While many look to iconic bands like Depeche Mode and Duran Duran as the essential artists of the New Romantic music scene to emerge from the United Kingdom in the early ‘80s, no one should ever overlook London’s Spandau Ballet. Rising out of the Post-Punk movement, Spandau Ballet’s roots were planted as early as 1976, when Guitarist Gary Kemp and Saxophonist/Guitarist Steve Norman agreed to start a band. Over the next few years, they shifted a bit and adopted the unique, standout name Spandau Ballet on their way to making history.
Defined by a danceable sound featuring synthesizers, guitars, and simply outstanding singing from Tony Hadley, their 1981 debut album, Journey to Glory, found the band climbing the UK charts with big singles like “To Cut a Long Story Short.” Following this in 1982 with Diamond, Spandau Ballet once again lit up the UK charts with hits like “Chant No. 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On)” and “Instinction.” Promising beginnings for a young band, each album laid the foundation for a massive breakthrough in 1983 with the internationally massive True album, featuring the number one hit title track.
A fascinating story to reflect on: while most will always associate Spandau Ballet with “True,” their first two albums are essential listens for understanding their evolution. Something long-time fans can appreciate, but also a good educational listen for newer generations, Spandau Ballet have now assembled a sensational box set celebrating their early years, titled Everything Is Now – Vol 1: 1978-1982. Released on October 10, 2025, through Rhino Records, the set concentrates on 1981’s Journey to Glory and 1982’s Diamond, but also offers a massive amount of previously unreleased material.
An awe-inspiring compilation, it includes six CDS, one Blu-ray, and two vinyl records worth of music to dig into. All packaged in one large LP-sized box, there is also a lengthy 44-page book that includes rare photos and new commentaries from the entire band. A must-read book that stimulates the intellect with profound insight, the images also take you back to the distinctive look of Spandau Ballet—an impossible-to-ignore look.
With that in mind, the plethora of music includes Journeys To Glory and Diamonds on vinyl records, singles and remixes of Journeys To Glory and Diamond on two separate CDs, 12” remixes of Diamond on another CD, BBC Sessions and concerts on two more CDS, plus demos on the last CD. Furthermore, the Blu-ray gives you Steven Wilson’s mixes of this era’s singles, music videos, plus a ton of live material.
Clearly put together with love and care, the fact that Everything Is Now – Vol 1: 1978-1982 is coupled with volume 1 in the title leaves you curious whether the band will release a volume 2 following the next chapter in their career. The obvious next step: fans still hold out hope for a Spandau Ballet reunion featuring Gary and Martin Kemp, Steve Norman, John Keeble, and Tony Hadley, especially after the magical live performances they gave together through 2015. Waiting in curiosity, it should be noted that Tony Hadley has done well for himself as a solo artist, releasing his album The Mood I’m In in 2024. Meanwhile, Gary Kemp put out the must-listen This Destination album in early 2025.
No one knows what the future holds, but there is simply no way any Spandau Ballet fan should overlook this flawless box set. A reminder of Spandau Ballet’s greatness, Cryptic Rock gives Everything Is Now – Vol 1: 1978-1982 5 out of 5 stars.
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