ABC's Martin Fry reveals how the band's merchandise has changed over four decades
It's had an upgrade over the years!
Following the exciting news that ABC will be going on tour next year, Ken Bruce welcomed Martin Fry into the studio for Golden Years, where they talked about David Bowie, Top of The Pops and how the band's merchandise has changed over the years.
ABC formed back in 1980, with the line-up of Martin Fry, Mark White, Stephen Singleton, and David Palmer, and Martin told Ken how things have changed over the years.
Talking about his upcoming tour, Martin said: "When we first started, we made an album called 'The Lexicon of Love', with Trevor Horn producing and Anne Dudley walked into the studios and played some piano, and we became friends then."
He continued: "All these years on, you go round to Anne's house there's like Oscars hidden away in the corner, she's very understated, and will be very embarrassed if I say these things. She's scored incredible films, Netflix series, TV shows and she was in the Art of Noise as well.
"But she was also instrumental in some of the early ABC records, 'The Look of Love' and 'Poison Arrow', so we hooked up, and we've been playing an orchestral show for a good few years now, so we get a chance to start off in Brighton February 5th, all the way through to the London Palladium on February 17th."
Martin then went on to comment about the merchandise they have at the shows saying: "I've noticed though in recent years that the merchandise has changed for us, we kind of released the super deluxe version of 'The Lexicon of Love', which came out 40 years ago, and all that, but I can't really do the T-Shirts and caps anymore.
"It's gone a lot more luxe now, when it comes to see ABC and their full-blown orchestra show, so, yeah, if you need a wallet or a tuxedo, come to the show! It's all about the celebrity endorsed merch these days, I'm told!"
How to listen to Ken Bruce on Greatest Hits Radio
You can listen to Ken Bruce every weekday from 10am. Don't forget to tune in to listen to him through this website, or download the free app.
Take a look through other guests we've had on Greatest Hits Radio:
Jackie Brambles spoke to Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert opened up about touring with Queen for 10 years. The singer spoke to Jackie Brambles on Greatest Hits Radio back in March 2023.
He told Jackie: "There's always going to be haters. That's just how it goes and it's fine - I get being protective of your memory of the band, I totally understand. I think early on that actually lit a fire in me to prove myself and prove them wrong."
Jackie Brambles spoke to Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox reflected on 40 years in show business, revealing that she wouldn't encourage young girls to follow in her footsteps.
"I wouldn't encourage it these days – there's no Page Three anymore and now I think all the reality stars are like the new glamour girls," she told Jackie.
Ken Bruce spoke to Ben Elton
Ken Bruce spoke to Ben Elton back in April, when he joined us for Golden Years. Ben chose 1987 as his Golden Year, which was the year he started dating his wife Sophie.
Ben also told us about the incredible kindness George Michael showed the couple after the birth of their twins.
Ken Bruce spoke to Björn Ulvaeus
Björn Ulvaeus joined Ken Bruce to talk about ABBA Voyage, as it celebrated its one year anniversary. He explained what it was like to see a hologram version of himself on stage saying: "I feel it's HIM from the 70s. I've felt that for a long time, because I've been exposed to him almost daily for the past 40 years. It was easier to do it if I looked at myself as a kind of historical figure, as 'him'."
Ken Bruce spoke to Noel Gallagher
Following the release of his latest album 'Council Skies', Noel Gallagher spoke to Ken Bruce, revealing how the Covid Pandemic affected it.
Explaining that it wasn't all bad, Noel said: "My plan in 2019 was to always put a record out in 2023 anyway so I've not kind of lost any ground but it is a reflective album."
Ken Bruce spoke to Ruby Wax
Ruby Wax joined Ken Bruce to talk about her new book called I'm Not as Well as I Thought I Was.
During the interview, Ruby revealed the key to good mental health, saying: "I know this sounds corny, but be generous and be nice to people. We work as a community, but we've lost that, so if you can even pick up a piece of paper and say 'you dropped this' it's a tiny thing, but it releases a hormone in you that is so good for your health."
Mark Goodier spoke to Björn Ulvaeus
ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus joined us once again at Greatest Hits Radio, this time to talk to Mark Goodier about the possibility of an ABBA biopic.
Björn explained why one hasn't been done before saying: "I think our story is boring, yes it is.... Two couples. No, we've been approached obviously, you know many times, somehow we always say no. But who knows, someone comes up with a great idea of doing it maybe, some great talent, some talented writers, some talented director, who knows!"
Ken Bruce spoke to Elton John
As Elton John nears the end of his epic 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour he joined Ken Bruce to talk about what's next for him, and also revealed that he doesn't actually need to wear glasses!
