November 16th 2024.
In a recent interview on his son's podcast, FFS! My Dad is Martin Kemp, former Spandau Ballet bassist Martin Kemp opened up about his thoughts on his own mortality. At 63 years old, the musician and actor has faced significant health challenges, including being diagnosed with two benign brain tumors as a young man.
When asked about how long he expects to live, Kemp responded with a sobering answer - he believes he only has about 10 years left. This may seem like a bleak outlook, but for Kemp, it's a reminder of the fragility of life and how grateful he is for every day he gets to live. He knows this all too well, having spent two years of his life thinking he wouldn't make it out alive during his brain tumor scare. But thankfully, he did, and he considers every day since then as a bonus.
Kemp's health issues have given him a unique perspective on life, one filled with gratitude. He shared that he was content with his life, even before his health challenges. By the age of 34, he had already experienced so much, and considered himself lucky to have lived such a rich life. This is not surprising, considering his journey to fame began at a young age, appearing in classic television shows like Dixon of Dock Green and Jackanory with his brother Gary.
But it was in the late 1970s that Martin's name became synonymous with the rise of New Romantic music. Along with his brother and three others, he co-founded Spandau Ballet, a band that became a cornerstone of the era's music. Hits like True, Gold, and Only When You Leave solidified their place in music history, and their 1984 contribution to Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas? further cemented their influence.
Despite the band's eventual split in the early 90s, Martin and Gary remain close brothers, both personally and professionally. Their legacy as one of the most influential bands of the era lives on, and Martin continues to make a name for himself outside of the music world as well. He is well known for his acting career, with his most famous role being Steve Owen in EastEnders from 1998 to 2002.
In recent years, Martin has found a new public platform alongside his son Roman. The father-son duo has become a fan-favorite, appearing together in television shows like Martin & Roman's Sunday Best and Celebrity Gogglebox. Martin's personal life also includes his long marriage to Shirlie Holliman, a former backing singer for Wham! and half of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie. Both Martin and Shirlie were a part of the same musical era, making their relationship even more special.
If you have a celebrity story to share, don't hesitate to get in touch with The Agency entertainment team. You can email them, call them, or visit their Submit Stuff page - they would love to hear from you. For Martin Kemp, his story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the enduring bond of family.
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