Spandau Ballet is one of the defining bands of the 1980s, emerging from London’s burgeoning New Romantic scene with a polished blend of pop, soul, and sophisticated synth-driven style. Formed by brothers Gary and Martin Kemp along with Tony Hadley, Steve Norman, and John Keeble, the group became known for their sharp fashion aesthetic and impeccably crafted songs that bridged club culture and mainstream pop.
Their 1983 album True propelled them to international success, producing era-defining hits like “Gold” and the smooth, romantic title track. With lush production, powerful vocals, and a flair for emotional drama, Spandau Ballet helped shape the sound and image of ’80s pop, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the decade’s most elegant and influential acts.
Spandau Ballet’s 1980 debut single “To Cut A Long Story Short” announced the band as a bold new force in the New Romantic movement, blending synth-driven energy with dramatic flair and stylish sophistication. Written by Gary Kemp the track’s punchy rhythms, infectious hooks, and theatrical vocals by Tony Hadley captured the excitement of London’s club scene while showcasing a modern, forward-thinking pop sensibility.
Its innovative use of synthesizers and commanding production helped the single become an instant chart success, setting the tone for Spandau Ballet’s career and influencing the emerging synth-pop genre. “To Cut A Long Story Short” remains a landmark debut, emblematic of the band’s early creativity and the vibrancy of early ’80s British pop.
The song peaked at No. 05 in the UK Singles Chart on 6th December 1980.
| A-Side | To Cut A Long Story Short (3:21) (Gary Kemp) Produced By Richard James Burgess |
| B-Side | To Cut A Long Story Short (Version) (3:32) (Gary Kemp) Produced By Richard James Burgess |
| Genre | Pop, New Wave, SynthPop |
| Release Date | 31st October 1980 |
| Label | CHRYSALIS |
| Catalogue Number | CHS 2473 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 22nd November 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 05 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 09 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [9 Weeks] – 22nd November 1980 – 17th January 1981 |
Officially Released Versions
To Cut A Long Story Short (Single Version) (3:21)
To Cut A Long Story Short (Version) (3:32)
To Cut A Long Story Short (Mix 1) (6:31)
To Cut A Long Story Short (Mix 2) (3:59)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Soldier is turning
See him through white light
Running from strangers
See you in the valley
War upon war
Heat upon heat
To cut a long story short
I lost my mind
Sitting on a park bench
Years away from fighting
To cut a long story short
I lost my mind
Standing in the dark
Oh I was waiting for man to come
I am beautiful and clean
And so very very young
To be standing in the street
To be taken by someone
Questions questions
Give me no answers
That’s all they ever give me
Questions questions
Oh look at the strange boy
He finds it hard existing
To cut a long story short
I lost my mind
To cut a long story short
I lost my…
Mi-i-i-i-ind!
Written by Gary Kemp
