Throughout the 80s, Spandau Ballet were titans of rock, captivating a worldwide audience of 1.9 billion with their stint at the iconic Live Aid concert of ‘85. Today, former bassist Martin Kemp enjoys a quieter life far from the dizzying highs of live performances.
Trading nightclubs for garden tranquility, in an intimate discussion with Country Living Magazine, he detailed his shift in lifestyle following a grave health scare in '95: "Up until that point," he confesses, "I was still a kid, I think."
Martin voices deep appreciation for his wife Shirlie's - formerly of Wham! -organisational prowess.
The couple's connection has evolved significantly since: "The brain tumour made me re-evaluate everything," he declares. The jarring experience instilled in Martin a desire to slow down and cherish life's quiet moments, reports Gloucestershire Live.
He shares with his children: "When you're young, you race through life – always heading to the next big thing, I always tell my kids: when something good happens, remember to stop and breathe it in."
Martin, who starred in Spandau Ballet with brother Gary Kemp, diversified his career into acting. He and Gary appeared together as notorious gangsters in 'The Krays'. He went on to star in US TV series such as 'The Outer Limits', 'Murder Between Friends', and 'Highlander', before clinching his memorable part as the wicked Steve Owen in 'EastEnders'.
Despite overcoming brain tumours through surgery, which left him with epilepsy and a metal plate in his head – jesting that he can't pass through airport detectors without setting them off – Martin's zest for life hasn't waned.
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He and Shirlie, his partner since 1988, have settled into a grand Victorian estate in Hertfordshire, embracing country living with particular fondness for gardening. His passion for their garden was featured by the BBC during the Chelsea Flower Show in May 2024, where he expressed, "I believe that gardens are about moments, not seasons".
He revels in every aspect of his garden, stating: "I love the winter as much as the spring or autumn. Even in the heavy rain, there's a satisfaction in looking after it. I never forget to stand back and enjoy it."
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