True : The Autobiography of Martin Kemp

by Martin Kemp

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. 'There are tears and laughter, and it's all told with honesty, style and unexpected humour. This inspiring tale reveals his hopes and fears as he battled for his life while trying to get his career back into the groove. It will have you glassy-eyed, torn between the Kleenex and digging out your old Spandau Ballet albums' The Mirror

Genres: Music, Autobiography, Nonfiction, Biography

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Lilias Bennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was 14 years old and Spandau Ballet hit the charts big time with True. And while everyone's attention was on Tony Hadley looking dark and mournful at the front, I was checking out the good looking bloke at the back with his base guitar and lovely eyes! Gutted when he married Shirley from Wham (although that left Andrew Ridgeley on the market) then continued to watch him carve out his acting career in The Krays and ultimately on East Enders. While not totally forgiving him for that dyed hair, I did pick up this autobiograhy to take on holiday to Crypus in 2002. Reading it made it all came back and more ... my teenage years, the Spandau songs, what really went on behind the stages and ultimately behind the split by the Kemp bros from the rest. I cried at Martin's illness and the courage he showed to overcome the brain tumours.

Wonderful book of joy, courage, laughter and love.

Well done Martin ... dyed hair and all, you can still go up on my wall!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and well-written autobiography from Martin's childhood through the rise and successes of Spandau Ballet, his film work including the Krays, the trauma of finding and dealing with his two brain tumours, his family life and ending as he walked onto the set of Eastenders. Good read - 8/10.

[Deity World · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read from his life up to 1998 worth the read for the musical side of things back in the day

[Derek Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Martin is a nice guy. It comes across in every interview he gives and it comes across in the writing in this book. He has faced adversity in his life, which he details here. As his personal story, it's a good read, if you are, like me, more interested in the Spandau Ballet story, then Gary's book is the better and more up to date option.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having seen together Martin and Shirlie Kemp on a rally programme, this book gave some more insights into their life journey together and what has shaped them. Also gave some sense of trip down memory lane and the 80s!! I was never a big Spandau Ballet fan myself but still remember the tunes : )

[Lorraine Nurdin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book xxx

[Sam Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I wanted to read more about his Brain Tumour but it had hardly anything on it. The rest of the book was really good though. Definitely worth a read. I bought the book 2nd hand.

[Tania Laugier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this, brought my 80's youth back to life!

[Redfox5 · Rating 2 out of 5]

So what has this book done for me? Well, I've had True in my head the entire time I was reading it. I know that he had two brain tumors and he married a girl in Wham. (I didn't know there were any girls in Wham...).
I liked Martin Kemp in Eastenders, he was in it when I used to watch it. It used to be good. But thats the only thing I really knew about him oh and that he was in a pop group, which is what it was even though he kept saying he was a rock group. I think your more likely to be played on Magic rather than Kerrang so keep dreaming with that one Martin!
I thought his life was interesting enough but maybe I'm starting to get bored with autobiographys now, I've read so many! I started to tune out towards the end when he started going on about celebrity psychics and therapy. Started to sound far to Hollywood.

[Peter Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is one of the first autobiography's I read I brought my first copy back in 2005 and then half way threw managed to lose it on the train, fast forward 5 years and I bought my second copy on e bay finished it this time and thought it very good honest account of the author s life from his youth up to the end of the book

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much much better than Gary Kemp's memoir. He mainly spoke about himself and didn't really go that much in depth about his relationships with other band members. He mentioned Paul Weller-bonus points for that. Seems like a good guy.

[Christine Busuttil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this autobiography,despite having no memories of the new romantic music phase (busy bringing up young children .)
Martin writes both honestly and openly,making the story of his varied life so far a very interesting read

[Jennifer Schmaltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Also for fangirls only - but Tony's is better....

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is cool, it gives so much information into what it was like to be in a band and before he joined spandeu ballet

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lush, ;ush, lush!! OMG I love Martin Kemp. Anyway rather interesting & funny read a must for all his fans! x x