TONY Hadley can’t keep away from Bristol this year, returning to The Colston Hall on Thursday after a slot at the “Let’s Rock Bristol” festival in June.

“Bristol’s a cool place. I’ve played here quite a lot over the years, so I’m actually getting to know it quite well,” says the former Spandau Ballet frontman.

“The original plan was to orchestrate the full works of Spandau Ballet but we’ve ended up with something that I think is quite special.”

Tony Hadley will be touring with the Southbank Sinfonia, a full 40-piece orchestra when he hits the road

“In the first half we will be playing in the first half I’ll be doing songs that I love and stuff from my solo albums. For instance Jim Croce’s Time in a Bottle and New York Minute by Don Henley as well as stuff by James Brown, Joe Cocker. I’m also going to be singing stuff from my new album.

“It’s a varied show. When I sing in’In a New York Minute’ it starts off with just the strings and me before really taking off. It’s beautiful. Really beautiful."

“In the second half I am basically just a tribute artist, covering Spandau Ballet songs. There’s no-one in the world who can do that like me!” laughs Tony.

But this can only be a good thing for the legion of fans who can’t wait to here more of the hits such as True, Only When You Leave, Through the Barricades and of course Gold , which in 2012 became the unofficial Athletes’ song at the London Olympic Games

“There are three catogories of fans. There are the hardcore fans – those that have remained loyal since the Spandau days; new youngsters who are into the retro sound, many of whom have grown up with our music playing in the background and a new category who are those just want to put there glad rags on and have a really good night out.

“I love to sing, and I will continue to do so as long as I am able - after all, Tony Bennett’s 87 and he’s still doing it! As long as there are still people out there who say “that guy can cut it” I will carry on doing what I love. Some people just give up and retire but that’s not me. I love gigging.

“I think my voice is still as good as it ever was,” says Tony, who is revowned for his strong, powerful vocals “In fact, it’s probably better.”

Tony Hadley will be appearing at the Colston Hall on Thursday 16 October. Tickets, priced from £24.19 to £138.68 (inc booking fee) are on sale now. For further information visit www.colstonhall.org.