I hate to ruin the name for you.... The 'Spandau ballet' was the nickname given to the swinging, twitching movement of a hanging dying body.It was coined during the Second World War. 'Spandau' was the manufacturer of Nazi machine guns.
@@theotherwalt True, but the band took the name after seeing it scrawled on a bathroom wall in a nightclub in Berlin. If legend’s to believed, they saw the line “Rudolf Hess, all alone, dancing the Spandau Ballet.”
About 20 years ago Gary Kemp (on piano here) stopped by a store I worked at. He was pleasantly surprised that I recognized him. When I said that I loved his work on the film The Krays (with his brother Martin, on guitar), his eyes just lit up! He loved being recognized for being in a film released only in art houses in the States. Real cool, down to earth guy.
Thanks great story! You may know, he's still touring, playing and singing, playing guitar in Nick Mason's (formerly Pink Floyd) band performing early Floyd material - I've seen him with the band twice, really good and he seems such a great guy in interviews. In the early 1980s when Spandau were at the height of their fame in the UK, I was full on into heavy metal, but still I recognized a good tune when I heard one, and this band had many!
PM Dawn's Die Without U is still a song I listen to on repeat to this day. I really helped drive home the romantic story in Boomerang at the film's conclusion. You two have to review Eddie Murphy's underrated film Boomerang on your Film page one day. I personally think it is one of the best Romantic Comedies of all time. It's so underrated.
@@kyraspikes7542 They have so many great songs. I was in high school when that sang came on, and when I was driving home from work at night, if that piano opening came on, I'd just drive a little bit more in the darkness. Looking Through Patient Eyes and Ways of the Wind also gave off that airy, calm feeling.
Someone mentioned here that PM Dawn sampled this on their song/video Set Adrift on Memory Bliss. A side note is that the lead singer of Spandau Ballet appeared at the end of their video.
@Vern Sherris Yes it would definitely be nice to hang out with them 🙂👍. I agree the guys in Spandau Ballet are very down to earth and they have never had big egos which is so refreshing 💚
You just recommended my two most favorite songs of theirs. But I'll suggest if they do "Gold" to react to the album version not the video since it is longer. I really love Tony Hadley's voice.
I really appreciate people who put comments about these songs. About meanings, happenings during the recordings, or thoughts of band members. When these came out we did not have an internet to find out facts. Your comments are much appreciated from one who grew up with this music. A deeper appreciation for all music.
The joy on Asia's face couldn't be hidden! I've known this song since it was released in the UK, way back when, but this is the first time I listened to it on headphones, with you guys. The production is fantastic, each instrument and Tony's voice are all top class. A perfect pop song?
BJ got it right! "Span-dow", like @nitab said below. This song has been in many movies, including Pixels, Sixteen Candles, Charlie's Angels, Crazy Stupid Love, Hot Tub Time Machine, 50 First Dates, and The Wedding Singer. Definitely a staple song of the 80's. Thanks for another great reaction!
@@jenniferfoster1692 Same here, but I had already graduated when Sixteen Candles came out (Class of '82)! Those are two great nostalgic movies. Whenever I see The Wedding Singer being aired on television, I have to watch it!
Tony Hadley led that band. His voice was unique, emotional, exhibited a pure innocence , totally vulnerable and beautiful. I still listen to this song in 2022.
Both of those are contenders, for sure. I would also add “Only the Lonely”, Come On Eileen”, “Cruel Summer”, “I Can’t Wait”, and “Never Gonna Give You Up” into the list of nominees.
I simply love this song. Love Tony's voice, the backing vocals, the melody, the vibe and magic of the whole package. I went to a SB concert three or four years ago in Madrid and I have to say that this group is awesome live. Tony's voice is still fantastic and they are a very powerful band.
I remember hearing this when it first came out and it blew my mind. Then years later hearing PM Dawn sampling it and it blew my mind all over again ❤ Classic's NEVER fade away, thank you Spandau Ballett.
I remember being on the school bus in 83...the driver always played the radio and this song was on all the time that year...everytime I hear it ...right back
The phrase "Spandau Ballet" was said to be coined in the Spandau prison and was used to describe the twitching and movement of a hanging body. I also read that the soldiers using Spandau Machine Guns borrowed it to describe the motion of a soldiers body after been shot by a volley from the weapon.
