Martin Kemp: Illness, Net Worth, Family, and Feuds Explained

Martin Kemp has spent decades in the spotlight, first as the bassist of Spandau Ballet and later as actor and DJ. But behind the music and TV roles, he has been quietly managing a serious health condition that has shaped his outlook on life, and this article separates the facts from the rumours about his illness, net worth, family, and the feuds that followed the band.

Date of birth: 10 October 1961 ·
Age (2025): 64 ·
Spouse: Shirlie Kemp (m. 1988) ·
Children: 2 (Roman and Harley) ·
Band: Spandau Ballet ·
Years active: 1979–present

Six key facts offer a quick reference.

The implication: these are the pillars of Martin Kemp’s public identity, but the private story around health and wealth is more complex.

What is Martin Kemp’s illness?

In 1995, Martin Kemp discovered a lump on the back of his head that turned out to be two brain tumours (The Independent (primary source)). He underwent surgery and radiotherapy over the next three years. The treatment left him with controlled epilepsy, a condition he has spoken about openly (Express).

Why does Martin Kemp have 10 years to live?

In a conversation with his son Roman, Kemp reportedly said he has “10 years to live.” The exact reason for this prognosis remains unclear, but it is linked to the long-term effects of his brain tumour treatment and epilepsy (Express (reporting the claim)).

How does Martin Kemp manage epilepsy?

He has described his epilepsy as “controlled” and continues to take medication. A protective metal plate under his scalp, a remnant of surgery, can even trigger airport metal detectors (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Kemp’s medical history is well-documented, but the exact timeline of his “10 years” remains a private matter that he has only shared with family.

Is Martin Kemp a millionaire?

Martin Kemp’s net worth is estimated at $10 million, accumulated from Spandau Ballet’s album sales and tours, acting roles, and a busy DJ career (Mirror (wealth estimate)). Spandau Ballet sold over 25 million albums worldwide (Mirror).

How rich is Shirlie Kemp?

Shirlie Kemp, Martin’s wife, has significant independent wealth from her own pop career as a member of Pepsi & Shirlie and from publishing. The couple co-authored a book about their relationship, adding to their joint income (The Guardian (book deal)).

What is Martin Kemp’s net worth?

While exact figures are not public, the $10 million estimate is widely cited by entertainment outlets. His earnings come from Spandau Ballet tours, film roles in The Krays and EastEnders, and current DJ performances under the “Back to the 80s” tour (Smooth Radio).

Are Martin Kemp and Gary Kemp twins?

No, they are not twins. Gary Kemp was born on 16 October 1959, and Martin on 10 October 1961 – a difference of two years (Metro). Both were founding members of Spandau Ballet.

How old is Martin Kemp?

He is 64 years old in 2025 (born 10 October 1961).

Who is Martin Kemp’s wife?

He married Shirlie Holliman in 1988. She was a backing vocalist for Wham! and later part of the pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie (The Independent).

How many children does Martin Kemp have?

Two: Harley Moon Kemp (born 1989) and Roman Kemp (born 1994) (Smooth Radio).

Three differences between the Kemp brothers, one pattern: both in the same band, but their ages and roles are distinct.

The catch: despite being brothers and bandmates, their public personas and personal lives have taken different paths.

Why don’t Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley get along?

Spandau Ballet disbanded in 1990 after rising tensions, partly over royalty disputes. Tony Hadley, the lead singer, and Martin Kemp had a strained relationship that spilt into the public eye (Mirror).

What is the history of Spandau Ballet?

Formed in 1979, the band became a defining act of the New Romantic movement. They performed at Live Aid in 1985 and sold millions of records. But internal disagreements over money and creative direction led to a split (Mirror).

Did Martin Kemp and Tony Hadley reconcile?

They performed together during the 2009 reunion and subsequent tours, but the relationship remains cool. Hadley has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Kemp brothers’ control of the band’s legacy (Express).

Is Martin Kemp in a relationship?

Yes, he is in a long-term relationship with his wife, Shirlie Kemp. They have been married since 1988 and are still together.

Who is Martin Kemp’s wife?

Shirlie Kemp (née Holliman) is a former pop singer and author. She and Martin met through the music scene and married in a ceremony that drew media attention (The Independent).

How long have Martin and Shirlie been married?

As of 2025, 37 years. The couple has co-authored a book about their relationship, suggesting a strong partnership (The Guardian).

Timeline signal

• 10 October 1961 – Martin Kemp born in London (Smooth Radio)
• 1979 – Co-founded Spandau Ballet with brother Gary (Metro)
• 1988 – Married Shirlie Holliman (The Independent)
• 1990 – Starred in The Krays; Spandau Ballet disbanded (Metro)
• 1995 – Diagnosed with two brain tumours (The Independent)
• 2000s – Acted in EastEnders (Wikipedia)
• 2009 – Spandau Ballet reunion (Mirror)
• 2025 – Revealed to son Roman he has “10 years to live” (Express)

Confirmed facts

• Martin Kemp has epilepsy (confirmed by him) (Express)
• He is married to Shirlie Kemp (The Independent)
• He has two children (Smooth Radio)
• He is 64 years old in 2025 (Smooth Radio)
• He was a member of Spandau Ballet (Metro)

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth (Mirror – estimates vary)
• Exact reason for the 10-year prognosis (whether from epilepsy or other condition)
• Whether he has a specific terminal illness
• Full details of feud with Tony Hadley
• He told his son Roman he has 10 years to live (reported) (Express)
• The long-term health effects of his brain tumour treatment remain private.

“I would happily walk away from a career to keep my family together.”

— Martin Kemp, The Guardian (interview)

“I’ve got controlled epilepsy, but it’s something I live with.”

— Martin Kemp, Express (health disclosure)

For Martin Kemp, the choice between public life and private health is not theoretical. The implication: fans will continue to see him on stage, but the clock is ticking on a prognosis that he has chosen to share only with his family. For his son Roman, the 10-year timeline is a stark reality. For supporters, the message is clear: enjoy his work while it lasts, and respect the privacy of a man who has lived his life on his own terms.

Interested in similar stories? Read more about Cliff Richard’s health and family facts or the biography of Andrea Corr.

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