To Cut a Long Story Short : My Autobiography

by Tony Hadley

In this autobiography Tony Hadley, lead singer of 80s band Spandau Ballet and winner of the ITV1 series Reborn in the USA will reveal the highs and lows of his twenty year career in music. At the height of New Romantic fever classic songs such as 'True', 'Through the Barricades' and 'Gold' earned Tony Hadley, with his good looks and stage presence, a legion of teenage fans around the world. With his unique vocals, Tony appeared to have it all-on the surface at least-and then he lost it. His autobiography will be a great slice of 80s nostalgia.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Autobiography

Hardcover

First published May 7, 2004

Reviews

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I always enjoy reading about the history or musicians and bands from their rags to fame, the parade is a classic album I’m not a fan of Tony after what he did with the band but was an interesting read all the same

[Georgette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, the second time I've read it(the first time was five or six years ago). I think likely because I've found a new appreciation for Spandau Ballet's music this year. Tony Hadley had it made as the lead singer of one of the premier New Romantic bands in the eighties. However, it wasn't as easy as it seemed, by the gloss and opulence that defined the era. He speaks frankly of a good childhood up to Spandau and beyond. Spandau Ballet, as much as it was days of wine and roses, turned into more of a War of the Roses with Gary Kemp of the band, dividing the band and members(to this day, that continues). This is the story of how that happened and why Hadley took his bandmate to court. Peppered throughout are great stories of excess, not only the band and Hadley, but also other well known pop stars in the 80's. You see Hadley battle through the disintegration of the band, his solo career and attempts to revive Spandau, his trying to recoup financial ruin, battling to save his marriage, losing his father and falling to pieces, his alcoholism, and his attempts to continue doing the thing he loves most- singing- amidst all this thing called life. He's very forthright, funny, and philosophical about the highs and lows he's had in his public and personal life. By far, it gave me a whole new appreciation for him beyond someone I'd also thought of as a great singer.

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just had to read this seeing as he is my husband's second cousin and there's some family stuff in there--plus, I am a Spandau fan. Short, declarative sentences. Interesting behind the scenes stuff--detailing the hard work and slog it is to start a band and get signed and the road to success and some of its catastrophic effects (the legal battles and fall out are particularly painful--such a shame). A solid rock memoir from a man with a lovely voice.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of the three Spandau memoirs I just read. It is very clear he had fallen out with Gary Kemp while he was writing this book. After having read 3 accounts of the events, I still do not have a clear picture of what happened and why I consider myself a moderate Spandau fan and I enjoyed this book, although it did start to drag at the end...

[Jennifer Schmaltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book in the way that only a fangirl can.

[Gill Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite a disappointing read. It’s difficult to say exactly why, as the writing style wasn’t awful and there were a few interesting anecdotes. I think it could be because there are so many incidents where Hadley, with or without his band mates, gets legless on booze. He makes a point of his aversion to drug-taking, but doesn’t seem to count alcohol as a drug. There can be few things less interesting to read about than a binge….yawn.

I found it difficult to connect with Tony Hadley as a narrator. This is his side of the Spandau Ballet story and an opportunity to get the reader on side. He’s a talented singer, but there were hints of immature churlishness and a quick temper. I’d like to hear the other side of the story from the Kemp brothers, but after this, I’m less inclined to want to read more about the band.

[chucklesthescot · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book looks at the years of fame for the band and the infamous fall out that led to a court case to fight over money and song rights. It seems amazing to me that these guys were able to put their differences aside to reform for a series of reunion tours. I suppose you can grit your teeth and get on with it when you need the money.

Tony was a good narrator and I liked the way he came across in the book. I understood his outrage over the Kemp brothers trying to keep more of the pie but I shouldn't judge based on one person's account when I haven't seen their side. Entertaining for fans of the band.

[Zena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good to hear what when on in the early years. Nice to know my teenage heart throb had good values re his marriage vows!

[Sarah Anderson]

It dragged on ! It was clear that it was written during the animosity between tony and Gary Kemp. A decent tabletop read.

[Chandana · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is a awesome short story book and the author is amazing in the job he does. should read it