In the 80s I thought it was such a simple name for a band. Then I found out what it meant, I couldn't believe a band that plays easy listening music would choose that name.
The version of the story I heard was that Spandau Ballet described the jerky movement of a target after being shot repeatedly by a German MG42, specifically. The MG42 was one of the most feared weapons on the battlefield due to its reliability, its extraordinary rate of fire and the calibre of round it used (7.92mm). The name "Spandau" was a generic term referring to any German machine gun, which was based on the town of Spandau where many weapons and munitions were manufactured.
It gives me joy to know that the same songs I heard on the radio years ago are bringing happiness to a new generation. Yes I felt the same thing and still do when I hear this it's a peaceful feeling and it makes me think of walking in the city on a mild summer day and eating lunch and suddenly this comes on the radio.
another band from the new wave / romantic era you should check out is ABC - "the look of love". they have a couple of other goods songs too such as "poison arrow" and "all of my heart". the first 2 songs here are pop radio bops, "all of my heart" is a slower song about lost love 😥
I was stationed in Germany when this came out. There weren’t many clubs which didn’t play this several times during a night. It brings back great memories.
Super smooth British band from the 1980's, this reaction was a real treat and a pleasure to listen to, thank you, l have been waiting for someone to do a good reaction to this band. Tony Hadley has a terrific voice, Gary and Martin Kemp were are brothers on guitars they look almost identical, l think Gary wrote this song if l remember correctly. They performed at the famous1985 'Live aid' concert. The group said their name was taken from some graffiti written on the wall of a 1970's Berlin night club. " Rudolph Hess all alone in prison dancing the Spandau Ballet". Spandau being the name of the prison which held Rudolph Hess the only prisoner there for 20 years.
This whole album is fantastic! Asia is on point. This came out whie I was in HS and all the laides felt the same way. You put this on, or Sade, and you were good to go.
Love reliving hearing this song for the first time with you two! Such a classic. You might like ABC. They are from same era, with great vocals, instrumentation and very theatrical. Look of Love is a good start. Love it!
This is one of THE quintessential 80's songs, period. 5-year old me in 1983 when this came out loved the vibes of it, and soon to be 45 year old me still loves it! Oh yeah, and PM Dawn sampled this song to back their "Set adrift on memory bliss" in the 90's, mixed with hip hop style beats, and made this song a banger the second time around...
"𝙸 𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗" seemed like such a pretentious lyric when I was 14. At 52, the song hits different. But I'm also reminded of the absolute lack of game I had at that age, and how much this song reminded me of that fact at the time. 🤣
How vunny... I was just thinking the same thing! I'm 50 now and understand this song so much better! I was in a new wave band (opened for Erasure, Dinosaur Jr, and No Doubt before they were huge,), and we used to play this song alot! Looking back I was pretensious. Thought I was so wordly! Ha!
Spandau (Span-dow) Ballet (tiptoe dancing) 😂was part of the second British Invasion of New Wave music that came over from England in the eighties! They have songs with beautiful melodies and instrumentals! Also check out their hits Gold and Only When You Leave! This song, True, was sampled by the band PM Dawn for their hit Set Adrift On Memory Bliss in 1991, Spandau Ballet’s lead singer, Tony Hadley, even made a cameo in the PM Dawn video! ❤️❤️
Great Reaction. Watching BJ touch his chest and Asia’s beautiful beaming smile throughout really made this a great reaction. You may also have heard this song sampled in P M Dawn’s Set Adrift on Memory Bliss (1991).
"Span-daouw balleh". The band belonged to the "New Romantic" music scene, where it was fashionable to use Middle-European Places in the Music (The american Band "Berlin", Ultravox "Vienna" or "Drowning in Berlin" by the Mobiles.) Spandau is a part of Berlin and was widely known as the place where the last top-Nazis were kept and executed. The term refers to the twitching and "dancing" a body does when being hanged/strangled and was popular in the late 70ies as there was only one prisoner in the whole facility (Rudolf Hess) and everybody was wondering/demanding when he would do the "ballet". He did so in 1987.
