Gary Kemp

Gary James Kemp (born 16 October 1959) is an English pop musician and actor who is the guitar player and chief songwriter for the 1980s new wave band Spandau Ballet. His brother, Martin Kemp, plays bass guitar in the band. Gary Kemp also provided backing vocals on many of the tracks to lead singer Tony Hadley.

Early life

Kemp was born of parents Eileen and Frank Kemp in St Bartholomew's Hospital, Smithfield, London, and grew up in Islington, London, in a working class family. He attended Rotherfield Junior School and Dame Alice Owen's school in Potters Bar. He was active in the Anna Scher Children's Theatre drama club, along with his brother, Martin. In 1968 he began appearing in TV and film, including a role in the 1972 film Hide & Seek, alongside Roy Dotrice.

Kemp eventually decided to concentrate on a career in music, and in the late 1970s, he formed a band called The Cut with school friends. The band became The Makers and The Gentry, and was eventually renamed Spandau Ballet.

Spandau Ballet