MANILA, Philippines?Spandau Ballet has long disbanded, so why does Tony Hadley still matter? The former lead vocalist of the British group is pushing 50. What has he got to offer, aside from the promise of reliving past glories?

The truth is, Hadley has moved on and attained respectable identity as a solo artist?having recorded a jazz album. He has also expanded his wings and appeared on TV and the legitimate stage?with triumphant results.

Details

In this e-mail interview with the Inquirer on the eve of his concert tonight at the Araneta Coliseum, Hadley talked about his achievements. Excerpts:

How busy are you with your solo singing career?

I didn?t stop working. I not only perform with my own band, but also with my swing band playing songs from my album, ?Passing Strangers.? I?m a DJ, too. I have a regular slot, ?Virgin Party Classics,? on UK radio.

How serious is your interest in jazz?

?Passing Strangers? is more a swing album than traditional jazz. I grew up listening to Frank Sinatra, Jack Jones and Tony Bennett because of my parents? love of swing.

You joined the reality TV series, ?Reborn in the USA,? and won. You also acted in the West End musical, ?Chicago.? How did you like doing those things?

Both were very different. ?Reborn? is about as far as I?d go on the reality-show front, but I really enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to travel across America.

And I loved every minute of the ?Chicago? stretch. It was a completely different discipline. The cast and audience were fantastic. Look out, Broadway!

Learning curve

What did you learn from your successes with Spandau Ballet?

Spandau was a huge learning curve at a very young age and I think it shaped me a lot. One thing I?m proud of is that I?m still pretty grounded. I don?t regret anything, but I wish I didn?t make so many mistakes!

Give us an idea of your show tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rockin?! I have some of the best UK musicians onstage. The most important thing is for the audience to have a great time!