It was sampled by PM Dawn title of the song Set a drift on Memory Drift in the 90s... check out the video... you'll see Tony Hadley the lead singer from Spandau Ballet at the end of the video.
Spandau Ballet...sounds like a "bandeau" top; or "Span-Dow Jones Stock Market"..& ballet is like a Ballet (ballerina). It`s a beautiful song, and it definitely is soothing and takes you away...like Christopher Cross`-"Sailing". Spandau Ballet is one of many cool `80s groups from the underrated "New Wave/Alternative" music genre. So many...Thompson Twins, Duran Duran, Bananarama, Pet Shop Boys, Howard Jones, Erasure, The Cure, Culture Club, Frankie Goes To Hollywood,....so many more! It`ll take a few years to react to all the music from that genre. Simply Red, Human League, The Cult, New Order, Depeche Mode, Kajagoogoo...yes, Kajagoogoo...one nice song "Too Shy". You need to dip into the `80s New Wave. Take a dive into the Wave! :)
Another one of those fantastic British pop rock songs from the 80's. There are a quite a few of them, like around 20, and to me they never get old. They are British soul music.
Span Dow (like wow) And ballet as is ballerina- A group called PM Dawn sampled this some years later- (called “set adrift on memory bliss”) it’s a great dance tune with this mixed in- Please react to it as well, definitely worth it- it was a huge hit as well- so y’all might recognize it from there too- 💖💙👍✌️
One of my fav songs from my teenage years. Y’all need to look up Johnny Hates Jazz “Shattered Dreams”, and Double “Captain Of Her Heart”. Those are some other favs of mine from that decade that have a feeling tangential to “True”. I know others in the comments will suggest Spandau Ballet’s other hits, but track fine the documentary on them, called “Soul Boys of the Western World”.
The name Spandau Ballet Friend and writer Robert Elms suggested they change their name to Spandau Ballet, a phrase which he told them he had seen written on a wall on a weekend trip to Berlin: “Rudolf Hess, all alone, dancing the Spandau Ballet”
Love this group 💕 Absolutely one of the stand out bands when you think of 80s music. Watched them live only a few years ago and they were fantastic! Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Hey guys, Spandau is a or one district of Berlin (I lived in Spandau for 20 years!). These Brits were stationed soldiers in Berlin-Spandau (of course before the wall came down) and formed a band. Here you go... Spandau and Ballet - like ballet. It was a major song back then. Thanks for reacting to it.
This song has been with me for nearly 40 years. Every time I listen to it, my mind reflects a scene as if I were on the beach in the Maldives, enjoying the leisurely life like being in paradise.
It‘s the sound of my soul. True is my all time fav song and Spandau Ballet is MY BAND. I remember always having the same haircut as Martin Kemp during the 80‘s. He was an icon…all of them were icons and still are and I‘m feelin‘ so sad that they won‘t perform together, cause Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley don’t like each other for many years.😢
They were so huge in the 80s, their song 'Gold' is another track you need to hear. The brothers Martin and Gary Kemp starred in a movie about the Kray brothers in the 90s.
You also probably heard it in the 90's when PM DAWN sampled it on "Set adrift on memory bliss of you". Great 80's one-hit wonder but that one hit is a masterpiece.
Spandau Ballet drummer was the first who recorded the Simmons SDSV electronic drums you see on this video, the song is Chant No.1 (I don't need this pressure on), that was before the True album.
Many an 80's disco slow dance was had to this one - for Spandau Ballet if they wasn't already big by then, this just really ensured their popularity went as high as the sky!
And there they were..Asia and BJ..two lonely kids Sauturday night at the Roller Rink...eyeing each other ftom across the floor. SUDDENLY..the DJ played this song and two became one..in A couple skate for the ages! And they never looked back!!! 😁❤
Y'all need to listen to PM Dawn's Set A Drift On Memory Bliss. Then lose your mind and listen to the sample used from this song. Make sure to play the actual video not the lyrics only. You'll see the lead singer of Spandau Ballet make a cameo appearance.
Massive world wide hit....No1 in 21 countries
Spandau Ballet is the sound of hundreds of teenage couples romantically slow dancing together at a typical 80's high school dance.