Elton, who has just launched a new eyewear range said: "I just love wearing glasses, and even though I've got 20/20 vision, I still wear glasses because I feel naked without them."
Jackie Brambles spoke to Suggs
Madness front man Suggs joined Jackie Brambles to reveal the mischievous way he acquired his first record. He also told Jackie about the first act he saw live which was The Who.
He reminisced: "I do remember The Who come on. They did that 'Baba O'Riley', it was the first laser show in the world. And literally it was like one green beam was bouncing off some sort of car."
Ken Bruce spoke to Martin Kemp
Greatest Hits Radio presenter and Spandau Ballet singer, Martin Kemp joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Golden Year which was 1985.
1985 was the year that Spandau Ballet performed at Live Aid, and he revealed the terrible moment they decided to perform a new song on stage.
Jackie Brambles spoke to Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher joined Jackie Brambles in June to talk about his appearance as part of Oasis on Top of The Pops.
Calling it a 'comedy of errors', Noel said: "It's like you've made it when you did Top of the Pops - that was it. But as great as it is, it kind of shatters the illusion because I always thought everyone that was on was a multi-millionaire. We turned up in a diesel transit van that somebody had put petrol in, so it broke down. It was all a comedy of errors."
Simon Mayo spoke to Paul Simon
Joining us for a world exclusive, Paul Simon spoke to Simon Mayo about his new album 'Seven Psalms'. Paul's 15th solo album is designed to be listened to as a single body of work, in full and in order.
During the interview, Paul told Simon how the idea came to him in a dream, he explained: "This particular album happened to come out of a dream that I had that said: 'Oh you're working on a piece called 'Seven Psalms' and it was a very powerful dream.
"It was so strong that I woke up and wrote it down on a piece of paper. 'Seven Psalms', and the date January 15th 2019. And that's when this album began."
Ken Bruce spoke to Sharleen Spiteri
Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri joined Ken Bruce for the Golden Years, and chose 1977, when she was just 10 years old.
The first song Sharleen chose was 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac, she explained why she chose that song saying: "Texas' first ever gig... the first gig we played was Dundee University in the bar," she reminisced, continuing: "The second gig we played was opening up for Fleetwood Mac at the Edinburgh Playhouse, because the band that were supporting them had got Top of The Pops!
Shirlie Kemp spoke to Jackie Brambles
Shirlie Kemp spoke to Jackie Brambles about how she met George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, she said it was heart-breaking to share George Michael with the world when Wham! became famous.
Rob Brydon discusses Gavin & Stacey with Ken Bruce
Actor and comedian Rob Brydon joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years and to answer some listeners questions. As to be expected some of the questions were about the hit show Gavin & Stacey.
Dolly Parton spoke to Ken Bruce
Ahead of the release of her album 'Rockstar' and her book Behind The Seams My Life In Rhinestones, Dolly Parton joined Ken Bruce, admitting she never wants to retire.
Shirlie Kemp spoke to Ken Bruce
Shirlie Kemp joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she talked about growing up with Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael from Wham! and the music she loved as a youngster.
ABC's Martin Fry joined Ken Bruce
ABC's Martin Fry joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years to talk about David Bowie, Top of The Pops and his upcoming tour.
Paul Carrack spoke to Ken Bruce
Paul Carrack, the Ace, Squeeze and Mike + The Mechanics singer, joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Golden Year which was 1974. It was also the year that Paul sang on the hit 'How Long' as part of Ace.
Davina McCall spoke to Ken Bruce
Davina McCall opens up on why her new show My Mum, Your Dad is so relatable. The show sees middle-aged singletons with grown-up children, looking for love. The parents spend two weeks in a retreat, where they get to meet the others taking part, and go on dates.
Richard Osman spoke to Ken Bruce
Richard Osman joined Ken Bruce to talk about his pivotal Golden Year, which was 1987. Richard also chatted about his fourth novel, The Last Devil to Die.
Carol Vorderman joined Ken Bruce
Carol Vorderman joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she shared some fun memories from her chosen year of 1974 and spoke about her Perfect 10 podcast.
Rick Astley spoke to Ken Bruce
Rick Astley joined Ken Bruce to talk about his Glastonbury performance, and what it was like to perform ahead of Elton John at the iconic music festival.
Emeli Sandé joined Ken Bruce
Emeli Sandé joined Ken Bruce to talk about her inspirations who are Annie Lennox and Tori Amos. She also reminisced about how she used to listen to music when she was just five-years-old.
Boy George spoke to Ken Bruce
Boy George spoke to Ken Bruce about his experience in the I'm a Celebrity jungle. Boy George also gave Sam Thompson, a presenter on our sister station Hits Radio, a pep talk as he heads into the jungle this year.
