In a candid revelation, Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp has addressed the long-standing tensions with former bandmate Tony Hadley, offering his perspective on their complex relationship and the band's legacy.
"I got a bit upset that Tony was trying to paint me and Martin as the bad guys, because we saw it the other way around," says Kemp, reflecting on Hadley's previous statements about not being treated well by the Kemp brothers. "In the end, no one really is."
The 65-year-old songwriter, who penned 23 hit singles for Spandau Ballet including "True" and "Gold," speaks openly about the band's troubled history. Following Hadley's departure in 2017, attempts to replace him proved unsuccessful, including a failed collaboration with Seal and a brief stint with Ross Davidson that Kemp now describes as "a massive regret."
"Only Tony can do it," Kemp admits, seemingly closing the door on future replacements. Despite the tensions, he maintains pride in their shared legacy, stating, "I don't want to say I'm never going to do that again."
The interview coincides with the release of Kemp's new solo album "This Destination," which marks a departure from his Spandau Ballet work. Through therapy and personal reflection, Kemp has created his most intimate collection of songs yet, including "Work," an emotional tribute to his late parents.
While the relationship with Hadley remains distant - "Not because I don't want to talk, but because we just don't need to talk" - Kemp appears to have found peace with the past. "I think the older you get, the more you don't want enemies," he reflects, noting that he's even reconciled with his ex-wife Sadie Frost.
The article reveals a more vulnerable side to the New Romantic pioneer, who has traded the flamboyance of the Blitz Club era for introspection and personal growth, while still maintaining his passion for music-making.