Martin and Gary Kemp have been friends for more than four decades now, and their friendship has stood the test of time. From their early days in the band Spandau Ballet to their individual career pursuits, the duo has always supported each other through thick and thin. Despite their different personalities and interests, Martin and Gary share a bond that cannot be broken. It’s not every day that you come across such a strong and long-lasting friendship in the entertainment industry, and Martin and Gary’s story is truly inspiring.
Martin, the lead vocalist of Spandau Ballet, and Gary, the band’s guitarist and songwriter, first met in the late 1970s when they were teenagers living in London. They quickly hit it off and discovered their shared passion for music. Martin’s soulful voice and Gary’s catchy guitar riffs proved to be a winning combination, and Spandau Ballet soon became one of the most popular bands of the 1980s. Even after the band split up in the 1990s, Martin and Gary remained close friends and continued to collaborate on various projects.
Despite their busy schedules, Martin and Gary always find time for each other. They enjoy going to concerts, watching football matches, and spending time with their families. They also support each other’s solo projects and often share their work with each other. Martin and Gary’s friendship is a testament to the fact that true friends stick together no matter what. As they continue to make music and explore new opportunities, we can be sure that Martin and Gary will always have each other’s backs.
Spandau Ballet band members
Spandau Ballet is a British band that gained popularity in the 1980s. The band was formed in London in 1979 and consisted of five members, Martin Kemp, Gary Kemp, Tony Hadley, John Keeble, and Steve Norman. Spandau Ballet was famous for their new wave and synth-pop music that was a hit in both the UK and the US.
- Martin Kemp – Martin Kemp is the bassist for Spandau Ballet. He joined the band shortly after it was formed and was a crucial member in its success. Kemp was known for his unique style of playing the bass and was one of the reasons the band’s music was so distinctive. Outside of the band, Kemp is also an actor and has appeared in several movies and TV shows.
- Gary Kemp – Gary Kemp is the lead guitarist and songwriter of Spandau Ballet. He was also the band’s primary vocalist on many of their biggest hits. Kemp wrote most of the band’s songs, including their biggest hit, “True.” He is also an actor and has appeared in several films and TV shows.
- Tony Hadley – Tony Hadley is the lead vocalist of Spandau Ballet. His powerful voice was one of the biggest reasons for the band’s success. Hadley’s deep, soulful tone was perfect for the romantic ballads that Spandau Ballet became famous for.
- John Keeble – John Keeble is the drummer of Spandau Ballet. His tight, precise drumming was a key component of the band’s sound. Keeble’s rhythms were funky and danceable, and his beats helped to drive many of the band’s biggest hits.
- Steve Norman – Steve Norman played saxophone, percussion, and guitar for Spandau Ballet. His diverse musical skills were essential to the band’s unique sound. Norman’s saxophone solos were a distinctive feature of many of the band’s hit songs.
The members of Spandau Ballet were not only bandmates but also close friends. This friendship was evident in their music and in the way they presented themselves as a band. Martin Kemp and Gary Kemp, in particular, were known to be very close. The two brothers wrote many of the band’s songs together and were often seen performing side by side on stage. This strong bond between the band members was one of the factors that made Spandau Ballet such a successful and beloved band.
Overall, Spandau Ballet was a unique and talented band that helped define the sound of the 1980s. The band’s success was due in no small part to the close friendship and collaboration of its members.
| Band Member | Instrument |
|---|---|
| Martin Kemp | Bass |
| Gary Kemp | Guitar, Vocals, Songwriter |
| Tony Hadley | Vocals |
| John Keeble | Drums |
| Steve Norman | Saxophone, Percussion, Guitar |
With such a talented group of musicians, it’s no wonder that Spandau Ballet continues to be celebrated and influential today.
Martin and Gary Kemp’s Relationship
Martin and Gary Kemp have had a friendship that goes way back to their childhood. They grew up in North London and shared similar interests in music and fashion. Their bond was further strengthened when they formed the band Spandau Ballet in 1979, where Martin was the bassist and Gary was the guitarist and lead vocalist.
- They have collaborated on various projects throughout their careers, including film and television.
- In 1989, they worked together on the film “The Krays,” with Martin playing one of the notorious gangster twins and Gary providing the soundtrack.
- They also co-starred in the film “The Bodyguard” in 1992.
Their friendship has not been without its challenges, however. In the 1990s, the band went through a bitter split, with Martin and Gary having a falling out over financial disagreements. They were estranged for over a decade before finally reconciling in 2009.
Since then, they have worked on various Spandau Ballet reunions and tours, as well as continuing their individual careers. In 2020, they released their first album as a duo, “In Solo.”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-standing friendship | Past financial disagreements |
| Successful collaborations in music, film, and television | Periods of estrangement |
| Continued support of each other’s careers |
Overall, Martin and Gary Kemp have a complex relationship that has evolved over the years. Despite past challenges, their friendship has endured and they continue to work together and support each other’s endeavors.
