Former Spandau Ballet star Tony Hadley is taking his smooth image to new extremes by performing James Bond themes with a full orchestra. He spoke to JOHN ANSON. . .

HE might not have been chosen to play the next James Bond, but singer Tony Hadley believes he's got the next best thing.

For Tony, long-time front man with Spandau Ballet and a successful solo artist in his own right, will take centre stage in Bond -- Shaken Not Stirred to be performed at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium on Saturday, July 17.

"I don't know anyone who doesn't like James Bond," said Tony.

"You always associate him with being cool."

The musical extravaganza -- part of this summer's pioneering Big Light On series of events at the stadium -- will see Tony and a number of leading West End performers singing the songs from Bond movies accompanied by a full orchestra plus the obligatory Bond girls and a stunning firework finale.

"It's going to be some show," said Tony.

"I don't think that any of us know quite what to expect, but one thing's for sure, it will be spectacular."

Tony was asked to take part after doing a number of classical concerts.

"It's just something you can't turn down," he said.

One of the main attractions is to perform in front of an orchestra.

"You really can't beat it as a singer," he said. "Singing with a band is fantastic but an orchestra is something else.

"It's the power and the subtlety.

"When a song has been arranged well it makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.

"I know that makes me sound a bit of a luvvie but it's true."

Although Shaken Not Stirred is a one-off event, Tony believes it would certainly work well as a long-running production.

"We'll just see how it goes. If it's a good as I think it will be who knows where it might lead."

With a string of top 10 hits behind him, Tony believes that he's getting better all the time.

"I'm 44 now but as a singer I feel 28," he said. "I think that music is becoming so formulaic and that things are so produced that people think all you have to do is get up there and do it.

"I've been singing for 24 years and I've learnt the trade. You always keep learning and I really do think I'm singing better than ever."

Success in the reality TV show Reborn in the USA saw Tony Hadley establish himself with a new audience and led to a sell-out tour with fellow contestant Peter Cox.

"I'm currently working on the autobiography," he said. "Then I've got a big tour of Australia and South Africa in October and November. I hope to get an album out before Christmas then next year I'm planning a 60 date tour with Martin Fry of ABC. We're looking at performing with a big band which could be good."

In the meantime his immediate concern is Shaken Not Stirred.

"It is quite nerve-racking," he said. "So many people are fans of the films they know every word. You can't bluff your way through it. But I'm sure people will have a fantastic time. I know I intend to."

Bond -- Shaken Not Stirred is at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday, July 17.Details from the ticket hotline on 0870 060 0243.