Martin Kemp’s shocking chainsaw mishap: Here is what to know

British pop icon and Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp is recovering after a terrifying chainsaw accident that sent him to the hospital and left his family in shock. The 64-year-old star reportedly injured his hand while attempting a bit of home maintenance, narrowly avoiding a life-changing injury.

According to his son, Roman Kemp, the ordeal unfolded when Martin attempted to trim a tree branch using a chainsaw. However, things quickly went wrong when he picked up the tool by its exposed blade, forgetting that the sheath wasn’t attached. In an instant, the machine jerked into motion, slicing into his hand and leaving him in excruciating pain.

Roman, who shared the story during an episode of his You About podcast with singer Tom Grennan, described the horrifying moment the family found out.
“Friday night, I’d just finished work when I got a message from Dad. It was a photo of his hand, all his fingers heavily bandaged, and underneath, he’d just written, ‘Yep… chainsaw.’”

The cryptic message threw the family group chat into panic. Roman said he and his sister, Harley, tried to call and text him repeatedly but got no immediate response. When Martin eventually replied, he casually explained that he was cutting a branch when “the chainsaw switched on,” and he accidentally grabbed it from the wrong end.

A Close Call That Could Have Been Worse

Roman, still shaken by the incident, expressed disbelief that his father had attempted the risky task himself. “He’s 65. He’s got more than enough money to get a professional in. You can’t be doing that at his age,” he said with concern, adding that his father was “lucky not to lose his hand.”

The Capital FM presenter recalled how his mother, Shirlie Kemp, rushed to Martin’s side after hearing him scream, only to be met by a terrifying scene of blood and chaos. Martin was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors treated his wounds and gave him a tetanus shot.

Singer Tom Grennan joked on the podcast that Shirlie must have been worried not just for her husband’s health but also for his ability to play the guitar again. Roman laughed nervously, agreeing that losing his fingers would have been devastating for the musician. “Exactly,” he said. “No fingers, no guitar!”

Family Bonds and Emotional Reflections

Despite the frightening incident, the Kemp family seems to be taking it all in stride. Roman has often spoken about his close bond with his father, describing him as both a parent and his best friend. In a past interview, Martin revealed that he considers his son, daughter, and wife to be his “closest mates,” saying he values family time more than anything.

The former EastEnders actor has also been open about the bittersweet emotions of watching his children grow up. Reflecting on old home videos, he once said: “When I see clips of Roman and Harley as kids, I can almost smell those moments. Those memories are priceless.”

Now, fans are simply relieved that the star’s quick hospital visit prevented permanent damage. While Martin hasn’t publicly commented yet, it’s clear that the frightening episode has reminded him—and his family—how fragile life can be, even during something as ordinary as a bit of weekend gardening.

FAQs

1. What happened to Martin Kemp’s hand?
Martin Kemp injured his hand in a chainsaw accident while trying to cut a branch at home. The chainsaw reportedly switched on when he picked it up by the blade.

2. How serious was the injury?
Though his hand was badly cut and bandaged, he was lucky not to lose any fingers. He received medical treatment and is recovering.

3. Who revealed the accident?
His son, Roman Kemp, shared the story during his You About podcast with singer Tom Grennan.

4. How did the family react?
Roman and his sister were shocked and panicked when their father sent a photo of his injured hand without much explanation.

5. Is Martin Kemp still able to play music?
Yes, though the accident could have been far worse, Martin’s hand is expected to heal completely.