Gary Kemp

Gary Kemp first gained recognition as the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the British new romantic band Spandau Ballet, yet his path later encompassed sold-out international concerts, stage performances in London's West End, and roles in major Hollywood films. Across these pursuits he also issued two solo records, Little Bruises in 1995 and INSOLO in 2021.

Raised in North London alongside his brother Martin, Kemp attended neighborhood schools and took part in a local children's drama club. He landed his initial starring part in 1972, appearing in David Eady's film Hide and Seek, though music soon became equally central. After witnessing the Sex Pistols perform in Islington in 1976, he assembled a group with school friends Tony Hadley, John Keeble, and Steve Norman. The ensemble experimented with different names and sounds before attracting favorable notices for its concerts; in 1979 Martin joined on bass and the band adopted the name Spandau Ballet. Their distinctive blend of synth pop and new wave quickly connected with young listeners, placing the musicians at the heart of the London club circuit and at the forefront of the new romantic movement. Over an eleven-year span the group achieved global stardom, earning praise for albums such as the 1983 release True and a string of chart-topping singles. Following the 1990 breakup, Kemp and his brother returned to acting, portraying the notorious Kray Twins in the 1990 feature The Krays. Subsequent screen work included parts in the international hit The Bodyguard and Roger Avary's crime drama Killing Zoe.

Kemp resumed his musical career in 1995 with the solo album Little Bruises, recorded in collaboration with former Bow Wow Wow member Leigh Gorman. After completing a solo tour he focused again on acting, securing television roles in Britain and appearing in West End productions. Spandau Ballet reformed in 2009 for worldwide sold-out dates and the album Once More. Kemp balanced further touring and acting commitments until 2018, when he accepted an invitation to join former Pink Floyd member Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets, contributing vocals and guitar to reinterpretations of classic Floyd material. The ensemble performed the show throughout 2019 while Spandau Ballet activities paused. The next year Kemp began composing songs for his second solo effort. With longtime associate Toby Chapman he tracked the material at London's RAK Studios, enlisting additional musicians that included the Feeling's Richard Jones, Saucerful of Secrets' Guy Pratt, and brother Martin. The finished album, INSOLO, appeared in mid-2021.