Ticket to the World cover art

Ticket to the World

My 80s Story

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Ticket to the World

By: Martin Kemp
Narrated by: Colin Mace, Martin Kemp
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About this listen

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 80s: the creativity and the culture, the fashion and the FUN!

©2022 Martin Kemp (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity

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Critic reviews

‘A brilliant storyteller’ – James O’Brien

‘Celebrates the 80s as the decade that made him’ – Guardian
All stars
Most relevant  
Really well and realistically read storytelling, so many fond memories of these days, close your eyes when your listening and it’s as though your in the zone

The good old days

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Listening to London in the 80’s remembering the Clubs, Street and the local boys made good.
I am bit younger but still give me so many reminders of good times gone by!

The 80’s

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Was a big fan of Spandau back in the day and still listen to their music today, they were a great band. I recall seeing them at Ingilston Edinburgh back in the 80's, we had queued since lunchtime, taking the day if school. We ended up at the very front of the stage, I was there with 3 friends, 1 of which fainted and was passed out over the front barrier to the security team. to this day I'll never know how he made it from the back to the front of the stage again to enjoy the last few songs of that gig. what a night to remember. I'd love it if one day the boys could put their differences aside and maybe do a run of special gigs at the O2. A great book, especially loved that GM went on the date with Shirley and Martin to make sure she was okay. Really miss GM now, although I was pleased to see him 4 times in concert of the years fron his Faith tour onwards. Thanks Martin keep up the great work. You and your brother are fantastic guys.

love. Paul Cormack

Spandau Ballet conquered the world

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Whilst I like the bands greatest hits I wouldn't say I was a fan, and I've never watched an episode of Eastenders with the author in. As a teenager in the 80's what drew me to purchase was an interview I heard Mr.Kemp do on Radio 2, and they said what a nostalgic trip the book had been so I gave it a go.

I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The influence the 'Blitz Kids' had on 80's culture is unreal, and the author name checks so many of the bands and artists I grew up with. He also made me laugh out aloud on many an occasion throughout.

Whilst it would have been preferable for the author to also narrate the audiobook, the narrator does an excellent job.

If you still listen to 80's music then I would wholeheartedly recommend this!

A loveletter to the 80's!

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Great book, and insight into the era. I've read/listened to several autobiographies of 80s stars and it's interesting to see where they cross over and here about the same events from different points of view. The narrator was ok but the only thing that would have made this even better is if it was read by the man himself.

Excellent

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It would have been so much better if Martin Kemp narrated.
Other than that a good insight into the band at the time of there biggest. Shocked to hear that Tony Hadley had a tough time throughout.
Although I was a Duran Duran fan..

Loved it but…..

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Such a shame that Martin didn’t read this book. As it is I couldn’t get past the first chapter. Such a disconnect between Martin’s story and the narrator. No feelings / emotions come through at all.
I’ll buy the hard copy of this and let my head hear his voice as I read.

Agree with the others

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Good book but he should have read it himself it was a big disappointment to me

He should have read it

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Was a bit disappointed that Martin didn’t narrate it as I had just listened to the amazing story from Bono who not only read it but played a lot of music aswell but I loved the story as I lived in Islington at the same time. Worth a listen x

Loved it

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Interesting look back at my era .

Would have been better if it was Martin’s voice narrating it .
Felt a bit cheated it wasn’t read by him because it is very good .

Interesting look back , shame Martin doesn’t narrate it

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