Martin Kemp subtly reignited a long-standing rift with former Spandau Ballet bandmate Tony Hadley during a recent appearance on Good Morning Britain. The exchange came after discussing his experience on the reality show, I’m A Celebrity.
The conversation turned to a youthful ambition – an audition for the iconic role of James Bond. Kemp revealed he’d “dined out on” the story for years, recounting how 007 producer Barbara Broccoli invited him to read for the part while living in Los Angeles.
When a suggestion arose that Kemp himself could play James Bond, with his brother Gary Kemp as the villain, a playful jab landed squarely on Hadley. Kemp’s response? “Are you coming in as Tony Hadley?” The remark drew laughter and acknowledged the unresolved tension between the former bandmates.
The history between Kemp and Hadley stretches back decades, marked by both incredible success and bitter disputes. Spandau Ballet dominated the 1980s music scene with hits like “True” and “Gold,” becoming a cultural phenomenon.
However, the band fractured in 1990, and a subsequent legal battle over songwriting royalties further strained relationships. Hadley, along with other members, pursued legal action against Gary Kemp, ultimately losing the case.
A reunion in 2009 offered a glimmer of hope, leading to a successful world tour. But the harmony proved fragile, and Hadley departed for good in 2017, choosing to focus on his solo career.
Hadley publicly expressed feeling ostracized, claiming his former bandmates had “made my life pretty impossible.” He voiced frustration over the lack of transparency regarding his departure, questioning why no one had directly asked them for the truth.
Spandau Ballet’s response to Hadley’s exit was pointed, stating he had made it clear in 2016 he no longer wished to work with the band. They moved forward with a new frontman, Ross William Wild, before ultimately disbanding again in 2019.
Further complicating the band’s legacy, Wild was later convicted of serious offenses, casting a dark shadow over the group’s later years. Hadley has consistently maintained that the feud originated with actions taken by his former bandmates, insisting his departure wasn’t his intention.
“People need to know it wasn’t my fault,” Hadley stated in a previous interview. “You don’t leave a band like Spandau Ballet because they put sugar in your tea.” The recent exchange with Martin Kemp serves as a potent reminder that the echoes of that fractured past continue to resonate.
