New romantic heartthrob Martin Kemp has confirmed an exclusive DJ set at this year’s Jack Up The 80s reunion festival in August.
Silver fox Martin has enjoyed a hugely successful entertainment career as a musician, actor, director and TV personality – this will be a one-off opportunity to see him give a rare DJ set of all his favourite 80’s classics.
To music fans, Martin is best known for being one fifth of the super band Spandau Ballet, one of the most successful groups to emerge during the New Romantic era of the 1980s. They had 4 albums all of which reached the UK top 10 and a number of memorable smash hit singles including Gold, True, Only When You Leave and Through the Barricades.
He also performed with the band which included brother Gary, on the popular 1984 hit “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure.
The band split in 1990 and the members pursued solo careers, with both Kemp brothers winning acting roles. They reformed in 2009, embarking on a world tour and headlining the Isle of Wight Festival the following year. In July 2017, lead singer Tony Hadley announced that due to circumstances beyond his control, he was no longer a member of the band.
Thrilled at the recent signing, organisers of Jack up the 80s have said:
“DJ sets have been getting more and more popular at festivals in the last five years and Jack Up The 80s is no exception.
“For us Wave 105’s Steve Power and Pat Sharp have proved big hits with our audience and will be back in 2018. We are also pleased to announce that Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp has agreed to do a live 60-minute set on Saturday 11th August. Martin’s set will be crammed full of a great mix of thumping 80s party tunes.”
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Martin has fond memories as a youngster coming to the Island for a family holiday. He says:
“I love the Isle of Wight. I went on holiday to Shanklin when I was a kid, camped there as a teen and played the IW Festival as Spandau Ballet. You could say I’m a fan.”
A strictly limited number of Early Bird tickets are now on sale until 28th February and are selling fast. Priced at just £45 for both the Saturday and Sunday, tickets are available to purchase from www.jackupthe80s.co.uk.
