TONY Hadley can’t keep away from Bristol this year, returning to The Colston Hall in October 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,” said the former Spandau Ballet frontman, when he talked to the Gazette

“I go to a lot of Festivals because I love performing, but the tour in October promises to be something special.

“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 are a couple of my personal favourites, as well as stuff by James Brown, Joe Cocker. I’m going to be singing stuff from my new album, too.

"We’got a 10-piece rock/jazz band heading up the 40-piece orchestra so it’s a really varied show.

"When I sing 'In a New York Minute’ it starts off with just the strings and me singing before really taking off and it’s beautiful, really beatiful. All the songs don’t necessarily need the whole orchestra."

But what about Spandau? Do we get to hear any of the old Spandau Ballet hits aswell?

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

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 th.e Barricades and of course Gold , which in 2012 became the unofficial Athletes’ song at the London Olympic Games

According to Tony, 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 renowned for his strong, powerful vocals “In fact, it’s probably better.”

“When we did three shows last year they all sold out so I’m really looking forward to this tour.”

Tony Hadley will be appearing at the Colston Hall on Thursday 16 October. For further information visit www.colstonhall.org.