What Went Wrong? The Chainsaw Accident That Almost Ended Martin Kemp’s Career

Martin Kemp, a name synonymous with 80s pop sensation Spandau Ballet and a prominent acting career, recently found himself at the centre of a harrowing domestic incident that sent shockwaves through his family and fanbase. A seemingly routine chore involving a chainsaw took a dangerous turn, resulting in a serious hand injury that prompted immediate hospitalization and could have had far more severe, career-ending consequences. The incident, disclosed by his son Roman Kemp, highlighted the inherent risks of power tools and the fragility of even well-established careers.

The Incident: A Near-Fatal Encounter

The accident occurred on Friday, October 18, 2025, when the 64-year-old musician and actor was trimming wood at his home. Martin Kemp reportedly cut his hand while attempting to handle a chainsaw. The specific detail of what went wrong, as recounted by his son Roman Kemp on the “You About” podcast, was a momentary lapse in judgment: Martin picked up the chainsaw by its blade, forgetting that the protective sheath was not in place. In that critical instant, the tool activated, slicing into his hand. The incident was a stark reminder of how quickly a familiar task can become hazardous when safety protocols are overlooked.

Roman Kemp vividly described the immediate aftermath, including receiving a concerning photo from his father of his heavily bandaged hand in the family WhatsApp group, accompanied by the terse message, “yep… chainsaw”. This unsettling image prompted a frantic effort from Roman and his sister Harley to contact their father for details, initially without immediate success.

The Immediate Aftermath and Medical Intervention

The injury was severe enough to cause significant bleeding and immediate pain, leading Martin Kemp to “scream” and collide with his wife Shirlie Holliman before being rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, his hand received extensive bandaging, and he was administered a tetanus shot, a standard procedure for deep cuts to prevent infection.

Reports indicate that he was “lucky not to lose his hand” or fingers, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The accident was described as looking “like a horror film” by Tom Grennan, Roman’s podcast co-host, highlighting the visual severity of the injury. The rapid medical response played a crucial role in mitigating what could have been a life-altering injury.

Impact on Martin Kemp’s Career and Health

While Martin Kemp’s quick recovery has been noted, the initial concern was significant. For a musician and actor whose livelihood often involves intricate hand movements, such an injury could pose a substantial threat to his career. His hand is expected to heal completely, preventing permanent damage. This outcome is particularly fortunate given his active career, which includes music performances, DJing, and acting roles. His son, Roman, emphasized the need for professionals to handle such dangerous tasks, especially considering his father’s age and established financial standing.

Beyond the physical injury, such an event can also have a psychological impact. The shock and fear experienced by both Martin and his family were evident in Roman’s recounting of the incident. While Martin Kemp has faced other health challenges in the past, including brain tumours in the 1990s, this chainsaw accident served as a potent, immediate reminder of vulnerability.

Resilience and Return: Overcoming Adversity

Despite the frightening nature of the accident, Martin Kemp’s history suggests a resilient individual capable of overcoming adversity. Having navigated significant health battles previously, his quick recovery and the positive outlook regarding his hand’s complete healing are consistent with his character. The incident, while serious, appears to be a temporary setback rather than a career-ending catastrophe, allowing him to continue his diverse work in entertainment.

Conclusion

Martin Kemp’s recent chainsaw accident stands as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking in everyday tasks, even for seasoned individuals. What began as a simple home maintenance chore quickly escalated into a serious medical emergency, almost jeopardizing a career built across decades in music and acting. Thankfully, due to prompt medical attention, Martin Kemp avoided permanent damage to his hand and is expected to make a full recovery. This incident not only highlighted the importance of safety precautions with power tools but also underscored the resilience of a public figure who has consistently faced challenges with determination.