Tony Hadley has compared Sam Fender to Frank Sinatra and Boy George.
The former Spandau Ballet frontman is a huge fan of the 'Seventeen Going Under' hitmaker, and insisted like many iconic singers, his "voice is instantly recognisable".
Asked which current artists could have Spandau's longevity, he told the Metro newspaper's 60 Seconds column: "I'm always thinking about voices.
"Whether it's Sinatra or Boy George - when you put their records on, you know exactly who it is, It's about character.
"Sam Fender's voice is instantly recognisable. I love his music and the [Bruce] Springsteen influences."
Tony - who discovered Sam while presenting BBC Music Introducing on BBC Three Counties - also had some praised for rising star Piers Nolan.
He added: "I'm championing an artist called Piers Nolan. Instantly recognisable, incredible range and a great songwriter.
"We've got an album. The thing is what do you do with new artists now?
"Forget TikTok and all that rubbish - Piers needs to tour like Sam did."
Tony is returning later this year with a 2025 Big Band Tour, and he has recalled actually getting to meet Sinatra himself during his teenage years.
He said: "I met Sinatra when I was 17 at the Royal Albert Hall and he was really sweet. Years later, when I was doing my first solo album, I thought it would be great to get him in the video.
"I phoned his office and left a message saying, 'Hi, this is Tony Hadley. You probably won't know who I am.'
"'I'm the guy who sang True and I met Frank when I was 17. I'm gonna make a video and I'd love it if he could be in it.'"
The 64-year-old star revealed Sinatra's team phoned back to apologise that the timings wouldn't work because the 'My Way' crooner was heading on tour.
Tony added: "I could have swung from a chandelier - Frank Sinatra's office phoned Big Tone!"
-
Ice Spice Appears on Kanye West & Ty Dolla $ign’s ‘New Body,’ New Report Says
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign never got to release "New Body" with Nicki Minaj's verse.
-
Angine de Poitrine Spark Another Viral Moment With Surprise Billboard Canada Awards Appearance
The mysterious duo picked up the Global Breakthrough prize at the Toronto ceremony
-
Everywhere At Once Adds Fatboy Slim, Lucy Spraggan, Gene, D Double E, And More To Massive Festival Bill
They join The Lathums, Becky Hill, Rizzle Kicks and more in a line-up that supports grassroots music venues across the country
-
Red Hot Chili Peppers Land Over $300 Million From Catalog Sale
Warner Music Group, the band's home since 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik, acquires the Peppers' catalog as part of Bain Capital joint venture
-
Guns N’ Roses Debut Nothin’ And Atlas At Tour Opening Show
Guns N’ Roses Debut Nothin’ And Atlas At Tour Opening Show
-
Turning Point USA reveals performers for its All-American Halftime Show
Turning Point USA first revealed plans for its Super Bowl Halftime Show alternative in October.
-
Konyikeh Lets Her True Self Shine Through Her Music
The contemporary singer has spent most of her life learning rules, but with her third EP ‘Cinere’, she’s finally allowing herself to break them
-
Dua Lipa and Callum Turner Reveal Stunning Wedding Photos in Sicily
"Mr & Mrs," the pop superstar captioned a gallery from the couple's second wedding celebration.
-
Oliver Tree’s Mother Pays Tribute After Post Malone Dedicates Toronto Show to Him
Tree died in a helicopter crash last weekend, aged 32
-
Fred Again.. Launches Free Music Production Workshops For Trans+ Artists In London
“This is an event to be celebrated for who you are and have a chance to learn from leading professionals in your field”
-
Harry Styles Calls Meltdown Festival Orchestral Set a Career Highlight
-
‘Michael’ Breaks Record as Top-Earning Music Biopic Ever
The wildly successful biopic brought in $911.9 million worldwide, besting Bohemian Rhapsody
-
“U Dig Me” Marks Another Release From Kenny Muney
Kenny Muney is a Memphis artist whose new album "U Dig Me" is coming soon, and on Wednesday, the title track was released.
-
Cochise Brings a Fresh Sound on “Skin Care”
Cochise has fans demanding a new album soon, but at least he will hold them over for now with the new single "SKIN CARE."
-
Rocket Rese Drops Heavy New Collaboration "BAPTIZED" With SosMula
Rocket Rese shared his first project of his career this year and it doesn't look like he's going to slow down for the rest of 2026.
-
BOAT REMIX – Song by Trim & Pooh Shiesty
Trim's "BOAT" gained a lot of motion last year, and now we have a 2026 remix with none other than Pooh Shiesty.
-
Everybody Ain't Gone Get You - Song by JasonMartin
Jason Martin and DJ Flippp are gearing up for their new project "Quik Flip," and their new single "Everybody Ain't Gone Get You" is here.
-
SZA Releases “Save The Day” (From “Hoppers”)
-
Dead Kennedys Guitarist Claims Jello Biafra Is Holding Back Potential Reunion
"It's not an issue for me or Klaus," founding Dead Kennedys guitarist East Bay Ray explains.
-
LE SSERAFIM announce 2025 ‘Easy Crazy Hot’ world tour
Featuring concerts in Asia, North America and more
-
Mischa Barton reveals she’s a huge Oasis fan: “They’re the coolest”
“What kind of self-respecting Brit would I be if I wasn’t?”
-
Eem Triplin drops “Duya” single ahead of upcoming album
Eem Triplin, once known for crafting type-beat internet productions, has smoothly transitioned into a full-fledged artist in his own right.
-
Kiana Ledé On Being Indie, ‘Cut Ties,’ And Singlehandedly Extending Spooky Season
The singer detailed how she intertwined love and horror for 'V Sessions.'
-
Royal Deb displays her Jamaican roots new reggae single “Somebody For Everybody”
Since Royal Deb was just a child in St. Ann, Jamaica, she has been immersed in the reggae music scene.
COMMENTS
Leave a comment