This unofficial site features his current and recent events and tours
Review of Tony Hadley 'Swinging True - The Big Band Tour' - Basingstoke - 4th October 2006
I
suspected this tour was going to be different and I pre-ordered the 'Passing
Strangers' CD so I could have a taster of the music, unfortunately HMV decided
that they would be slow in getting it to me and it didn't arrive until the
morning after the show. When the track listing of the CD had been
announced I had done some internet searches just to hear the type of songs he
had on the album.
I met up with friends before the show and went into the Wetherspoons and Dan (one of the Horny boys) was there with quite a few of the musicians who we would see later. Time then to go to the theatre and take up my front row seat.
The stage had a Steinway grand piano on the left, a drum kit and double bass at the back and four rows of various brass and woodwind players on the right and Phil Taylor to the side of them. Phil and Dan are the only two musicians I have seen previously. I'm not sure if the musicians are the same ones used on the album.
The show started on time and Tony came on stage wearing a grey suit and black shirt. He seemed a little nervous but soon got into 'the swing' of it. The set started with songs that are featured on his myspace and onto Leaves of Love which he co-wrote with Paul Moran who played the piano and conducted the band. Only when you Leave was given a swing treatment as was True. I'm sure Gold was sung but it isn't on the set list. Through The Barricades was sung normally.
This was a concert and not a gig, it was sit down all the time. It was great to listen to Tony's brilliant voice, backed by some great musicians. At the end of the show, Tony went off stage but the band stayed on. He came back and the audience stood for the last two songs.
There had been a sign in the foyer that Tony would come out 15 minutes after the show to sign his new CD. About 20 minutes after the show Tony arrived and worked his way through the queue. It seemed very strange to talk to him in the foyer and not go round to the stage door and wait for him. We got thrown out of the theatre at 11 pm (as they wanted to close), which seemed very early to be going home.
This was definitely a show to watch, listen and enjoy Tony's brilliant singing and if you are old enough - remember the original songs.