S4E13 - Martin Kemp on the Birth of Spandau Ballet - The Early Years, True, Gold & the Blitz Club episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 13, 2026 · 24 MIN

S4E13 - Martin Kemp on the Birth of Spandau Ballet - The Early Years, True, Gold & the Blitz Club

from Long Way to the Top · host Shayne Brian

This is a special re-release of an interview I recorded with Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet late last year. It was such a fascinating conversation that I knew it deserved to be heard again. Long before True, Gold, Only When You Leave, and Communication became worldwide hits, Spandau Ballet were at the centre of a cultural revolution that transformed music, fashion, and pop culture. In this in-depth conversation, Martin takes us back to the band's formative years, from the legendary Blitz Club in London's Soho to becoming one of the defining bands of the 1980s. The interview also celebrates the release of Everything Is Now – Vol. 1: 1978–1982, the definitive box set chronicling Spandau Ballet's groundbreaking early years. Martin shares stories about the band's rise from underground innovators to international superstars, the creative energy that fuelled their first recordings, and the friendships that helped shape one of Britain's most successful bands. In this episode you'll hear: The incredible story of how Spandau Ballet was born at London's legendary Blitz Club The making of the early classics including To Cut a Long Story Short, The Freeze, Chant No. 1, and Instinction Behind-the-scenes stories from the band's formative years How the New Romantic movement changed music and fashion forever Martin's reflections on the journey that led to timeless hits like True, Gold, and Communication Why Everything Is Now – Vol. 1: 1978–1982 is the ultimate collection for Spandau Ballet fans Whether you've been a fan since the New Romantic era or you're discovering Spandau Ballet for the first time, this conversation offers a unique look inside one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Subscribe to Long Way to the Top with Shayne Brian for in-depth conversations with the artists, musicians, and industry legends who created, and continue to create, the soundtrack of our lives. Visit: https://facebook.com/thelongwaytothetoppodcast #MartinKemp #SpandauBallet #EverythingIsNow #True #Gold #NewRomantic #BlitzClub #80sMusic #ClassicPop #BritishMusic #LongWayToTheTop #ShayneBrian #MusicPodcast #ToCutALongStoryShort #CommunicationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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S4E13 - Martin Kemp on the Birth of Spandau Ballet - The Early Years, True, Gold & the Blitz Club

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