Baby making song!
@@kfiscal01 My oldest was concieved to this. So yeah.
Many a hand was gently but firmly moved from many a buttock during the slow dance to this song. Those were the days ❤️
Number one slow dance song at 80’s proms and weddings.
and when Steve Norman began his sax solo you leaned in for a kiss...ahh...happy memories...
Span-dow (like "wow") Ballet...like ballet with ballerinas! This song is timeless. I actually find myself sing it from time to time.
I hate to ruin the name for you.... The 'Spandau ballet' was the nickname given to the swinging, twitching movement of a hanging dying body.It was coined during the Second World War. 'Spandau' was the manufacturer of Nazi machine guns.
@@theotherwalt Well, shit, Walt. Now I can't unknow this. Shit, Walt.
@@theotherwalt And the name of the Allied Military Prison where the Criminals from the Nuremberg Trials not sentenced to death were imprisoned...
Spandau is a city on the outskirts of Berlin .
@@theotherwalt True, but the band took the name after seeing it scrawled on a bathroom wall in a nightclub in Berlin. If legend’s to believed, they saw the line “Rudolf Hess, all alone, dancing the Spandau Ballet.”
This song gives me a nostalgic feeling and literally makes me think of the 80's growing up.
Same!💯👍😁
Hits a special cord with me too.
Absolutely!
Yeah does the same to me too
I know right! I was a teenager then, I still love this music
About 20 years ago Gary Kemp (on piano here) stopped by a store I worked at. He was pleasantly surprised that I recognized him. When I said that I loved his work on the film The Krays (with his brother Martin, on guitar), his eyes just lit up! He loved being recognized for being in a film released only in art houses in the States. Real cool, down to earth guy.
What an awesome story. How cool is that!
Thanks great story! You may know, he's still touring, playing and singing, playing guitar in Nick Mason's (formerly Pink Floyd) band performing early Floyd material - I've seen him with the band twice, really good and he seems such a great guy in interviews. In the early 1980s when Spandau were at the height of their fame in the UK, I was full on into heavy metal, but still I recognized a good tune when I heard one, and this band had many!
they played twins in the Krays but Martin is the younger brother
Cool story!
He also played the role of Sy Spector in _The Bodyguard_ in 1992.
You must have caught him on a good day, he's not very likable
As an old metal-head, this song is one of my guilty pleasures! 🤔🤫
Gary Kemp the writer of the song and piano player was Cy the manager in The Body Guard with Whitney Houston.
As you guys were saying, PM Dawn later sampled this in an R&B song called "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" in 1991, which also became a very big hit.
RIP
And Tony Hadley’s (lead singer) in the video too.
I love that song!💗👍👍👍
PM Dawn's Die Without U is still a song I listen to on repeat to this day. I really helped drive home the romantic story in Boomerang at the film's conclusion. You two have to review Eddie Murphy's underrated film Boomerang on your Film page one day. I personally think it is one of the best Romantic Comedies of all time. It's so underrated.
@@kyraspikes7542 They have so many great songs. I was in high school when that sang came on, and when I was driving home from work at night, if that piano opening came on, I'd just drive a little bit more in the darkness. Looking Through Patient Eyes and Ways of the Wind also gave off that airy, calm feeling.
This song gives me goosebumps. Tom's voice is extraordinary. The fantastic sound, it's like walking among the clouds.
Someone mentioned here that PM Dawn sampled this on their song/video Set Adrift on Memory Bliss. A side note is that the lead singer of Spandau Ballet appeared at the end of their video.
💯👍
@Vern Sherris I thought so too! I love the song by PM Dawn too 🙂
Oh sh*t I didn't know that!😱fair play to Tony for doing that 👌💜
@@makaveliuk86 Yes Tony was all for PM Dawn including a sample of "True" in their song and was happy to appear in their video as well 🙂👍.
@Vern Sherris Yes it would definitely be nice to hang out with them 🙂👍. I agree the guys in Spandau Ballet are very down to earth and they have never had big egos which is so refreshing 💚
Love them.Please also do their "Gold" and "Only When You Leave". Seriously they were awesome.
