Spandau Ballet have been honoured with a Heritage Award in London.
A plaque was unveiled today (10.09.14) at the site of The Blitz Club on Great Queen Street in London’s West End – the venue in which the iconic new wave band first performed live in December 1979.
The show turned out to be a landmark moment for the group as legendary founder of Island Records, Chris Blackwell, was in the crowd and instantly offered them a record deal.
Guitarist Gary Kemp said: "We are honoured to have received this award from PRS for Music. The Blitz was an incredible melting pot of music, fashion and creativity.
"It’s not just Spandau Ballet that owe our career to that place at that moment in time. Musical icons such as Chris Blackwell and David Bowie all came to The Blitz to check out what was going on, the place was that important."
Formed in the 1970s, the five-piece band debuted their album ‘Journeys to Glory’ in 1981 and went on to sell 25 million albums worldwide, releasing a string of hits including ‘Gold’, ‘True’, ‘Chant No. 1’ and ‘Only When You Leave’.
Guy Fletcher OBE, PRS Chair, added: "It is an honour to present Spandau Ballet with the PRS for Music heritage award today, at what was truly their birthplace.
"The Blitz Club was the beating heart of the New Romantics movement that propelled some of British music’s most successful artists to stardom."
The PRS for Music Heritage Award aims to recognise live venues which were significant in launching the careers of influential artists, with other recipients including Elton John, Blur and Queen.
Spandau Ballet honoured with Heritage Award
