Gary Kemp

Date of Birth: October 16, 1959

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Biography

Gary James Kemp is an English musician, songwriter, actor, and writer, best known as the lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and principal songwriter for the new wave band Spandau Ballet. Born on October 16, 1959, in Smithfield, London, England, Kemp grew up in a working-class family and attended Dame Alice Owen’s School in Islington. Along with his brother Martin Kemp, he formed Spandau Ballet in the late 1970s, which became one of the most successful bands of the 1980s. Kemp wrote many of the band’s hits, including “True,” “Gold,” and “Through the Barricades.” After Spandau Ballet disbanded in 1990, Kemp pursued a solo career and explored acting. He appeared in several films, including “The Krays,” in which he and his brother Martin portrayed the notorious East End gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray. Over the years, Kemp has balanced his career between music and acting, and he has also taken on roles in television and theatre.

5 Interesting Facts about Gary Kemp

1. Gary Kemp was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to the entertainment industry and charity.

2. Spandau Ballet’s song “True,” written by Gary Kemp, has been sampled in multiple hit songs, including P.M. Dawn’s “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss.”

3. Gary Kemp and his brother Martin Kemp both starred in the 1990 film “The Krays,” a biographical film about the infamous Kray twins.

4. Kemp has published a memoir titled “I Know This Much: From Soho to Spandau,” which details his life and career in the music industry.

5. In addition to his work with Spandau Ballet, Kemp has released solo albums, including “Little Bruises” in 1995 and “INSOLO” in 2021.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gary Kemp

1. “I think the best songs come from personal experience, but you have to learn to turn that into something universal.”

2. “Being in a band is like being in a marriage, and sometimes you need a break to remember why you fell in love in the first place.”

3. “Music has always been my first love, but acting has given me a new way to explore creativity.”

4. “The ’80s were a fantastic time for music, and I’m proud to have been a part of that era.”

5. “Success is not just about the fame and the money; it’s about doing what you love and inspiring others to do the same.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Gary Kemp’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Gary Kemp has three children: Finlay Munro Kemp (born 1990) from his first marriage to actress Sadie Frost, and Milo Wolf Kemp (born 2004) and Kit Kemp (born 2009) from his second marriage to costume designer Lauren Barber.