Legendary British band Spandau Ballet has released a previously unheard track, "Eyes," to celebrate their forthcoming box set and to give fans a taste of their earliest work. The song, which was part of the band's original setlist at the iconic Blitz Club, is now available to stream.
The release of "Eyes" comes ahead of the definitive box set, Everything Is Now – Vol 1: 1978-1982, which is due out on September 12. The comprehensive 9-disc collection from Parlophone features the band's groundbreaking first two albums, along with a wealth of previously unreleased material.
"Eyes" was recorded at Halligan's rehearsal studio when the group was still called Gentry. It was at this same studio that future journalist Robert Elms gave them the name Spandau Ballet. The track is included on the "Demos" disc of the box set, offering a glimpse into the band's gothic, post-punk sound before they cemented their place in the New Romantic movement.
Songwriter Gary Kemp shared that the song "is kind of gothic post-punk" and that it was an important part of their early sound. He added that producer Richard Burgess ultimately felt the song wasn't right for their debut album, but its release now offers a fascinating look at the band's creative evolution.
The release coincides with a new exhibition at London's Design Museum, Blitz: The Club That Shaped The 80s, opening on September 20. The show explores the influence of the Soho nightclub where Spandau Ballet first rose to fame.
