Music

Interview: Spandau Ballet talk summer gigs and the importance of pop music

Spandau Ballet just don’t stop, do they? Luckily for us, that is, as the iconic British group have a string of summer gigs lined up for July and August.

We caught up with John Keeble ahead of Spandau Ballet’s appearance at the America’s Cup World Series, Portsmouth event this Saturday. Here’s what he told us…

What is your favourite thing about performing in the UK during summer?

“It’s a whole new vibe. We’ve been playing arenas since January and now to be playing outdoors is fab. England on a warm evening as the sun goes down is a great place for some music.”

What can we expect from Saturday’s setlist? 
“Our arena shows are over two hours so we’ll probably have to trim it a tad. Expect all the hits and more.”

Spandau Ballet - Steal

Which songs are your personal favourites to perform live at the moment?
“Soul Boy [because it’s] new, exciting and a joy to perform.”

If you could share the stage with any other artist, who would it be and why?
“Dave Grohl, Eels and Josh Homme [are] my favourite artists.”

Portsmouth Live is a pop extravaganza, do you think pop music is still the reigning music genre?
“It’s the soundtrack to people’s lives! Every night on stage you see in the audience’s eyes how much our tunes mean to them. That’s the point of music; to connect and thrill.”

Spandau Ballet play the America’s Cup World Series, Portsmouth on Saturday 25 July, alongside WetWetWet, McBusted and Carly Rae Jepsenbook now at Ticketmaster.co.uk.