Spandau Ballet, one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s, rose to fame in the post-punk era with their classic hits such as ‘True’ and ‘Gold’. But what’s in a name? Why did Spandau Ballet choose that name?
The band’s name is derived from a German prison, Spandau Prison, located in Berlin. The prison was once used by the Nazis for high-profile criminals and later by the Allied forces to house war criminals. It was closed down in 1987 after being used for almost 60 years.
The reason why Spandau Ballet chose this name is quite simple – it reflected their anti-establishment stance. The band was known for its left-wing politics and its strong opposition to Thatcherism. By using the name Spandau Ballet, they wanted to make a statement – they were against authority and oppression.
The name was also an ode to some of their musical influences – Kraftwerk and David Bowie. Kraftwerk had released a song titled ‘Spandau Ballet’ on their 1981 album Computer World, while Bowie had released ‘Neuköln’, which references Berlin’s Neuköln district located near Spandau Prison. Therefore, it made sense for the band to honour these two artists by adopting their moniker as their own.
Conclusion: The name ‘Spandau Ballet’ was chosen by the band as a means of expressing their anti-establishment stance and paying homage to some of their musical idols. It also served as a reminder of the oppressive regime that had been imposed on Germany during World War II. By choosing this bold name, Spandau Ballet successfully captured the attention of audiences around the world and cemented their place in music history as one of Britain’s most iconic bands.
5 Related Question Answers Found
Spandau Ballet is a British band that achieved great success in the 1980s. Founded in London in 1979 by vocalist Tony Hadley, guitarist Gary Kemp, bass player Martin Kemp, drummer John Keeble and keyboardist Steve Norman, their name has been a source of debate for many music fans and critics alike. But where did Spandau Ballet get their name from?
Spandau Ballet is a British band that was popular in the 1980s. The band was formed in London in 1979 and consisted of Gary Kemp, Steve Norman, Martin Kemp, Tony Hadley and John Keeble. The group’s name was derived from the German city Spandau, where a Cold War-era prison was located.
How Did They Get the Name Spandau Ballet? Spandau Ballet is a British pop/new wave band that rose to fame in the early 1980s. Formed in London in 1979, the group’s stylish image and slick sound propelled them to success and they quickly became one of the most popular bands of the decade.
Spandau Ballet are an English new wave/synthpop band from the 1980’s that are most known for their hits such as ‘True’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Through the Barricades’. Formed in 1979, they have been massively successful, winning multiple awards and selling millions of albums worldwide. But where did they get their name from?
The New York City Ballet was founded in 1948 by legendary choreographer George Balanchine, who wanted to create a company that would be a reflection of American culture and the unique energy of New York City. He brought together a collection of talented dancers from around the world and set out to create ballets that were rooted in classical technique yet also embraced modern influences. The New York City Ballet has become one of the most influential and respected ballet companies in the world.
