“Through the Barricades” stands as Spandau Ballet’s most emotionally resonant and politically charged song. The title track from their 1986 album, it marks a stylistic and thematic departure from the slick, romantic new wave sound they had become known for. Instead, the song dives into more serious territory - telling a love story set against the backdrop of the sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland.
Inspired by a real-life tragedy (the murder of a member of the band’s crew in Belfast), the song weaves a tale of forbidden love across political and religious lines. Gary Kemp’s lyrics are poetic and reflective, blending personal emotion with broader societal commentary. Lines like "Father made my history / He fought for what he thought would set us somehow free" immediately ground the narrative in a generational struggle, while the chorus "We made our love on wasteland, and through the barricades" captures both defiance and hope.
Tony Hadley delivers one of the strongest vocal performances of his career - rich, passionate, and beautifully restrained. His voice carries the emotional weight of the song, especially as it builds toward the dramatic final chorus. The acoustic guitar intro is deceptively gentle, slowly expanding into a powerful arrangement that fuses rock balladry with an almost hymn-like solemnity.
Musically, the track is a slow-burn masterpiece. Its progression from a delicate acoustic piece into a soaring anthem mirrors the emotional arc of the lyrics. The arrangement is tight and tasteful, with the band showing remarkable maturity in their musicianship and dynamics.
“Through the Barricades” is Spandau Ballet’s most profound and enduring song - equal parts love story and lament. It captures the human cost of conflict with grace and poignancy, and remains a testament to the band's evolution from pop heartthrobs to thoughtful songwriters. A hauntingly beautiful anthem of love and resilience.
Inspired by a real-life tragedy (the murder of a member of the band’s crew in Belfast), the song weaves a tale of forbidden love across political and religious lines. Gary Kemp’s lyrics are poetic and reflective, blending personal emotion with broader societal commentary. Lines like "Father made my history / He fought for what he thought would set us somehow free" immediately ground the narrative in a generational struggle, while the chorus "We made our love on wasteland, and through the barricades" captures both defiance and hope.
Tony Hadley delivers one of the strongest vocal performances of his career - rich, passionate, and beautifully restrained. His voice carries the emotional weight of the song, especially as it builds toward the dramatic final chorus. The acoustic guitar intro is deceptively gentle, slowly expanding into a powerful arrangement that fuses rock balladry with an almost hymn-like solemnity.
Musically, the track is a slow-burn masterpiece. Its progression from a delicate acoustic piece into a soaring anthem mirrors the emotional arc of the lyrics. The arrangement is tight and tasteful, with the band showing remarkable maturity in their musicianship and dynamics.
“Through the Barricades” is Spandau Ballet’s most profound and enduring song - equal parts love story and lament. It captures the human cost of conflict with grace and poignancy, and remains a testament to the band's evolution from pop heartthrobs to thoughtful songwriters. A hauntingly beautiful anthem of love and resilience.