Q&A with Spandau Ballet's Steve Norman

Steve Norman, co-founder, saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist of the world-famous Spandau Ballet has announced he will celebrate the bands 40th anniversary of their ground-breaking debut album, ‘Journeys To Glory’ with a full UK tour in 2022. The tour takes in 14 dates and starts on 8th February at Wokingham The Whitty and culminates at Glasgow’s Oran Mor on 25th February.

Check out the full Q&A with Steve below to learn more about the tour and his work!

Hey there Steve, how are you?

I’m very well indeed, thank you.

We are almost three quarters of the way through 2021, how has this year been for you so far?

Full of hope.

Last year I had been gifted to 9 months of quality time with my terminal ill mum during the first lockdown. In these challenging months, my partner and I home cared for her until she sadly passed away right at the end of lockdown.

This year I was emotionally ready to put my focus back towards music and live performance. I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed it. We’ve all been starved of the buzz of live events and contact with people for so long that gigs now have, more than ever, a liberating and celebrational party atmosphere to them. They are a release valve for us all.

What does the anniversary of this album mean to you?

The release of our first album was an important milestone to me. I practically grew up with John, Martin, Gary and Tony, a big chunk of my life has them involved in it in some way. And Journeys To Glory was the sum of our efforts up to that point that also helped to put club culture back on the map. I am constantly reminded of how exciting the period was. And I want to celebrate that.

Which of your songs is the most meaningful to you? And why?

It’s tricky picking a favourite but I tend to gravitate towards To Cut A Long Story Short, our first single, back when we thought we were dangerous. Ha ha!

I will never forget hearing ‘Story’ played on Radio 1 for the first time. It brought a tear to my eye to hear my band suddenly pop up on the radio. I was so proud. And to hear Bryan Ferry discussing the single on a program called ‘Roundtable’. He was a hero and I was praying that he would give it the thumbs up. He didn’t let us down. It was a massive stamp of approval from rock n’ roll royalty.

What inspires you and who are your influences?

Tamla Motown, Soul music, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Trojan Records, Bowie, Kraftwerk… it’s a long list but right now I’m into The Small Faces Live in 1966 CD. They influenced bands that would form years later such as Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. And even Spandau Ballet to an extent. The Faces certainly did.

What advice would you give to artist or bands just starting out?

Make the effort to understand a little of every aspect of the music business. There are so many pitfalls along the way. And make sure everybody is clear about the contractual side of things. Be transparent. Be creative. And have fun.

How is it working and preforming now with your son?

I absolutely love it. I look around onstage at my bandmates and I see my son, my partner and two dear friends of mine. Every one of them are there on their musical merit. That makes me feel somewhat proud.

Sabrina Winter is on backing vocals. Joe Becket, who toured with Spandau in 1989/90 is on percussion, keyboards and loud shirts. And on guitar we have Luis Correia whom I toured the UK and Japan with alongside Earl Slick (David Bowie) and Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones).

Jaco’s life path has led him to acting and I know that one day he will be too busy for us as he must follow his dream. I hope that that time comes soon for him but I’ll be quite sad when it does. No matter what and how, my biggest wish for him is his happiness.