Childhood of Martin and Gary Kemp
Martin and Gary Kemp, the famous British pop musicians, were born and raised in the impoverished working-class neighborhoods of Islington, North London. The Kemp brothers’ childhood was characterized by poverty, toil, and a father who left them when they were young. Despite these difficulties and hardships, they developed a close and loving bond with each other, a strength that was to sustain them throughout their career.
The Kemp brothers attended Rotherfield Junior School and then went on to Dame Alice Owen’s School in Islington, where they excelled academically and participated in various school activities and clubs. However, their passion for music and songwriting soon took over, leading them down a different path.
- Growing Up in Islington
- Education at Rotherfield Junior School
- High School Days at Dame Alice Owen’s School
Despite their academic achievements, the Kemp brothers could not resist the pull of the music industry. They formed a band called The Gentry and started playing in local pubs and clubs. It was not long before they were discovered and signed by a record company.
Their success skyrocketed, and the duo became well-known for their music and fashion. They were known for wearing unique and outrageous outfits, and their image became as famous as their music. The Kemp brothers had successfully combined their passion for music and fashion, becoming icons of the 80s Pop culture.
Today, the Kemp brothers are still widely recognized, admired, and celebrated for their undeniable musical talent and unique style. Their legacy continues, inspiring a new generation of musicians and artists.
| Childhood of Martin and Gary Kemp | Details |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Islington, North London |
| Education | Rotherfield Junior School and Dame Alice Owen’s School, Islington |
| Passion | Music and Songwriting |
| Band Name | The Gentry |
The Kemp brothers’ story highlights the importance of the resilience and bond between siblings, especially in times of difficulties and hardships. Their childhood was the foundation of their successful career as musicians and fashion icons.
Spandau Ballet tours and concerts
Spandau Ballet had a successful career in the 80s and were known for their new romantic sound. Martin Kemp played bass guitar while his brother Gary Kemp was the lead guitarist and songwriter. The band’s tours were known for their extravagant style and energetic performances, earning them a large fanbase both in the UK and internationally.
- True Tour (1984): The band’s biggest tour, spanning over six months, which included 60 shows across Europe, North America, and Japan. The tour was in support of their successful album “True”.
- Through the Barricades Tour (1987): The tour was in support of their album “Through the Barricades” and had 51 shows across the UK, Europe, and Australia.
- Heart Like a Sky Tour (1989): The tour had 43 shows and was in support of their album “Heart Like a Sky”. This was the last tour the band did before their split in 1990.
Spandau Ballet reunited in 2009 and have since done various tours and concerts. In 2018, the band went on their “Soulboys of the Western World” tour, which was a celebration of their documentary of the same name. The tour included 18 shows across the UK and Europe.
| Year | Tour Name | Number of Shows |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Reformation Tour | 25 |
| 2015 | Soulboys of the Western World Tour | 18 |
| 2018 | 40 Years of Spandau Ballet: The Greatest Hits Tour | 12 |
The band continues to perform and connect with their dedicated fanbase through their tours and concerts.
Music and songwriting career of Martin and Gary Kemp
Martin and Gary Kemp are two of the most iconic musicians and songwriters in the British music scene. Their dynamic musical partnership began in the early 1980s, when they formed their own band, Spandau Ballet. The band quickly gained a following, thanks to their unique blend of new wave, pop, and soul music.
The Kemp brothers were an unstoppable force in the music industry throughout the 1980s. They wrote some of the most memorable and successful songs of the era, including “True,” “Gold,” and “Through the Barricades.” Their music inspired a generation of fans and paved the way for many other British artists to follow in their footsteps.
- Martin Kemp’s Music and Songwriting Career
- Gary Kemp’s Music and Songwriting Career
- Collaborations and Solo Projects
Martin Kemp’s musical career began in the late 1970s when he joined the punk band The Gentry. He later formed his own band, called Power Station, which had a couple of hits in the UK. However, it was with the formation of Spandau Ballet that Martin would become a household name. Martin was the bassist for the band and played an integral role in its sound. His bass lines are considered some of the most distinctive in British rock and pop music.
Gary Kemp is the primary songwriter for Spandau Ballet. He has written some of their biggest hits, including “True,” which remains a classic decades later. Kemp’s songwriting talents were recognized early on, and he was nominated for an Ivor Novello award for “To Cut a Long Story Short” in 1981.
In addition to their work with Spandau Ballet, both Martin and Gary have pursued solo projects and collaborations. Martin has dabbled in acting, but he has also released his own music, including an album in 1999. Gary, meanwhile, has worked with a variety of artists, including Elton John, Nick Mason, and Joss Stone.