Jackie Brambles spoke to Sharon Osbourne
Sharon Osbourne joined Jackie Brambles, where she shared her thoughts on The X Factor, moving back to the UK and her husband Ozzy.
Pete Waterman reveals how 'I Should Be So Lucky' became a success
Pete Waterman joined Ken to talk about one of the biggest hits he wrote for Kylie Minogue, 'I Should Be So Lucky' and how Lenny Henry had a part in that being a huge hit.
Gabrielle opens up about her overnight success with her 1993 hit 'Dreams'
The wonderful singer Gabrielle joined Ken Bruce to talk about her brand new album 'A Place In Your Heart', her 2025 tour and what it was like getting overnight success with her debut hit 'Dreams' in 1993.
Robin Campbell on how his social circle became the band UB40
Robin Campbell, Matt Doyle and Matt Campbell from UB40 joined Jackie Brambles to talk about their album 'UB45', celebrating 45 years of the band. They also chatted about the band's beginnings and how founding member Robin Campbell knew many of the band members from a very early age.
Colin Blunstone admits he had no ambitions to sing in public when the The Zombies started out
Lead singer of The Zombies, Colin Blunstone, joined Ken Bruce to talk about the band's brand new tour, and how he didn't have ambitions to be a singer.
He also revealed how the band formed back in 1961, as a group of teenagers, who weren't even old enough to go inside the pub they met outside!
Elizabeth Hurley recounts the first time she met Liam Gallagher saying he was 'absolutely adorable'
Elizabeth Hurley joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years, where she chose 1994 as her Golden Year. Elizabeth chose that particular year after she'd heard a Wet Wet Wet song on the radio, which "sent her back to a place", and she realised she loved a lot of songs from that year.
The actress went on to explain that a lot in her life changed in that year, and it was a time that "evoked amazing feelings".
The Beach Boys reveal they had two 'different groups' in the 60s
Greatest Hits Radio's Richard Allinson caught up with founding member of The Beach Boys Mike Love, and long-standing member Bruce Johnston, in the week that the band's new documentary on Disney+ was released.
Speaking to Richard, the duo spoke about the creation of the band, and how Bruce saw them rise to fame, while working for Columbia Records, eventually becoming a full-time member of the band a few years later.
John Cleese reveals how it feels to see someone else play his iconic character Basil Fawlty
Actor John Cleese joined Simon Mayo to talk about the brand new West End show of Fawlty Towers. The show, an adaptation of his hugely popular TV series of the same name, has finally made it to the stage 50 years after it first appeared on our TV screens. John explained why it took so long and what it was like to see someone else play his iconic role.
Harry Hill reveals some of the 'silly things' from his new book
Comedian Harry Hill joined Ken Bruce for Golden Years on Greatest Hits Radio, and opened up about his tour and his new book out in October. Choosing 1976 as his Golden Year, he also reminisced about being just 12-years-old.
Harry's new book, called How To Be Silly Every Day of the Year, will feature 365 silly things to do, to fill your entire year. And he revealed to Ken some of the hilarious things it includes, such as encouraging a woodlouse and taking a sausage for a walk.
Boy George had to 'fall in love again' with 'Karma Chameleon'
It's one of Boy George & Culture Club's most iconic songs, but 'Karma Chameleon' hasn't always been a popular song with lead singer, as he explained he had to learn to love it again.
At the time of its release in 1983, 'Karma Chameleon' reached Number 1 around the world, and was certified Platinum in several countries, including the UK.
Shania Twain reveals what we can expect from her Glastonbury Legends Slot
'That Don't Impress Me Much' singer Shania Twain joined Ken Bruce to talk about her Legends Slot at Glastonbury, and what we can expect.
"I plan on singing everything that everybody knows," Shania revealed. "So there's no guessing, it's just all about the hits. It's all about singing together and having fun."
Heart's Nancy Wilson says supporting Queen was 'life-altering'
Heart are known for their huge hits 'All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You', 'Alone' and 'These Dreams', and Nancy chatted to Jackie Brambles about the band's beginnings, getting their breakthrough and what it was like for them supporting Queen in Leeds. She also opened up about the role models who inspired her and the band.
