- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Orion; 1st edition (2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0752832646
- ISBN-13: 978-0752832647
- Product Dimensions: 23.8 x 16.6 x 3.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 550,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Martin Kemp has been through many incarnations in his 38 years. From Saturday drama school kid to bass guitarist in his big brother's band, blockbusting film star and EastEnders' bad boy, Kemp has lived out a variety of roles most of us can only dream of. Yet nothing prepared him for the discovery of a brain tumour in 1995, major surgery and two years' recuperation, enforcing a period of introspection and reassessment that has resulted in his autobiography, True. Martin Kemp grew up in a working-class family in Islington, North London, and from the age of six attended, along with elder brother Gary, the Anna Scher School, famous for launching the career of many a young television star. Gary was one of the founding members of New Romantic group Spandau Ballet in 1979; Martin, working as an apprentice in a print shop, longed to join. When the call came for him, he was ready--but he had to ask his father to pen his letter of resignation, which read as follows: "Martin wants to leave to become a pop star. Thanks for understanding ... "
Spandau Ballet became one of the most successful groups of the early 1980s, joining in the tide of ruffled shirts and highlighted hair that became known as New Wave. The band toured the world, indulging in the champagne and cocaine lifestyle, notching up hit after hit with classic tracks such as "Gold", "I'll Fly For You", "Through the Barricades" and, of course, "True". Martin settled down with wife Shirlie, singer with that other mega-group of the decade, Wham! and the band ran its due course. A unique starring role along with Gary in the blockbuster film based on the true-life story of 60s' East End gangsters The Krays led Kemp to Hollywood, where he eked out a living in various ill-received ventures before getting fed up of LA, preferring his children to grow up back home in England. And then came the discovery of a small bump on the back of his head, which within a couple of weeks had grown to the size of a "mountain", the frightening diagnosis of a tumour, surgery and recovery. It was after this period that Kemp faced another trial--screen-testing for a part in Britain's most successful soap, EastEnders. Within weeks he had assumed a larger-than-life personality as trendy nightclub owner and villain Steve Owen. True is a candid, disarming and surprisingly unaffected account of stardom. Kemp--a hearthrob to millions--is revealed as a committed family man, a romantic in the old-fashioned sense--and an optimist. "The best is yet to come", he writes. --Kate Weaver
Book Description
The story of Spandau Ballet, The Krays and EastEnders star Martin Kemp. Written by Martin Kemp himself
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First Sentence
'So . . . let's cut the formalities and have a look at your holiday snaps, shall we?' Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
'So . . . let's cut the formalities and have a look at your holiday snaps, shall we?' Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Like other people who have read the book, I grew up in the 80s', and whilst always 'knowing' Martin Kemp, like millions I never really 'knew' him - only what the teen magazines and articles told me. So reading this was like meeting up with an old friend, reminiscing about all the good times, but feeling guilty for not keeping in touch or having any idea what they went through when we lost touch.
I found the book to be all things simultaneously. Serious when looking at his own life (and being remarkably honest with himself), touching about the people and events that have been there for him, but never being mawkish or losing the sense of humour that I'm sure kept him sane. This is a remarkable book written (thankfully it wasn't 'ghosted') by a remarkable man. A must for anyone who remembers the 80s', is a fan of the soaps or just wants an account of what a life is all about, and what matters most. Enjoy.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was just a fantastic book to read. I have been a fan of Martin Kemp since the days of Spandau Ballet and the books brings back all those happy memories of the eighties. Martin tells of the struggle he has had with the brain tumors and is a shining example of how you can get through those difficult times with the love of your family and friends. Absolutely Brilliant !!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is an amazingly touching, witty, and frank account into a truly incredible mans life. I have read the book 6 times and i never ever tire of it. It is honest, truthful, touching and witty and these combined form the most amazing story. If you want to know more about the man behind Spandau Ballet,The Krays, Eastenders and the 100 and 1 other things he's done then this is definitely the book for you. You will feel like you are laughing and crying along with Martin. And once you put it down (when you actually do) you get the feeling that you know and understand him because it's written in such a way that you just feel like you know him. It is a wonderful book which is extremely well written and amusing as well as being touching and sad. You get to see how courageous this man is after fighting a personal battle with brain tumours and his love for his wife, children, parents and brother Gary. I gaurantee that once you've read this you will become a fan !
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
heart felt read
I have always liked Martin Kemp and really admire him for his honesty,he came through traumatic times with his illness and it,s nice to hear he has now made a full recovery,I... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Wife of Derek
Gold
Pop star, soap acting, films and now a book, Martin Kemp has done the lot. What makes this book different from the rest is the story of his battle with a life threatening brain... Read more
Published on 18 Sep 2009 by Mr. E. Debaes
So Good I've kept it
I was gripped by this book. It was fascinating to read about Martin's life growing up and about the 80's pop scene and the aftermath - when you are no longer flavour of the month... Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2007 by Scooby Doo
AN IN DEPTH ACOUNT OF A POP STAR FROM A REAL LIFE POINT OF VIEW.
Martin Kemp brother to Gary who started up the 1980's mega band Spandau Ballett. Has written a brilliant account that's both heart warming and funny in the same measure. Read more
Published on 7 Dec 2006 by NEO
Well done Martin
I was gripped by this book most of the way through. I did find it tough going towards the middle but I was definately enlightened by some of the elements of his life. Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2004 by "lsellers"
A Very Human Biography
This autobiography is a very honest view of Mr. Kemp's life as a rock star, movie star, a career decline and sudden health problems. He has lived a very fascinating life. Read more
Published on 6 May 2003 by D. Clancy
The worst book I have read - ever
DO NOT BUY. Iwas expecting an entertaining and revealing insight to the 80's pop culture and Spandau's place there - as well as their interaction with other icons of the time. Read more
Published on 2 Aug 2002
nothing is gloss over,honest and to the point
This book gives us an open and honest account of Martins dreams and fears. He expresses deep compassion and love for his family throughout the trauma of living with two tumours. Read more
Published on 19 July 2002 by Jim Ivey
Honest and compelling.
Martin Kemp takes you through the highs and lows of International Rock Superstardom, the terror of brain disease, and on to the set of Albert Square and the the Queen Vic Pub. Read more
Published on 22 Aug 2001
Moving and Inspirational
As I read the book, I laughed out loud and then had tears rolling down my face. I never expected it to be this good, and it was! Read more
Published on 21 Aug 2001
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