Martin Kemp to host New Romantic Bank Holiday special on Radio 2

Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp is to present a three hour musical journey through the New Romantic era of the 80s and beyond on BBC Radio 2, Bank Holiday Monday 27 May.

Aptly named Martin Kemp’s New Romantics, the show will begin with his own 70s musical influences, then head straight into the New Romantic scene that Spandau Ballet were such a crucial part of.

The programme will be a celebration of the music, fashion and personalities that emerged from London clubs Billy’s, The Blitz, Le Beat Route, The Mud Club, as well as Birmingham, Cardiff and Basildon, and their impact on the British and international pop scene of the early 80s.

Among Martin’s guests are some of the scene’s most influential people of the time, including founding Visage member, Blitz promoter and DJ Rusty Egan, Blitz Kid and broadcaster Robert Elms, alternative club scene legend Princess Julia, promoter and Blue Rondo founder Chris Sullivan, former Bananarama member Siobhan Fahey, currently of Shakespears Sister and journalist and author of Pop Stars In My Pantry, Paul Simper.

There’ll also be further contributions from DJ Mark Moore from S’Express and the Mud Club, plus Playground DJ Fat Tony.

Martin Kemp says: “I am so pleased to be hosting this very special radio show, bringing together the best tracks of the last of the great pop cultures – The New Romantics.

“Along with music, we have some fascinating interviews taking me back to the best time of my life.”

It’s not the first time Martin has lent his hand to presenting on Radio 2, back in 2016 he co-hosted Graham Norton’s show with Fearne Cotton while Graham took a break over the summer.

You can listen to Martin Kemp’s New Romantics on BBC Radio 2 on Monday 27 May, 2pm – 5pm.