80s singing legend at music festival amid bid to save historic UK pub

Tony Hadley rose to international fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of new wave band Spandau Ballet, delivering iconic hits including True, Gold and Through The Barricades.

The 65-year-old is renowned for his powerful, expressive vocals and has enjoyed a successful solo career since leaving the band, whilst also pursuing stage work and radio presenting.

Mr Hadley recently joined the push to save The Rose & Thistle in Haddenham near Thame, over the Oxfordshire border in Buckinghamshire.

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Tony Hadley. (Image: Paul Strange)

Villagers are aiming to reopen the historic coaching inn, which dates back to the 18th century, but closed in 2019.

At the time of writing, The Rose & Thistle Reborn campaign has raised over £65,000, which is around 10 per cent of the required total sum of £750,000.

Mr Hadley has urged people to buy shares to back the crowdfunding campaign and said: “It’s a fantastic little pub – I have been there many times in the past.

“We have to preserve our village and small town pubs.”

This drive to help re-establish the pub comes amid a UK music festival performance by Mr Hadley, who is set to perform at Live At Chelsea next week.

The festival takes place from Wednesday, June 10, to Sunday, June 14, at The Royal Hospital in Chelsea, London, with the Spandau Ballet performing on the opening night.

A statement from Ticketmaster said: “Designed by rock-star architect Sir Christopher Wren, the Royal Hospital’s Figure Court is a gasp-worthy landmark even when it’s just you and the pigeons.

“Now imagine this 17th-century courtyard hosting the giants of pop-rock, as the 2026 bill kicks off with Holly Johnson, Tony Hadley and Heaven 17, then rolls out a battery of big guns with Blue, Sparks, The Proclaimers and The Beach Boys performing Pet Sounds.

“The Chelsea Pensioners might not get much sleep this month, but you’ll have the night of your life.”