A TRIBUTE to one of Britain’s most loved bands is preparing to open its UK tour.

Spandau Too, a tribute to chart-topping Spandau Ballet, begin their nationwide tour next week at Witham Public Hall.

Essex-based Spandau Too is touring the theatre, concert and festival circuit.

Lead singer Ian Pont, who has released 24 singles and an album of his own, said: “We are trying to replicate the soundscape of Gary Kemp’s wonderful tracks as close to the originals as possible.

“It’s the attention to detail that makes the difference.”

Unlike many tribute bands, Spandau Too doesn’t rely on backing tracks to cover any gaps in the line-up.

With Dean Moorcroft on drums, Kevin Wild on bass, Tom McCabe on guitar, John Michaels on keys, Dave Green on sax, and Sarah Adams Camsey on percussion, the band brings huge live music and tribute experience in recreating that Spandau sound, which is unique in 80s pop culture.

Spandau Too don’t look like the original band, but pride themselves on their sound, and are a faithful tribute to the music.

Keyboard player John Michaels said: “When you get into Spandau’s music you realise the intricate layers in so many of their tracks.

“Fans hope to hear something very close to the original. That’s why we take no short cuts and nail down each section as best we can.”

Ian added: “Singing Tony Hadley’s vocals is always a challenge without sounding like a pub singer singing a Stars in Their Eyes karaoke.

“The phrasing, nuances and tone of his voice is about as close as we can get it, and that is the best tribute we could ever give.”

Tickets for the May 20 show at Witham Public Hall are selling fast but still available at withampublichall.co.uk/music.html.

Further concert dates can be found at ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/spandau-too.