Ticket to the World: My new music memoir behind-the-scenes of Spandau Ballet and the 80s

by Martin Kemp

Ticket to the World is a joyous, nostalgic celebration of 80s culture from one man at the centre of it all. New Year’s Eve, 1979. My family and I stand arm in arm around our Formica kitchen table, counting down to the new decade with each televised chime of Big Ben. We have no idea what is about to hit us, no idea of the seismic waves of change approaching. The 80s transformed life as we knew it. Music, style and culture exploded in a haze of dayglo colour. There were hardships, but there were opportunities too. And I lived through – and helped to shape – Britain’s last real youth movement. Ticket to the World is my time-warp trip down memory lane, reliving that truly unforgettable decade. Join me as I recall what it was like to lead the New Romantics, stay up all night at the Blitz with Sade and Boy George, travel the world with Spandau Ballet and contribute to the era-defining Live Aid. So, grab that glass of Babycham and let’s toast the very best of the 80 the creativity and the culture, the fashion and the FUN!

Genres: Audiobook

320 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun! I really enjoyed listening to Martin Kemp’s memories of the 1980s. I’ve never been a Spandau Ballet fan, but I was a teenager in the 80s, so still remember a lots about it, especially the music. I loved the way this book was put together, with each year of the 80s as a chapter. It wasn’t just about the band, but about the music scene and also what was happening in the UK culturally. Having read part of Pepsi & Shirlie’s book earlier last year, I wasn’t expecting much from the this, but enjoyed it a lot more. It was really interesting, especially about how the New Romantic scene came about, which the Kemp brothers were a part of. I loved hearing hearing how Band Aid and Live Aid came about, including that infamous rivalry between Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Of course he mentions how instrumental George Michael was in getting him and Shirlie together, plus lots of other gossip about various bands and artists and music producers. Highly recommended if you enjoy memoirs on audio.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of memories, but also many things I didn't know or remember from the decade...vert poignant ending.

[Maxine Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me back to my childhood really enjoyed it

[Tania Laugier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought back my 80's youth!

[Lucy-Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ticket to the World: My 80s Story by Martin Kemp is an insider’s view of a very significant period in music and culture. Martin Kemp, a member of the successful band Spandau Ballet, gives us a very personal look into his early life, his rise to fame and some of the highs and lows of his career all set against a year by year narrative of what else was going on.
It was really interesting to hear some of the little anecdotes & insights, the general glitz & glamour of the New Romantics era, the nightclubs, how different names that I “knew” interacted – it’s a very vivid picture of the era. I specifically liked the note that certain things could only have happened at that moment, when most music was on vinyl but cassette tapes and the revolutionary Walkman meant that people could take music with them even if the quality is poorer, and video was in its infancy!
At the start of each chapter is a list of things that will delight people who lived through the era – foods, toys, pop references, fashion, news, politics … Martin Kemp’s writing style is engaging, candid and personal. He doesn’t shy away from discussing the challenges he faced navigating fame and success.
Despite never having been a particular Spandau Ballet fan, I thoroughly enjoyed this book – it was nostalgic but also very personal journey through a remarkable period in music and pop culture. It will appeal to fans of Martin Kemp the musician, Martin Kemp the actor or just those who lived through the '80s era.

[Emma Bunting · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy a good autobiography and having read Martin and Shirley’s previous book, i thought I’d give this a go.
It was interesting but I did find some things had already been covered in the other book.

[Lisa ⫩ cats+books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read, some good memories like Band Aid and Live Aid, and all the Blitz kids stuff. I was more of a Duran Duran girl but it's a great insight into what it was like on tour and his relationship with Shirley.

[Saturday's Child · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spandau Ballet was certainly a part of my 80’s soundtrack so I thoroughly enjoyed a revisit to this decade through the eyes of Martin Kemp.

[Joey Weyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! I happen to be a huge Spandau Ballet fan, but this book is fun for anyone who grew up listening to British New Wave! So many great memories of great bands!!!