As the frontman of Spandau Ballet, he’s the voice of iconic hits including True and Gold – and he’s coming to Northern Ireland next month.
The Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon Live Lounge is set to welcome Tony Hadley to the stage at Larne Market Yard as the headliner for its finale of a weekend of running.
Celebrating over 40 years in music, the 63-year-old will be performing songs from his solo career, including Because of You, as well as the Spandau Ballet classics we all know and love.
Expected on the setlist is Through the Barricades, with Hadley describing it has his “favourite of all our songs to perform in Northern Ireland”.
“It actually has a Belfast connection, as it was written about a guy in Belfast whose friend had been killed in the Troubles,” he says.
“It was such a tragic story and the song resonates with a lot of people to this day.”
Last in Belfast in 2015, Hadley continues: “The Northern Irish crowds are something else. It’s been too long and I can’t wait to feel that energy again!”
With the Live Lounge kicking off at 6pm, the former Spandau Ballet front man will be supported by local artists Brendan Quinn, Jackie Rainey, and Paul Sexton. Larne’s favourite Mark Dobbin is compere and DJ.
The Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon was first held in 2020 and has not only been successfully granted the World Athletics Elite Label Road Race status, one of only two in the UK and Ireland, but now holds the number one half marathon ranking in the UK and number two in the world.
Hailed as one of the world’s fastest half marathons, with the route following the picturesque Antrim coastline, participants can wind down in the evening with their family and friends.
Tickets are on sale now, priced at £20 for adults, £5 for youths (13 to 17 years) and under 12s are free.
They are available from the Antrim Coast Half Marathon website, which includes details on a shuttle service running from Belfast to the event.
ALSO…READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH JACKIE RAINEY IN AUGUST’S MAGAZINE – AVAILABLE TO BUY FROM SHOPS OR DOWNLOAD THE LOCAL WOMEN APP FROM 3RD AUGUST.