Teamed up this time with ABC's Martin Fry, Tony Hadley is back at Fairfield Concert Hall. Last time at the venue with Reborn in the USA partner Peter Cox, his show sold out every seat plus every available inch of permitted standing in the auditorium.

Tony Hadley has embraced this resurge in his career with arms wide open. When we catch up again he is full of enthusiasm and the energy is tangible as he speaks: "It's all going spiffingly well!

" Martin is completely different from Pete (Cox) to work with but although it's been a bit nerve-racking it's going down a storm," he says.

What is the secret to this success second time around almost?

"Sheer bloody-mindedness and hard work. In this business you either give up and work in the backrooms or convince people you can still cut the mustard. The biggest reward in my life is when I am performing. I love to sing. I want to sing, and like Tony Bennett, who I think is a fantastic performer, I can't see myself ever retiring.

"I know my limitations though. I can't dress like I did when I was 18 or 20 and I can't compete with the youngsters out there. I'm 44 and I know it! I'm not like McCartney and Bono, what was that all about singing on the new Do They Know It's Christmas release? Leave it to the young ones please guys!" he implores.

Tony always hoped that music would be his life career and from his success as frontman for Spandau Ballet his solo career has really taken off.

"It's great to earn a living out of doing what you love. I can still remember how thrilled I was getting on Top of the Pops with Spandau.

"I'm lucky that at present there is a resurgence in live acts. All that computerised, sanitised music and miming is on the way out. People love real live music. We hope to present a blinding show each night and give people a lot of fun. We're not a pretentious bunch of clothes horses," he adds.

On a personal level although he split from his wife Leonie last year he says things are "ticketty boo" and his children are fine.

Out of the spotlight in the UK Tony has been kept very busy. He has been touring New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Belgium, Holland and France.

"I work abroad a lot and tiredness does kick in, especially from travelling.

"I try to look after myself. I always have to watch my weight and make sure I rest my vocal chords. I must cut down on the wine too," he says.

Last summer Tony was involved in the London 2012 bid for the Olympics singing that famous Spandau song, just made for the event, Gold.

"I was proud to be involved in that," he says, "I hope the British bid is successful."

When Fry and Hadley join forces at Fairfield on Thursday, February 17, some of the best music of the 80s will rock the hall. ABC and Spandau Ballet were two big bands that helped define an era.

Tickets are £22.50 and £20 from the Fairfield box office on 020 8688 9291 or visit www.fairfield.co.uk