from the band's formative years


How the New Romantic movement changed music and fashion forever


Martin's reflections on the journey that led to timeless hits like True, Gold, and Communication


Why Everything Is Now – Vol. 1: 1978–1982 is the ultimate collection for Spandau Ballet fans

Whether you've been a fan since the New Romantic era or you're discovering Spandau Ballet for the first time, this conversation offers a unique look inside one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.

Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry legends who created, and continue to create, the soundtrack of our lives.

Visit: https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast

#MartinKemp #SpandauBallet #EverythingIsNow #True #Gold #NewRomantic #BlitzClub #80sMusic #ClassicPop #BritishMusic #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #MusicPodcast #ToCutALongStoryShort #Communication

This is a special re-release of an interview I recorded with&nbsp;Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet late last year. It was such a fascinating conversation that I knew it deserved to be heard again.
Long before True, Gold, Only When You Leave, and Communication became worldwide hits, Spandau Ballet were at the centre of a cultural revolution that transformed music, fashion, and pop culture. In this in-depth conversation, Martin takes us back to the band's formative years, from the legendary Blitz Club in London's Soho to becoming one of the defining bands of the 1980s.
The interview also celebrates the release of Everything Is Now &ndash; Vol. 1: 1978&ndash;1982, the definitive box set chronicling Spandau Ballet's groundbreaking early years. Martin shares stories about the band's rise from underground innovators to international superstars, the creative energy that fuelled their first recordings, and the friendships that helped shape one of Britain's most successful bands.
In this episode you'll hear:
<ul>
<li>
The incredible story of how Spandau Ballet was born at London's legendary Blitz Club
</li>
<li>
The making of the early classics including To Cut a Long Story Short, The Freeze, Chant No. 1, and Instinction
</li>
<li>
Behind-the-scenes stories from the band's formative years
</li>
<li>
How the New Romantic movement changed music and fashion forever
</li>
<li>
Martin's reflections on the journey that led to timeless hits like True, Gold, and Communication
</li>
<li>
Why Everything Is Now &ndash; Vol. 1: 1978&ndash;1982 is the ultimate collection for Spandau Ballet fans
</li>
</ul>
Whether you've been a fan since the New Romantic era or you're discovering Spandau Ballet for the first time, this conversation offers a unique look inside one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.
Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry legends who created, and continue to create, the soundtrack of our lives.
Visit: <a href="https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast">https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast</a>
#MartinKemp #SpandauBallet #EverythingIsNow #True #Gold #NewRomantic #BlitzClub #80sMusic #ClassicPop #BritishMusic #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #MusicPodcast #ToCutALongStoryShort #Communication

Every song has a story. Every legend has a journey.

Long Way to the Top is where those stories come alive — the raw, revealing, and often hilarious moments behind rock’s most enduring names. Hosted by Shayne Brian, this is the ultimate backstage pass into the minds of the artists who built the soundtrack of our lives.

From chart-topping anthems and studio secrets to the reinventions that kept them alive across decades, each episode dives deep into the grit, the glory, and the genius that made these icons who they are.

Featuring legendary guests including:


Stewart Copeland (The Police) — on the art of rhythm, rebellion, and creating one of the most innovative bands in rock history.


Leo Sayer — sharing stories from a five-decade career of global hits, resilience, and reinvention.


Russell Morris — reflecting on The Real Thing and the timeless spirit of Australian music.


Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock) — taking us through six decades of songs that shaped Aussie rock.


Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet) — reliving the glamour, sound, and legacy of the 1980s New Romantic movement.


Steve Kilbey (The Church) — exploring mysticism, creativity, and the making of Under the Milky Way.

Whether you grew up spinning vinyl or streaming playlists, Long Way to the Top takes you deep into the world of the artists who defined generations — and are still climbing.

Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast.

And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast,

Keep on Rocking!

Every song has a story. Every legend has a journey.
Long Way to the Top is where those stories come alive &mdash; the raw, revealing, and often hilarious moments behind rock&rsquo;s most enduring names. Hosted by Shayne Brian, this is the ultimate backstage pass into the minds of the artists who built the soundtrack of our lives.
From chart-topping anthems and studio secrets to the reinventions that kept them alive across decades, each episode dives deep into the grit, the glory, and the genius that made these icons who they are.
Featuring legendary guests including:
<ul data-start="899" data-end="1588">
<li data-start="899" data-end="1036">
Stewart Copeland (The Police) &mdash; on the art of rhythm, rebellion, and creating one of the most innovative bands in rock history.
</li>
<li data-start="1037" data-end="1143">
Leo Sayer &mdash; sharing stories from a five-decade career of global hits, resilience, and reinvention.
</li>
<li data-start="1144" data-end="1244">
Russell Morris &mdash; reflecting on The Real Thing and the timeless spirit of Australian music.
</li>
<li data-start="1245" data-end="1359">
Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock) &mdash; taking us through six decades of songs that shaped Aussie rock.
</li>
<li data-start="1360" data-end="1476">
Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet) &mdash; reliving the glamour, sound, and legacy of the 1980s New Romantic movement.
</li>
<li data-start="1477" data-end="1588">
Steve Kilbey (The Church) &mdash; exploring mysticism, creativity, and the making of Under the Milky Way.
</li>
</ul>
Whether you grew up spinning vinyl or streaming playlists, Long Way to the Top takes you deep into the world of the artists who defined generations &mdash; and are still climbing.
Hit plus or follow to subscribe to the podcast.
And head over to Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheLongWayToTheTopPodcast,
Keep on Rocking!