Gary Kemp

Gary Kemp

1959-10-16

Biography

Gary Kemp was born in Islington, London in October 1959. On his 10th birthday, he got his first guitar from his parents. In the 70s, he and his younger brother, Martin Kemp, went to learn drama at Anna Scher's acting school. Then, in 1978, Gary Kemp formed "The Makers". After Richard Miller left, his brother replaced him on bass. That's when Gary changed the name to Spandau Ballet. Spandau's break came in March 1980 when they were filmed for a documentary on ITV. When the documentary was broadcast, the record companies were bursting out of their ears. They chose to sign to Chrysalis, as they were offered the most money. For 10 years, they had hits like "To Cut a Long Story Short" (1980), "Chant No. 1 (I don't need this pressure on)" (1981), "True" (1983), "Gold" (1983), "Only When You Leave" (1984) and "Through the Barricades" (1986). After Spandau Ballet completed a tour in 1987, Gary and Martin decided to go into acting once again. They auditioned for the part in The Krays (1990) and, in 1989, they played "Ronald" and "Reggie". Soon afterwards this, Spandau Ballet would split. During the '90s, Gary continued to act, most notably playing a part in The Bodyguard (1992). In 1999, Gary was involved in a court battle over £1,000,000 royalties against John Keeble, Steve Norman and Tony Hadley, his 3 other bandmates. Gary won the case. However, in March 2009, all 5 members of Spandau Ballet called a truce, and they announced on the HMS Belfast in London that they would be reuniting for a world tour later in the year.

Also appears in

The Bodyguard

The Bodyguard

6.7

Killing Zoe

Killing Zoe

6.3

The Krays

The Krays

6.0

Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism

Molly Moon and the Incredible Book of Hypnotism

5.3

Live Aid

Live Aid

7.9

David Bowie & The Story of Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie & The Story of Ziggy Stardust

7.2

Soul Boys of the Western World

Soul Boys of the Western World

6.0

Assassin

Assassin

4.8

The Kemps: All Gold

The Kemps: All Gold

Not yet rated

The Kemps: All True

The Kemps: All True

9.0

Spandau Ballet: The Reformation Tour 2009 - Live at the O2

Spandau Ballet: The Reformation Tour 2009 - Live at the O2

5.5

The New Romantics: A Fine Romance

The New Romantics: A Fine Romance

6.0

Spandau Ballet: Live from the N.E.C.

Spandau Ballet: Live from the N.E.C.

6.5

Dog Eat Dog

Dog Eat Dog

4.9

Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek

4.9

Blitzed: The 80’s Blitz Kids Story

Blitzed: The 80’s Blitz Kids Story

6.8

The Rapture

The Rapture

4.0

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets - Live At The Roundhouse

Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets - Live At The Roundhouse

7.6

Never Go with Strangers

Never Go with Strangers

6.0

Beyond The Alps

Beyond The Alps

Not yet rated