Yes definitely 'Only When You Leave'
To me, "Only When You Leave" is their best song.
You just recommended my two most favorite songs of theirs. But I'll suggest if they do "Gold" to react to the album version not the video since it is longer. I really love Tony Hadley's voice.
Asia's smile is heaven!!!
Yeah, she's a lovely woman.
I love her vibe! Always smiling and positive! 😊👍🏻
"Span-Dow" Bal-A.....is the jerky dance one does when getting riddled by machine gun fire.
Correct! Most people don't know it's an inference.@@powellpatterson4928
She is very pretty. 😊
Definitely one of the most memorable song-along songs of the 80’s. A TRUE classic.
Oh yeah, it's the ultimate Calgone-Take-Me-Away song.
I really appreciate people who put comments about these songs. About meanings, happenings during the recordings, or thoughts of band members. When these came out we did not have an internet to find out facts. Your comments are much appreciated from one who grew up with this music. A deeper appreciation for all music.
The best song of this fantastic group is THROUGH THE BARRICADES, absolutely BEAUTIFUL
Asia is so happy ! Your smile lights up a room . Beautiful
The joy on Asia's face couldn't be hidden! I've known this song since it was released in the UK, way back when, but this is the first time I listened to it on headphones, with you guys. The production is fantastic, each instrument and Tony's voice are all top class. A perfect pop song?
The joy on Asia's face was because she recognised the sample that PM Dawn used for "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss".
I hear this and it's 1983 all over again... miss those days.
I always loved the lead singer's voice.
Tony Hadley….and his voice is still good, check out his song…..Obvious
He has a new song out called Because of You, check it out
💞💞💞This song gets me grooving and swaying everytime! That 80s sax just sucks you in every time... So smooth!
BJ got it right! "Span-dow", like @nitab said below. This song has been in many movies, including Pixels, Sixteen Candles, Charlie's Angels, Crazy Stupid Love, Hot Tub Time Machine, 50 First Dates, and The Wedding Singer. Definitely a staple song of the 80's. Thanks for another great reaction!
Also, in the film "Duplex".
Yes, my first introduction to it was Sixteen Candles when I was in high school in the 80s. Also remember it from The Wedding Singer, that was great
@@jenniferfoster1692 Same here, but I had already graduated when Sixteen Candles came out (Class of '82)! Those are two great nostalgic movies. Whenever I see The Wedding Singer being aired on television, I have to watch it!
@@jerickson725 Yes, I can watch both of them over and over, they never get old. Sweet and hilarious.
80s music will always be awesome forever !!
Tony Hadley led that band. His voice was unique, emotional, exhibited a pure innocence , totally vulnerable and beautiful. I still listen to this song in 2022.
I've seen them live omg Tony's voice sounds like the studio version
I think Asia needs to sing this song.
Or any song.... love her voice
Iconic 80s tune! Tony Hatley had a very clean powerful voice.
A very recognizable song from 1983. This song was a Banger back in the day. They had another big hit called "Gold".
I can't hear this song and not think of Sixteen Candles. The song and movie are the definition of the 80s. Such good memories of my teenage years! 💞
Auuuuutomobiiilllle?
@@Marbella125 Lake...big lake...
You need to check out their other big hit, "Gold." So beautiful!
"True", is a legit contender for song of the decade ('80s). Although, it would likely lose to, "Everybody Wants To Rule The World".
I think the title would go to Rick Astley - Never gonna give you up lol
Both of those are contenders, for sure. I would also add “Only the Lonely”, Come On Eileen”, “Cruel Summer”, “I Can’t Wait”, and “Never Gonna Give You Up” into the list of nominees.
These are all really really good songs but imma need to go for MJ
Song of rbe decade 80s Save a Prayer Duran Duran
Aha's Take On Me seems like the most recognizable song of the 80s not Michael Jackson.
I simply love this song. Love Tony's voice, the backing vocals, the melody, the vibe and magic of the whole package. I went to a SB concert three or four years ago in Madrid and I have to say that this group is awesome live. Tony's voice is still fantastic and they are a very powerful band.
I remember hearing this when it first came out and it blew my mind. Then years later hearing PM Dawn sampling it and it blew my mind all over again ❤
Classic's NEVER fade away, thank you Spandau Ballett.
