Released: 16 July 2021

Gary Kemp rediscovers his voice on ‘INSOLO’; a triumphant comeback after 25 years away. 

The former Spandau Ballet guitarist is one of the most revered songwriters of the ‘80s, penning classic hits like Gold, Through the Barricades and True for the group. 

But his 1995 solo bid ‘Little Bruises’ failed to capture that success and saw the musician set away from life centre stage – until now. 

After a series of acting projects, Spandau reunions and a round of gigs with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, lockdown prompted Gary to revisit his solo ambitions and ushered him into his home studio to begin penning tracks. 

The result is an album worlds away from his ‘80s heyday but one that feels undeniably authentic to the man behind the music. 

Lead single Ahead of the Game is perhaps the most commercial cut here; a ‘70s-inspired, guitar-driven pop track with an earworm chorus that reaffirms the leading man’s songwriting abilities. 

But where some tracks might not be obvious chart hits, they remain among the best of his 40-year career. 

Album opener In Solo is stripped back and haunting, with influences of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, while deep cuts I Remember You and I Am the Past are reflections of a time gone by. 

Radio hit Too Much is a piano-led musing on life’s daily challenges and the pressures we place on ourselves to strive for better. It hits hard in the current climate. 

But among the melancholia is a glimmer of optimism, with Waiting for the Band taking Gary back to the ‘70s and his teenage experiences of seeing David Bowie live on stage in London; a sensation we all long for after a year without live music. 

‘INSOLO’ is a triumphant comeback that, 40 years on from his chart debut, sounds fresh and inspired, and reaffirms Gary’s position as one of Britain’s premier songwriters.

‘INSOLO’ is available on CD and LP. Signed CDs are also available.