The Kemps’ songwriting talents are not limited to their work with Spandau Ballet. They have both written for film and TV soundtracks, including the theme song for the popular British TV show “The Krays.”
| Notable Songs Written by Martin Kemp | Notable Songs Written by Gary Kemp |
|---|---|
| “Chant No. 1 (I Don’t Need This Pressure On)” | “True” |
| “Gold” | “Through the Barricades” |
| “Only When You Leave” | “Communication” |
The Kemps continue to be a musical force to be reckoned with. Their legacy has inspired countless other musicians and songwriters, and their music will continue to be loved by fans for generations to come.
Solo projects of Martin and Gary Kemp
Martin and Gary Kemp may have gained worldwide recognition as members of the iconic band Spandau Ballet, but they have also carved out successful careers as solo artists.
Throughout the 80s and 90s, both Martin and Gary Kemp released albums and singles outside of Spandau Ballet, showcasing their individual musical styles and abilities. Here are some notable solo projects from the Kemp brothers:
- Martin Kemp released his debut solo single “Drive” in 1988, which reached number 30 in the UK charts. He also released his first solo album, “Little Bruises,” in 1995.
- Gary Kemp released his debut solo album, “Little Bruises,” in 1995. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Sting and Sinead O’Connor.
- Martin Kemp starred in various TV shows and films, including the hit UK show “Eastenders” and the Hollywood blockbuster “The Krays.”
- Gary Kemp also acted in various films and TV shows, including the cult classic “The Bodyguard” and the UK show “The Bill.”
- Martin Kemp has hosted various TV shows, including the UK version of “Antiques Roadshow.”
- Gary Kemp wrote the music and lyrics for the 2014 West End musical “Made in Dagenham.”
In addition to their solo projects, Martin and Gary Kemp have also continued to perform together, both as members of Spandau Ballet and as a duo. Their musical talents and diverse career paths have cemented their place as two of the most exceptional artists of their generation.
Here are some additional notable solo projects from the Kemp brothers:
Martin Kemp:
- 1995: “Little Bruises” – Solo Album
- 2014: “Back to the 80’s” – Compilation Album
Gary Kemp:
- 1995: “Little Bruises” – Solo Album
- 2011: “I Remember You” – Solo Single
- 2014: “A Terrible Beauty” – Solo Album
| Album | Year Released |
|---|---|
| Martin Kemp – Little Bruises | 1995 |
| Gary Kemp – Little Bruises | 1995 |
| Gary Kemp – A Terrible Beauty | 2014 |
It’s clear that both Martin and Gary Kemp are talented musicians who have made significant contributions to the music industry both as members of Spandau Ballet and as solo artists. Their journeys and accomplishments offer inspiration and a blueprint for aspiring artists everywhere.
Impact of Martin and Gary Kemp on the Music Industry
Martin Kemp and Gary Kemp are two of the most influential musicians in the British music industry. Since the 1980s, they have been leaders of the New Romantic movement and have paved the way for many future musicians to follow. Their music is characterized by a unique sound that combines electronic beats with haunting melodies, and their lyrics are often introspective and thought-provoking.
Their impact on the music industry has been wide-ranging and far-reaching, with many musicians citing them as a source of inspiration. Here are seven ways in which Martin and Gary Kemp have influenced the music industry:
- They helped to popularize New Romantic music, which would later be a catalyst for the development of synth-pop in the 1980s.
- They were one of the first bands to use electronic drums in their music, which helped to create a modern, futuristic sound that was very different from the rock bands of the time.
- Their music videos were innovative and visually stunning, often incorporating fashion and art into their performances.
- Their lyrics were often introspective and thought-provoking, dealing with themes such as identity, insecurity, and fame.
- They were known for their theatrical performances, often incorporating elaborate costumes and stage props into their shows.
- Their music was popular with both mainstream audiences and alternative groups, showcasing their ability to bridge gaps between different music scenes.
- They were a major influence on many future musicians, including Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Pet Shop Boys.
It is clear that Martin and Gary Kemp have had a significant impact on the music industry, and their legacy continues to be felt today. Their unique sound, theatrics, and lyrics have inspired countless musicians to follow in their footsteps, and their influence can be seen in the diverse range of music that we enjoy today.
Are Martin and Gary Kemp Friends?
1. Who are Martin and Gary Kemp?
Martin Kemp and Gary Kemp are brothers and were both part of the popular British band Spandau Ballet.
2. Are they still in Spandau Ballet?
Yes, Martin and Gary Kemp are still members of Spandau Ballet.
3. How did they meet?
Being brothers, Martin and Gary Kemp have known each other all their lives, but they first formed Spandau Ballet together in 1979.
4. Are Martin and Gary Kemp close?
Yes, as brothers and bandmates, Martin and Gary Kemp are very close.
5. Have they ever had a falling out?
Like any siblings or bandmates, Martin and Gary Kemp have had their disagreements over the years, but they have always remained close.
6. What kind of relationship do they have now?
Martin and Gary Kemp continue to work together in Spandau Ballet and have a strong bond as brothers.
7. Are Martin and Gary Kemp still friends?
Yes, Martin and Gary Kemp are not just brothers or bandmates but also friends even after all these years.
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