In the UK, Spandau Ballet were chart rivals with Duran Duran in the 80s.
For something a bit funkier from them, try "Chant No. 1".
I remember being on the school bus in 83...the driver always played the radio and this song was on all the time that year...everytime I hear it ...right back
The phrase "Spandau Ballet" was said to be coined in the Spandau prison and was used to describe the twitching and movement of a hanging body. I also read that the soldiers using Spandau Machine Guns borrowed it to describe the motion of a soldiers body after been shot by a volley from the weapon.
In the 80s I thought it was such a simple name for a band. Then I found out what it meant, I couldn't believe a band that plays easy listening music would choose that name.
A name more suited to a heavy metal band?
@@theotherwalt Joy Division a bit more believable
iirc they just saw it as graffiti on a wall & liked the look of the name so didn't know what it meant
The version of the story I heard was that Spandau Ballet described the jerky movement of a target after being shot repeatedly by a German MG42, specifically. The MG42 was one of the most feared weapons on the battlefield due to its reliability, its extraordinary rate of fire and the calibre of round it used (7.92mm). The name "Spandau" was a generic term referring to any German machine gun, which was based on the town of Spandau where many weapons and munitions were manufactured.
It gives me joy to know that the same songs I heard on the radio years ago are bringing happiness to a new generation. Yes I felt the same thing and still do when I hear this it's a peaceful feeling and it makes me think of walking in the city on a mild summer day and eating lunch and suddenly this comes on the radio.
I have no idea how many times I’ve heard this, but ya never get sick of it.
Asia has the prettiest smile
🤗❣️🤗
another band from the new wave / romantic era you should check out is ABC - "the look of love". they have a couple of other goods songs too such as "poison arrow" and "all of my heart". the first 2 songs here are pop radio bops, "all of my heart" is a slower song about lost love 😥
💯
I've always loved "True" the music is amazing & that Sax solo... WOW!!
But I also love the sappy over the top emoting lyrics & singing.
I was stationed in Germany when this came out. There weren’t many clubs which didn’t play this several times during a night. It brings back great memories.
'Spandau Ballet - Gold', is another banger from them!
Can’t hear this song without flashing back to my teens in the 80’s!! Love it!
This song was also a huge hit on black radio when it came out in 1983.
Super smooth British band from the 1980's, this reaction was a real treat and a pleasure to listen to, thank you, l have been waiting for someone to do a good reaction to this band. Tony Hadley has a terrific voice, Gary and Martin Kemp were are brothers on guitars they look almost identical, l think Gary wrote this song if l remember correctly. They performed at the famous1985 'Live aid' concert. The group said their name was taken from some graffiti written on the wall of a 1970's Berlin night club. " Rudolph Hess all alone in prison dancing the Spandau Ballet". Spandau being the name of the prison which held Rudolph Hess the only prisoner there for 20 years.
Love this song,it never gets old. 80s kid,I got to grow up with all this awesome music. Great show
This Song Would Be Sampled By,, P.M. Dawn "Set Adrift On Memory Bliss"
This whole album is fantastic! Asia is on point. This came out whie I was in HS and all the laides felt the same way. You put this on, or Sade, and you were good to go.
It really was a good cd
Love reliving hearing this song for the first time with you two! Such a classic.
You might like ABC. They are from same era, with great vocals, instrumentation and very theatrical. Look of Love is a good start. Love it!
Tony Hadley has such a great voice, so smooth.
His voice and his looks are a perfect match on this great, great song!!!!!!!!!!!
You two look great when you're looking at each other, smiling. Great reaction!!! Keep it up.
This is one of THE quintessential 80's songs, period. 5-year old me in 1983 when this came out loved the vibes of it, and soon to be 45 year old me still loves it! Oh yeah, and PM Dawn sampled this song to back their "Set adrift on memory bliss" in the 90's, mixed with hip hop style beats, and made this song a banger the second time around...
"𝙸 𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚊 𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚐𝚊𝚒𝚗" seemed like such a pretentious lyric when I was 14.
At 52, the song hits different.
