| Bella Interview |
In the run-up to his first TV drama role, Gary Kemp admits his little brother is a tough act to follow. There are a couple of things that worry Gary Kemp about the prospect of working with Martin again. ‘I’d have to compete with his charisma,’ he grins. ‘And I’m sure they wouldn’t pay me as much as him!’ Gary is soon to be seen in his first TV drama role, playing an ex-con whose past returns to haunt him in BBC1’s Murder in Mind. Like Martin, he has fond memories of their last ventures together, on the 1990 movie The Krays. Gary went on to star alongside Whitney Houston in the hit film The Bodyguard, but has mainly been involved in the music business since. Martin, meanwhile, has become one of the hottest properties on the box. ‘He’s doing brilliantly,’ says Gary proudly. ‘He’s choosing the right scripts and was fantastic in Daddy’s Girl. He’s an incredibly mature actor now. ‘We’re supportive of each other and thrilled by each other’s successes,’ adds Gary, 43, who has a son Finlay, 11, from his marriage to actress Sadie Frost. But life hasn’t always been easy. In 1995, Martin was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour. Then there was Gary’s court battle with three former Spandau Ballet colleagues over royalties – which he eventually won. ‘I was desperately worried about him when he was ill,’ says Gary. ‘It was a terrible time. And he was concerned about me when I was going through the trial. Those two things brought us even closer.’ While Martin might be currently enjoying a higher profile, largely due to his EastEnders role as Steve Owen, Gary was Spandau Ballet’s main songwriter, penning hits like Gold, True and I Don’t Need This Pressure On. Until they do perform again together, the brothers will have to make do with looking back at a tape Martin was recently given. It’s their first TV appearance, 30 years ago, on kid’s show Jackanory. ‘I haven’t seen it yet,’ says Gary, ‘but he’s promised to put it on next time I go round.’ |
| ‘How can I compete with his charisma?’ |
| Steve Clark Interview - Bella Magazine January 2003 Transcript by Amanda Pinchbeck |
 |
|