Gary Kemp was born in the vibrant district of Islington, London, in the autumn of 1959, marking the beginning of a life that would be filled with music, drama, and a dash of controversy. On his 10th birthday, his parents gifted him his first guitar, a present that would set the stage for his future endeavors.
As he grew older, Gary and his younger brother, Martin Kemp, shared a passion for drama and acting. They enrolled in Anna Scher's renowned acting school, where they honed their craft in the 1970s. This shared interest would eventually lead to the formation of "The Makers" in 1978, with Gary as the driving force behind the group.
However, the band underwent a significant transformation when Richard Miller left, and Gary's brother, Martin, took his place on bass. This marked the beginning of a new era, as the group rebranded themselves as Spandau Ballet. The band's big break came in March 1980, when they were featured in a documentary on ITV. The documentary's broadcast sparked a frenzy of interest, and record companies clamored to sign the group.
Spandau Ballet ultimately chose to sign with Chrysalis Records, securing a lucrative deal that would propel them to stardom. Over the next decade, they released a string of hit singles, including "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 completing a tour in 1987, Gary and Martin decided to pursue their passion for acting once again. They auditioned for the roles of Ronnie and Reggie Kray in the 1990 film "The Krays," a performance that would earn them critical acclaim. Shortly after, Spandau Ballet announced their decision to disband.
Throughout the 1990s, Gary continued to act in various projects, including a notable role in the 1992 film "The Bodyguard." However, his music career was marred by controversy when he engaged in a high-profile court battle with his former bandmates, John Keeble, Steve Norman, and Tony Hadley, over £1,000,000 in royalties. Gary ultimately emerged victorious in the case.
In March 2009, the five members of Spandau Ballet put aside their differences and announced a truce, revealing plans for a world tour later that year. This marked a triumphant return for the group, and Gary Kemp's enduring legacy as a musician, actor, and songwriter.
