This unofficial site features his current and recent events and tours
Review of Tony Hadley at BBC Proms in the Park, Hyde Park, London - 8th September 2007
So it was less than a week since I saw Tony in Skegness and two weeks away from the Fandango, London is a fairly quick and easy train journey for me, so when the BBC had e-mailed me about this before it was announced, I decided to go with a couple of friends, plus it was a Saturday which meant not having to take any time off work.
When I booked, I didn't know the running order but it turned out that Tony was top of the bill of the warm up acts, hosted by BBC Children's presenters Dick and Dom. The other acts were Chico (his act didn't surprise me as it was very similar to when I saw him when I saw Tony in Newport last year), T-Rextasy, a T-Rex tribute band who were very good and RyanDan, twins who are tipped to be the next big thing, they were good and I could see their appeal.
Gates had openend at 4 pm, but my frlends and I arrived separately, Gema arrived first and bagged us a front row place although it was a little to the left, luckilly this was the side of the stage that Tony's band equipment had been set up. I was surprised to see John Keeble's drum kit, as the event had been billed as Tony Hadley and his big band, which suggested to me that he would be singing swing. Before the band came on, Phil Taylor was checking the equipment and was looking out into the crowd (which was supposed to have been 40,000 and as we were leaving looked like it could have been), I made sure that he knew we were there, but whether he told Tony or not I don't know.
About 6.40 pm, to a great introduction from Dick and Dom, Tony and the band arrived on stage - it was a full band of John Keeble, Phil Taylor, Phil Williams, Richie Barret, Andrea Grant plus the horny boys, Simon Willescroft, Dan Carpenter and Dave Williamson. Tony proceeded to launch into 'Somebody Told Me', followed by 'True', 'Through the Barricades', 'Gold', finishing up with 'I Predict a Riot'. He was quite chatty between the songs, but after 'Barricades' he said that he would have to get on or he would overrun. I think he enjoyed playing to such a large crowd but he still took time to acknowledge his regular fans. The audience seemed to appreciate Tony's performance and I hope that some will come and see Tony at a later date.
This stage was the largest I have seen Tony perform on, probably twice the size of Skegness, with big screens twice the size too (mind you if I had been right at the back, I would have needed screens that size, but I prefer to see Tony and be seen by him). The tribute band T-rextasy had room to set up their equipment beside Tony's and behind all this was the seating for the classical orchestra which came on at 7.30 pm and was broadcast. Classical music and opera really isn't my thing, so only stayed around for about an hour to see Lesley Garrett. Didn't see Will Young or the fireworks.
Thought Tony was on good form and I look forward to seeing him at the Fandango.
Denise 9/9/07