Why Are They Called Spandau Ballet?

Ballet

Spandau Ballet is one of the most iconic British bands of the 1980s, and their music has stood the test of time. But what’s in a name? How did this band come to be known as Spandau Ballet?

The name ‘Spandau Ballet’ was chosen by the band’s founding members in 1979. They had just left a musical project they were working on called The Cut and wanted something different. Lead singer Tony Hadley suggested they look to the world of fashion for inspiration and chose ‘Spandau Ballet’, with its reference to tight-fitting spandex clothing.

The term ‘Spandau Ballet’ was originally derived from the German city of Spandau, which was located near Berlin during the Cold War era. It was also famously used by Nazi war criminals to describe their prison sentences at the Spandau Prison in Berlin. This was an attempt to humanise their sentences, which had been declared “indefinite” by Allied forces after World War II.

The term then gained popularity as a phrase used to describe punk-inspired fashion in London during the late 1970s and early 1980s. This is where Spandau Ballet – the band – drew their inspiration from when naming themselves; they wanted something that reflected their rebellious attitude and DIY approach to music-making.

This rebelliousness was echoed in their lyrics and fashion sense too, with tight-fitting leather trousers and jackets being a particular trademark for many years. The band also experimented with different musical styles over the years, mixing soulful ballads with synth-heavy pop songs that became huge hits in both Britain and abroad throughout the 1980s.

So there you have it: an insight into why Spandau Ballet chose such an evocative name for themselves. From its origin as a phrase used by prisoners of war through to its use as inspiration for punk-inspired fashion, it has become synonymous with this iconic British band who created some timeless classics during their heyday in the 1980s and beyond.

Conclusion: The name ‘Spandau Ballet’ has become synonymous with this iconic British band who created some timeless classics during their heyday in the 1980s and beyond. It originated from German city of Spandau near Berlin during Cold War era but gained popularity amongst punk-inspired fashionistas in London during late 1970s & early 1980s due its rebelliousness echo-ing through lyrics & fashion sense – tight fitting leather trousers & jackets being one trademark – while experimenting with different musical styles becoming huge hits both Britain & abroad throughout 80’s .