ABC are headlining the region’s exclusive society event, the Lobster Ball. Lizzie Anderson speaks to frontman Martin Fry about the music industry, Lady Gaga and lobster

AS a passionate foodie who loves to entertain, the Lobster Ball at Hardwick Hall Hotel, in Sedgefield, is the perfect gig for Martin Fry, the charismatic lead singer of 1980s new wave band ABC.

“I am a bit of a foodie so I am hoping there is going to be a good spread,” he jokes.

ABC exploded onto the music scene in 1982 with a series of top ten hit singles, including Poison Arrow, The Look of Love and All of My Heart.

Their debut album, The Lexicon of Love, reached number one in the UK album chart and regularly features in critics’ lists of all-time favourites.

The group toured the world and went on to produce many more successful albums and greatest hits compilations. Fry continues to play at concerts and festivals across the globe as the sole member of ABC, often sporting his trademark gold suit, and is writing new material. He has loved music for as long as he can remember and Lobster Ball guests can expect an electrifying performance.

“It is all about entertainment with a capital E,” says Fry. “We will play a mixture of classic songs and some new tracks. There won’t be obscure B sides. The whole ‘I’ve suffered for my art so you will too’ has never been my approach.”

He adds: “I have always found people from the North-East to be warm and welcoming. I am sure it will be a great night.”

Fry has seen the music industry change beyond recognition since ABC were at the peak of their fame. Some things, he says, have changed for the better, others have not.

“In the 1980s and 1990s, bands would come along and record an album, perhaps even a second album, and not have much success,” he says. “The record company would stick by them and the third album could be a big hit. That just wouldn’t happen today. It is very difficult for new musicians starting out.”

He is, however, a fan of social media and music download programs such as Spotify, which allows musicians to promote their records to a wider audience.

Fry’s career has had many highlights, and, with the 56-yearold showing no signs of slowing down, he is likely to experience many more. To date, he cites meeting his hero David Bowie and presenting Motown legend Smokey Robinson with a copy of When Smokey Sings, the ABC record he inspired, among his most memorable moments.

As for the future, he says he would love to perform in Ghana and collaborate with pop star Lady Gaga.

“She has got it all,” he says. “She is a great singer, a great writer and her outfits are amazing.”

  • ABC, the Lobster Ball, Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield, County Durham, Friday, May 2