ABC’s February 2024 UK tour dates:
JANUARY 2024:
Wolverhampton The Civic at The Halls - Thurs 25th
Manchester Bridgewater Hall - Fri 26th
York Barbican - Sat 27th
Southend Cliffs Pavillion - Mon 29th
Stoke Regent Theatre - Tue 30th
FEBRUARY 2024:
London Palladium - Thurs 1st
Cardiff St David's Hall - Fri 2nd
Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre - Sat 3rd
Brighton Dome – Mon 5th
Nottingham Royal Concert Hall – Tue 6th
Sheffield City Hall – Thu 8th
Glasgow Royal Concert Hall – Fri 9th
Gateshead Sage – Sat 10th
Birmingham Symphony Hall – Mon 12th
Bath Forum – Tue 13th
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall – Thu 15th
Manchester Bridgewater Hall – Fri 16th
London Palladium – Sat 17th
Truro Hall For Cornwall - Mon 19th
Portsmouth Guildhall - Tues 20th
London Palladium - Thurs 22nd
Take a look through tours coming up this year and beyond:
ABBA - 'ABBA Voyage'
ABBA's virtual tour 'ABBA Voyage' started in May 2022. The tour sees the ABBA avatars accompanied by a 10-piece live band, all taking place in a custom-built arena at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.
The shows were due to run until October 2022, but due popular demand from fans, they will now run until 2026.
Jason Donovan
Jason Donovan will be going on tour in February and March 2026 with his 'Doin' Fine Encore' tour. The singer said: "I am so excited about extending this tour. There were some places we were unable to visit on the 'Doin' Fine 25' tour for logistical reasons, so it's great to be able to go and perform in those venues.
"My performing career has been an incredible ride, and I can't wait to celebrate it by performing the songs that have been such an important part of my life. It's been a fantastic tour so far, and I look forward to sharing all those special moments with my fans."
Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys have announced a series of intimate gigs, taking place in April 2026. 'Obscure Pet Shop Boys', are truly for the biggest fans of the band, as they'll be performing non-single album tracks and B-sides, from throughout their long career.
Toyah Willcox
To celebrate 45 years in the music industry, 80s legend Toyah Willcox will be heading on tour from 2025 to 2026, starting by supporting The Human League at a series of shows in the summer of 2025, before her HUGE tour gets underway in March 2026. Entitled 'Songs & Stories Tour 2026', she'll take the tour to 49 intimate venues across England, Scotland and Wales — finishing on 14th June 2026.
Toyah also has a number of gigs in October and December 2025, in celebration of the release of her new greatest hits album, 'Chameleon: The Very Best Of Toyah'.
Rick Astley
Rick Astley has announced a huge UK tour with special guest Gabrielle. The 'Never Gonna Give You Up' singer will perform across the UK with gigs in Glasgow, London, Liverpool, Newcastle and many more, in April 2026.
Paul Carrack
Paul Carrack will be on tour throughout April and May 2026, celebrating 50 years in the music business and the release of his album 'The Country Side of Paul Carrack'. The singer said of the tour: "There's no feeling like performing live with this band. We've been through it all together, and we're excited to bring something new to these incredible venues. It's going to be a big one."
James Morrison
James Morrison has announced a tour for 2026 celebrating 20 years since the release of his debut album 'Undiscovered'. The singer will perform throughout May and the beginning of June, playing songs from his 5x Platinum album, along with some of this biggest hits.
Billy Ocean
In October 2025, Billy Ocean announced dates for his Summer 2026 tour where he will be performing across the UK from May until August. The singer will be joined by special guest, former Wet Wet Wet and solo artist Marti Pellow.
Foreigner
'I Want To Know What Love Is' band Foreigner have announced two UK dates for June 2026. The band will perform their biggest anthems from their back catalogue at the very special concerts.
UB40
UB40 have announced a huge tour taking place in June 2026. The band are expected to perform many of their iconic classic hits from their back catalogue and some brand new tracks which will feature on their upcoming studio album, due for release in Spring 2026.
The Human League
'Don't You Want Me' band The Human League have announced they will be performing a big outdoor show in 2026. The band, who will be joined by special guests ABC, will be taking to the stage for this one-off show in Leeds.
Boyzone
In September 2025, Boyzone announced they would be reuniting for their largest gig ever. Due to take place in London on Saturday 6th June 2026, the band will be playing to 44,000 fans for their show called 'One For The Road: Live At Emirates Stadium, London'.
Beverley Knight
Beverley Knight has announced a huge UK headline tour for 2026 called 'Born to Perform'. The show will see Beverley perform some of her biggest hits as she also takes the audience on a journey through her career of music and theatre. The tour takes place throughout June 2026.
Westlife
After much excitement and teasing, the band revealed they will be playing across the UK in September and October 2026, as part of their 'Westlife 25: The Anniversary World Tour'. The band will start their UK leg in Aberdeen on Tuesday 29th September, before performing across the UK, ending with FIVE dates in Belfast (previously announced).
Now read:
ABC add extra shows to 'The Lexicon of Love' orchestral UK tour
The biggest tours to look forward to in 2023
Everything you need to know about 'Madonna: The Celebration Tour'