Martin Kemp
Legendary actor, musican and director who sold millions of records worldwide as the bassist in Spandau Ballet
There are icons, there are legends, and then there’s Martin Kemp – a man whose name is woven into the fabric of British pop culture. From the neon lights of the 1980s to the main stages of today’s music festivals, Martin has lived a life steeped in music, fame, and electric energy. But what makes him so magnetic on stage today isn’t just nostalgia – it’s that unmistakable spark that never went out. Decades on from his chart-topping success with Spandau Ballet and his unforgettable years on EastEnders, Martin Kemp has reinvented himself once again – as one of the UK’s most in-demand 80s DJs, lighting up dancefloors and festivals across the country with his irresistible charm and infectious passion for the decade that made him a star.
When you walk into a Martin Kemp DJ night, you’re not just stepping into a party – you’re stepping into a time machine. The lights flash, the first beat drops, and suddenly you’re back in a world of shoulder pads, synths, and unfiltered joy. The music that defined a generation takes over the night: Duran Duran, The Human League, Culture Club, Depeche Mode, Erasure, Whitney, Madonna, Prince. And at the centre of it all stands Martin – grinning, pointing, dancing, completely lost in the moment along with the crowd.
This is more than a gig. It’s a celebration of an era that shaped who we are – and a tribute from one of its most recognisable faces.
From New Romantic to National Treasure
For many, Martin Kemp will forever be synonymous with Spandau Ballet – the band that soundtracked the 80s with anthems like True, Gold, and Through the Barricades. As the band’s charismatic bassist, Martin helped to define the sound and style of the New Romantic movement. He wasn’t just in the spotlight; he was the spotlight – cool, elegant, and effortlessly stylish. Together with his brother Gary, he toured the world, conquered the charts, and became part of the decade’s cultural DNA.
But Martin’s journey didn’t stop there. When the band’s story paused, he found a new chapter waiting – this time in the world of television. Millions fell in love with him all over again when he arrived in EastEnders as the sharp-suited Steve Owen. His dark charm and unforgettable storylines made him one of the soap’s most talked-about characters. It was proof that Martin wasn’t just a musician – he was a true entertainer, a natural performer whose charisma could fill any stage, any screen, any crowd.
The Reinvention
When Martin decided to return to the stage years later, it wasn’t to rest on nostalgia or replay old hits. Instead, he set out to reimagine his connection with music – to bring the sound of the 80s to a new generation and reconnect it with those who lived through it the first time. His DJ sets were born out of pure love for the music that shaped his youth – and quickly grew into a phenomenon.
From intimate club nights to massive outdoor festivals, from holiday resorts to headline slots at city centres, Martin’s 80s parties have become the stuff of legend. Every night is different, every crowd unique – but the atmosphere is always electric. The joy is real, the nostalgia tangible, the energy unstoppable. People come dressed in neon, in sequins, in memories. They come to dance, to sing, to remember. They come for Martin.
The Soundtrack of a Generation
What sets Martin apart from other celebrity DJs isn’t just his fame – it’s his authenticity. He lived it. He was there. When he drops Don’t You Want Me, he remembers hearing it in clubs at the height of the 80s. When he plays Rio, he remembers sharing stages with Duran Duran. When he spins Gold, the crowd knows they’re hearing it from the man who helped make it a global anthem.
That connection is priceless. It’s why every set feels personal, and why every crowd – from teenagers discovering the 80s for the first time to fans who’ve loved the music for forty years – leaves with a smile that doesn’t fade for days.
Martin’s sets weave the very best of the decade – pop, rock, disco, synth, and soul – into one seamless journey. It’s not just the hits; it’s the spirit. He plays the songs that made the 80s sparkle and the ones that still make hearts race today. Think Take On Me, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Sweet Dreams, Tainted Love, Relax, Karma Chameleon, Livin’ On A Prayer, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – the soundtrack of a golden era.
The Man Behind the Decks
Offstage, Martin is every bit as engaging as he is behind the decks. Friendly, humble, and full of stories, he carries the same charm that’s made him one of Britain’s best-loved personalities. He’s appeared on everything from Celebrity Gogglebox to The Masked Singer, and audiences adore him for his humour, warmth, and genuine connection with people.
But when the lights go down and the music comes up, a different side of Martin takes over – the showman, the performer, the man who knows how to work a crowd. He’s not a DJ who hides behind the booth; he’s out there with the audience, singing, dancing, and reliving every beat. His joy is contagious. His energy is unmatched. You don’t just watch Martin Kemp – you join him.
A Night You’ll Never Forget
There’s a reason Martin’s shows sell out across the country. People don’t just want to see him – they want to feel the 80s again. They want that moment when the bass drops, the lights flash, and everyone sings in unison to “Gold!” They want the laughter, the dancing, the shared memories. They want that unique blend of nostalgia and now.
And that’s exactly what Martin delivers – every single time.
Whether he’s headlining a festival, lighting up a theatre, or turning a city square into an 80s paradise, Martin brings something truly special. His sets are inclusive, joyful, and full of heart. They bridge generations and bring strangers together through the power of music. It’s a reminder of what the 80s gave us – hope, colour, rhythm, and the belief that life is better when you’re dancing.
The Legacy Lives On
Martin Kemp’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and rhythm. He’s proof that the true stars of the 80s never fade – they evolve. From gold records to red carpets, from film sets to festival stages, he’s done it all – and yet, somehow, he’s still finding new ways to connect with audiences.
For him, DJing isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about sharing the joy of music. It’s about that moment when a crowd of thousands moves as one, hands in the air, faces glowing under the lights, singing the songs that define generations.
As Martin himself often says, “The 80s weren’t just a decade – they were a feeling.” And he’s determined to keep that feeling alive.
Why You Can’t Miss It
If you’ve never been to a Martin Kemp 80s DJ night, prepare yourself. You’ll laugh, you’ll dance, you’ll belt out every lyric like you’re 18 again. You’ll make memories that last long after the final track fades. Because these nights aren’t about looking back – they’re about celebrating now.
This is your invitation to step into the magic. To dress up, let go, and dance to the songs that made the world shimmer. To see an icon not resting on his legacy, but breathing new life into it.
So gather your friends, grab your tickets, and get ready for one of the greatest parties you’ll ever attend. When Martin Kemp takes to the decks, the 80s aren’t just remembered – they’re reborn.
The lights dim. The crowd roars. A familiar bassline kicks in. And as the opening chords of Gold thunder through the speakers, there’s that moment – that spark – when you realise you’re part of something bigger. A shared memory, a timeless soundtrack, a celebration of everything that makes life glitter.
That’s the Martin Kemp experience.
And it’s waiting for you.