Marty talks about his life and career in this fascinating true story of the ‘boy from Blackheath’ in Southeast London, growing up in England, as a teenager, as a teen-idol, from his own hit recordings, and songwriting hits for other artists.
He is described as a ‘pioneering figure in British rock ‘n’ roll and pop music in its early days’ and is recognised by the Official Charts Company as one of the UK’s all-time greats with a career spanning over eight decades. He celebrated his 85th birthday in April 2024 by playing a concert on his home turf, Blackheath in London.
Marty first entered the UK charts in 1958 with “Endless Sleep” and continued to make hit records with “Donna”, “A Teenager in Love”, “Sea Of Love”,” Bad Boy”, “Tomorrows Clown” “Rubber Ball”,” Jezebel” and others. He starred in OH BOY! And BOY MEETS GIRL television shows, both produced by Jack Good. Billy Fury, Joe Brown, Cliff Richard and other artists were also first exposed to the public on these shows, along with guests Gene Vincent, Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Eddie Cochran and other artists visiting from around the world. Marty made his first drama film appearance in JETSTORM (1959) with Richard Attenborough, Dame Sybil Thorndike, Stanley Baker, WHAT A CRAZY WORLD(1963) with Joe Brown, Susan Maughan, Harry H. Corbett .STARDUST (1974)with a cast that boasted David Essex, Adam Faith, Larry Hagman, Keith Moon, Dave Edmunds, Paul Nicholas and others. In-between he starred in the West End musical BYE BYE BIRDIE (1961/2) with Chita Rivera, co-wrote a musical NO TRAMS TO LIME STREET (1970) with songwriter Ronnie Scott.
As a songwriter, Marty has composed hits for Status Quo (Ice In The Sun) The Casuals (Jesamine) Lulu (I’m A Tiger) Hot Chocolate (You’ll Never Be So Wrong) Tom Jones (All I Can Say Is Goodbye) Peter Shelley (“Love Me, Love My Dog”) as well as several hits for his daughter Kim Wilde, including the iconic “Kids In America”, “Cambodia”, “View From A Bridge” and others.
Expect some music, chat, some rare images, including some from his own personal collection, and you can join Marty in a Q&A. All very LIVE and as you’ve never seen him before.