Martin Kemp publishes his debut novel in November
The musician and actor has signed a two-book deal with publishers Harper Collins, the first of which will be released on November 9th.
The novel, titled The Game, tells the story of Johnny Klein, a fallen 1980s pop star who has lost everything.
But when Johnny is thrown a lifeline by an old contact in the music business, he is drawn into the dark underbelly of London, where there is more at stake than his own shattered ego.
Kemp said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to publish my first novel with Harper Collins.
“I’ve written screenplays and biographies in the past, but fiction is a whole different game and I love getting my head in it. It’s based on a character I’ve carried around with me for years.
“I’m just so excited to finally be able to bring it to life and introduce you to Johnny Klein and The Game.”
Kemp was a founding member of the 1980s new wave band Spandau Ballet and achieved further screen fame with roles in the 1990 film The Krays and EastEnders.
He has appeared in other television shows such as The Road to Saigon and The Masked Singer, as well as Celebrity Gogglebox, along with his son Roman.
Kemp and his wife Shirlie published a joint biography, A Love Story, in 2020, and in 2022 he published his second memoir, Ticket to the World: My 80s Story.
I’ve written screenplays and biographies in the past, but fiction is a whole different game and I love getting my head in it. It’s based on a character I’ve carried around with me for years.
Kate Bradley, Publishing Director at Harper Fiction, said: “We feel very privileged and excited to welcome Martin Kemp to the Harper Fiction list.”
“Martin is a cultural icon who created a fictional alter ego in Johnny Klein that is utterly unforgettable.
“Readers will discover a new side of Martin as the novel spotlights the dark side of success and sees Johnny as a protagonist on the wrong side of the precarious fame game.
“Johnny may be damaged, but he has real heart and soul and his creator is an incredible storyteller.
“Martin has created a true British blockbuster, full of twists and a few surprises too.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of Martin’s new career as a novelist and can’t wait to share The Game with the world.”
https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/martin-kemp-spandau-ballet-british-los-angeles-b1082227.html Martin Kemp publishes his debut novel in November