But I'm also reminded of the absolute lack of game I had at that age, and how much this song reminded me of that fact at the time. 🤣
How vunny... I was just thinking the same thing! I'm 50 now and understand this song so much better! I was in a new wave band (opened for Erasure, Dinosaur Jr, and No Doubt before they were huge,), and we used to play this song alot! Looking back I was pretensious. Thought I was so wordly! Ha!
Spandau (Span-dow) Ballet (tiptoe dancing) 😂was part of the second British Invasion of New Wave music that came over from England in the eighties! They have songs with beautiful melodies and instrumentals! Also check out their hits Gold and Only When You Leave! This song, True, was sampled by the band PM Dawn for their hit Set Adrift On Memory Bliss in 1991, Spandau Ballet’s lead singer, Tony Hadley, even made a cameo in the PM Dawn video! ❤️❤️
Great Reaction. Watching BJ touch his chest and Asia’s beautiful beaming smile throughout really made this a great reaction. You may also have heard this song sampled in P M Dawn’s Set Adrift on Memory Bliss (1991).
"Span-daouw balleh". The band belonged to the "New Romantic" music scene, where it was fashionable to use Middle-European Places in the Music (The american Band "Berlin", Ultravox "Vienna" or "Drowning in Berlin" by the Mobiles.) Spandau is a part of Berlin and was widely known as the place where the last top-Nazis were kept and executed. The term refers to the twitching and "dancing" a body does when being hanged/strangled and was popular in the late 70ies as there was only one prisoner in the whole facility (Rudolf Hess) and everybody was wondering/demanding when he would do the "ballet". He did so in 1987.
Joy Division was originally called Warsaw
I saw Tony Hadley live, he was amazing, and still as handsome as ever.
It was sampled by PM Dawn title of the song Set a drift on Memory Drift in the 90s... check out the video... you'll see Tony Hadley the lead singer from Spandau Ballet at the end of the video.
Tony Hadley the lead singer occasionally does guest appearances at our local music venue , he can still sing and seems like a really nice guy
Where?
@@JanFWeh the Brook Southampton
Asia has the most beautiful smile, and I think I like any song that makes her do it from beginning to the end.
One of the true classics from the 80s, this song always sounds good!
Oh yes! Slow dancing to this song in the 9th grade! LOVE all the memories these reactions evoke! Love y'all!
SLOW dance to this? Everyone was house dancing to this while the dance lights were pulsing and strobes were flashing!
That chorus is dope. It's a classic wedding song.
Real music folks ... Real music... so beautiful. I remember when it was first played over the radio in the early 80's. Wow.
Spandau Ballet...sounds like a "bandeau" top; or "Span-Dow Jones Stock Market"..& ballet is like a Ballet (ballerina). It`s a beautiful song, and it definitely is soothing and takes you away...like Christopher Cross`-"Sailing". Spandau Ballet is one of many cool `80s groups from the underrated "New Wave/Alternative" music genre. So many...Thompson Twins, Duran Duran, Bananarama, Pet Shop Boys, Howard Jones, Erasure, The Cure, Culture Club, Frankie Goes To Hollywood,....so many more! It`ll take a few years to react to all the music from that genre. Simply Red, Human League, The Cult, New Order, Depeche Mode, Kajagoogoo...yes, Kajagoogoo...one nice song "Too Shy". You need to dip into the `80s New Wave. Take a dive into the Wave! :)
You two have such fantastic healthy energy! Makes a person think love is still actually possible. Thank y'all. 💗
Another one of those fantastic British pop rock songs from the 80's. There are a quite a few of them, like around 20, and to me they never get old. They are British soul music.
I love Asia's smile during the entire song!
Same here hahah :)
You smiled a mile wide throughout the whole song Asia!....good song guys....many memories..
Span Dow (like wow) And ballet as is ballerina- A group called PM Dawn sampled this some years later- (called “set adrift on memory bliss”) it’s a great dance tune with this mixed in- Please react to it as well, definitely worth it- it was a huge hit as well- so y’all might recognize it from there too- 💖💙👍✌️
One of my fav songs from my teenage years. Y’all need to look up Johnny Hates Jazz “Shattered Dreams”, and Double “Captain Of Her Heart”. Those are some other favs of mine from that decade that have a feeling tangential to “True”. I know others in the comments will suggest Spandau Ballet’s other hits, but track fine the documentary on them, called “Soul Boys of the Western World”.
