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True: An Autobiography: The Autobiography of Martin Kemp
 
 
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True: An Autobiography: The Autobiography of Martin Kemp [Illustrated] (Hardcover)

by Martin Kemp (Author) "'So . . . let's cut the formalities and have a look at your holiday snaps, shall we?' ..." (more)
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Hardcover: 276 pages
  • Publisher: Orion; illustrated edition edition (6 Mar 2000)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0752832646
  • ISBN-13: 978-0752832647
  • Product Dimensions: 24.1 x 16.5 x 3.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 168,406 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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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



Product Description

Writing his own story Martin Kemp talks frankly about his upbringing in working-class Islington, stardom and success with Spandau Ballet and the break up of the band. He writes openly about his film career, the huge success of The Krays, his tremendous fight against brain cancer and on to today with fame again in EastEnders. This is a stunningly written account of a fascinating life written with candour and wit.
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'So . . . let's cut the formalities and have a look at your holiday snaps, shall we?' Read the first page
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Customer Reviews

45 Reviews
5 star:
 (40)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:    (0)
2 star:
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1 star:
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (45 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An absorbing read. Amazingly honest, touching and humourous, 19 Mar 2000
By Mr. Paul Hitchcock (Oxford, England.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
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.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars nothing is gloss over,honest and to the point, 19 Jul 2002
By Jim Ivey (Plymouth, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: True: An Autobiography: The Autobiography of Martin Kemp (Paperback)
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. A book you'll want to read time and time again.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Honest and compelling., 22 Aug 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: True: An Autobiography: The Autobiography of Martin Kemp (Paperback)
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. This is a heartfelt account of his life to date. He shows us his fears, his frustrations and his ability to laugh at himself. A thoroughly entertaining read with some amusing anecdotes along the way.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 1 month ago by Mr. E. Debaes

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 Love Books

5.0 out of 5 stars 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

4.0 out of 5 stars 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

5.0 out of 5 stars 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

1.0 out of 5 stars 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

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 22 Aug 2001

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving, funny and totally inspirational.
This book made me see Martin Kemp in a completely different way, not just as the cold and hard-hearted villian he plays in EastEnders, but as a real, warm and genuine person. Read more
Published on 21 Jul 2001

2.0 out of 5 stars SURPRISED TO BE DISAPPOINTED...
As an old Spandau Ballet fan, I was quite looking forward to reading this book, but... I found it pretty badly written, considering the help he must have had with writing it;... Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2001 by britta-b

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
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... Read more
Published on 8 Jun 2001

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