Martin Kemp, the iconic Spandau Ballet musician, became visibly emotional during a heartfelt conversation with his son Roman Kemp, revealing a pivotal moment of paternal support that changed his life forever.
The Heartfelt Podcast Conversation
The 64-year-old star appeared on his son's 'You About?' podcast, where he shared a moving story about his late father, Frank Kemp. During the recording, Martin struggled to contain his emotions while recounting how his father helped him abandon a printing apprenticeship to pursue music.
Martin detailed being a 17-year-old apprentice compositor in print when he decided he wanted to join a band instead. At that time, apprenticeships were binding five-year commitments, making it impossible for him to leave without permission.
A Father's Leap of Faith
Martin revealed that his father took the extraordinary step of writing a letter to his employer. "Dear sir. You have to excuse Martin from his apprenticeship," Frank Kemp wrote. "Will you release him early because he wants to be.... a rockstar?"
Becoming choked up during the retelling, Martin's voice wavered as he reflected: "It wasn't really about trust, it was about my dad having faith in me and wanting to give me a chance, and not wanting to nail me down in place."
The significance of this support was magnified by the family's financial situation. Martin acknowledged that continuing the apprenticeship would have helped their money troubles, but his father believed in his musical potential instead.
Lasting Legacy of Parental Support
This isn't the first time Martin has spoken emotionally about his parents. He previously discussed losing both his father and mother within 48 hours of each other in 2009.
In an earlier interview with The Mail's Love Sunday magazine, Martin described watching old family tapes that his wife Shirlie had helped him digitize. "I was watching them back through this little lens on the camera with my eye up against it crying my eyes out," he shared. "It brought back so many of the beautiful memories."
The emotional podcast moment between father and son highlights the enduring impact of parental belief and sacrifice, demonstrating how one act of faith can shape generations to come.
