This unofficial site features his current and recent events and tours
Review of Tony Hadley vs Martin Fry and ABC - Nottingham - 30th March 2005 by Speedo
I've never written a review before but I thought I would have a go!!!
I was so excited I couldn't believe the day of the gig had actually arrived. I had to keep checking my bag to make sure the tickets were still there. We set off in the car only to be held up by an RTA. Three lanes of traffic going nowhere. At this point I was panicking about being late or not getting there at all. Luckily the boys in blue soon had the traffic flowing again and we arrived at the concert hall with some time to spare. We found our seats on the balcony on Tony's side, 2 rows back - very good view. I got my pocket binoculars at the ready - to get that bit closer!!! Soon the band were on the stage, then Martin and Tony appeared and opened with a duet of 'Up Up and Away' and the evening had begun.
Both Tony and Martin were looking very good indeed. Extremely smart, suited and booted. Martin in a black suit with white shirt and Tony in a black suit with a pale pink shirt - I'm a sucker for a man in a suit at the best of times but when its Tony, well that's even better!!! I must just mention Martins diamonique belt buckle and matching cufflinks, very swish and sparkled brilliantly in the lights - Anyone know where I can get one? The gold suit didn't make an appearance but a member of the audience was wearing one and Martin had the spot light trained on him at one point. Martin did change into a purple suit for the second half of the show. The band were excellent throughout and I very much enjoyed the brass section and their dance moves. The drummers (John is most definitely the king) were awesome when playing together - like looking in a mirror and when they swapped sticks at the end whilst still playing, just brilliant.
A total mix of music, ballads, swing, rock, all the big hits, True, Gold, Poison Arrow, Look of Love and Instinction was a nice surprise. Tony was faultless as always - he talked alot and joked with the audience which I liked, and seemed very relaxed throughout. Tony delivered 'Walking in Memphis' superbly and the band had put actions to the song. It was great to watch and added so much humour to the whole performance. Martin's voice is not as powerful as Tony's but he delivered the ABC songs very well -'When Smokey Sings' was superb. A great night was had by all. The audience where up and dancing in the aisles throughout the show. I thought a very polished and slick performance, they certainly rocked. I've now got my tickets for the open air Clumber Park gig in August and I can't wait.
Speedo
Thanks Speedo for submitting this review - if you have been to one of the shows and would like to send me a review, then I will be pleased to receive it and post it on the site. Denise.