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.”

The controversial figure, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was due to speak at the Oxford Union on Thursday, May 28 before it was postponed over security concerns.

Yaxley-Lennon has been jailed multiple times for a variety of offences with his significant recent imprisonment in October 2024 for contempt of court.

And his planned visit had sparked furious backlash, with politicians in Oxfordshire saying he is “not welcome” to the city.

Tommy Robinson. (Image: PA)

However, a source at the historic debating society told this newspaper that Yaxley-Lennon is now due to appear for his debate on Islam on Wednesday, June 17.

The source added that this was the day before the Union’s Palestine debate on June 18.

“The concern is that the Union intends to announce the debate only shortly before it happens, apparently to minimise public backlash and make it harder for students, local councillors, community groups, or the police to respond in time,” the source added.

“There is also concern that the timing is designed to avoid internal accountability: under Union rules, the final date to file a no-confidence motion against president Arwa Elrayyes is understood to be 5 June.

“Announcing the event after that date would effectively prevent members from using that route against her before the end of term.”

The Oxford Union has not responded to requests for comment around the new date.

It’s been reported that Thames Valley Police quoted the Oxford Union security and policing costs between £50,000 and £80,000 to safely host the debate.

It’s also been reported that the Oxford Union is facing a “financial crisis” with donations drying up after the Charlie Kirk scandal in which the former president-elect appeared to make light of the US commentator’s assassination.

Thames Valley Police was asked whether it would be attending the debate and expected protest outside.

A spokeswoman said: “We work closely with partners through established safety advisory structures to ensure local events run safely and smoothly, while minimising disruption to our communities.”

In a statement announcing the postponement, the Oxford Union said: “The Fifth Week debate has been postponed from 28 May to later this term to allow time for planning of the event.

“We are grateful to our local partners and stakeholders for their continued support and engagement.

“We expect to confirm the new date shortly, following discussions with our speakers.”

Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds also expressed concern at Yaxley-Lennon appearing in Oxford.

She said: “The hatred promoted by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, has no place in our great city.”

Zac Sanger-Reynolds, of North Hinksey Lane in Oxford, previously plead guilty to stalking at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Friday, April 28.

He will appear at the Buckinghamshire court on Thursday, June 4 for an application to vary a restraining order.

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Sanger-Reynolds was handed the order in April after a mother-of-two spoke to the Oxford Mail about his ‘obsession’ after she became uninterested in him after two dates.

He was told to complete 100 hours of un-paid, supervised work within 12 months and undertake 26 days of rehabilitation.

He was also ordered to pay £199, including £114 for the victim surcharge and £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service.