Breathe "Hands to heaven" "How can i fall" "Don't tell me lies"
Airy, ethereal, velvet texture. Incredible sound.
A MUST HEAR..This Female Powerhouse Will Blow Your Minds,, Alabama Shakes "Don't Wanna Fight" (Official Video - Live From Capital Studio A)
Wow! The good old times of the slow dance parties!!!!! 😍
The name Spandau Ballet
Friend and writer Robert Elms suggested they change their name to Spandau Ballet, a phrase which he told them he had seen written on a wall on a weekend trip to Berlin: “Rudolf Hess, all alone, dancing the Spandau Ballet”
Love this group 💕
Absolutely one of the stand out bands when you think of 80s music.
Watched them live only a few years ago and they were fantastic!
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Your smiles, your moves, your reactions said it all. Marvellous.
This wars the 80ies best- Thanks for the song from this band!
Hey guys, Spandau is a or one district of Berlin (I lived in Spandau for 20 years!). These Brits were stationed soldiers in Berlin-Spandau (of course before the wall came down) and formed a band. Here you go... Spandau and Ballet - like ballet. It was a major song back then. Thanks for reacting to it.
Timeless in every way. Brings waves of emotions and memories every time I hear this song.
I love how Asia's eyes SPARK😊😍🤗⭐⭐ Happy New Year guys..
This song has been with me for nearly 40 years. Every time I listen to it, my mind reflects a scene as if I were on the beach in the Maldives, enjoying the leisurely life like being in paradise.
It's so soothing you could be .... set adrift on memory bliss!
Asia cant help but smiling the whole song 🤗😎
When he says "listening to Marvin all night long" he's referring to Marvin Gaye. 💗💗💗💗
Those 80s British bands were huge fans of R&B and Soul. 😊👍
This much is true.
I played your reaction today for myself in memory of my mother, who passed away this year. I had wanted to play more videos like this for her.
I love their Reaction. Its a classic song
It‘s the sound of my soul.
True is my all time fav song and Spandau Ballet is MY BAND.
I remember always having the same haircut as Martin Kemp during the 80‘s.
He was an icon…all of them were icons and still are and I‘m feelin‘ so sad that they won‘t perform together, cause Gary Kemp and Tony Hadley don’t like each other for many years.😢
They were so huge in the 80s, their song 'Gold' is another track you need to hear. The brothers Martin and Gary Kemp starred in a movie about the Kray brothers in the 90s.
You also probably heard it in the 90's when PM DAWN sampled it on "Set adrift on memory bliss of you". Great 80's one-hit wonder but that one hit is a masterpiece.
A great song when driving. Takes you to another place and time.
The representative song of the genre called "New Romanticism" in 80s in U.K.
Spandau Ballet drummer was the first who recorded the Simmons SDSV electronic drums you see on this video, the song is Chant No.1 (I don't need this pressure on), that was before the True album.
Every time I hear this song, I always hear Steve Buscemi killing it at the end of 'The Wedding Singer' and bust out laughing.
Many an 80's disco slow dance was had to this one - for Spandau Ballet if they wasn't already big by then, this just really ensured their popularity went as high as the sky!
And there they were..Asia and BJ..two lonely kids Sauturday night at the Roller Rink...eyeing each other ftom across the floor. SUDDENLY..the DJ played this song and two became one..in A couple skate for the ages!
And they never looked back!!! 😁❤
This was popular in the mid 80’s. Asia would of loved being in high school back then. Sooo much great music back then. Class of 1987 👍
It comes from the German prison of WW2 Called Spandau... Prisoners were sometimes hanged there and therefore the Ballet part as they were swinging.
Y'all need to listen to PM Dawn's Set A Drift On Memory Bliss. Then lose your mind and listen to the sample used from this song. Make sure to play the actual video not the lyrics only. You'll see the lead singer of Spandau Ballet make a cameo appearance.
Such a great time to be growing up. I wish I was back there . Great Music.🤩