Tony Hadley reveals pre-show drinking ritual ahead of Oxford gig

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 17:40 · Archive

Former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley has revealed he drinks pints and vodka shots before performances as part of a pre-show ritual to calm his nerves.

Former Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley has revealed his pre-show ritual to manage nerves before performing at the New Theatre in Oxford on his Christmas Big Band Tour. The 66-year-old singer said he once felt so anxious before gigs that he would 'almost be nearly sick', but has since learned to control his nerves, though he still experiences 'butterflies in the tummy' before every performance.

Hadley explained that his band finds the nearest pub and has a couple of pints, followed by a vodka shot called a '99'. He described the full ritual: 'And then we drink it, we put the cup on our head, and someone says an anecdote, something stupid that happened during the day, and we all have a weird saying and shake hands, last-minute wee, and then we're on.'

The singer, known for Spandau Ballet hits including True, Gold and Communication, was keen to stress that the ritual is about easing pre-performance anxiety. He said: 'It's because you want to be the best you can be, and you just want it to go swimmingly well.' Hadley added that once he begins singing, he feels 'at ease' and notes the experience is 'almost euphoric'. He emphasised that none of the band members perform drunk.

How it is being reported

• 80s singing legend reveals drinking habits in campaign to save village pubFormer Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley has revealed the unusual pre-show ritual he uses to calm his nerves before taking to the stageOxford Mail · 29 Oct, 17:00
• 80s singing legend reveals drinking habits in campaign to save village pubFormer Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley has revealed the unusual pre-show ritual he uses to calm his nerves before taking to the stageOxfordshire Guardian · 29 Oct, 17:00

In this story: Tony Hadley · Spandau Ballet · New Theatre Oxford · Oxford

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