Pepsi (Helen) DeMacque-Crockett and Shirlie Kemp released their book entitled ‘It’s All In Black & White: Wham! Life and Friendship’ yesterday, September 30th.
I’m so excited our memoir is out today!@Waterstones @WHSmith pic.twitter.com/w58RuOB6GZ
— Pepsi DemacqueC (@PepsiDemacqueC) September 30, 2021
The duo is known for being the backing singers in the band Wham, with the late singer and songwriter George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley (backing vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and producer) in the 1980’s. Kemp also dated Ridgeley for a few years in the 80s and DeMacque-Crockett joined the band following the departure of DC Lee (Singer). It was then that DeMacque-Crockett and Kemp formed their special friendship. DeMacque-Crockett and Kemp attended a book signing yesterday September 30th in Leeds to mark the release of their new book.
Looking forward to our @waterstones book signing in Leeds tonight with @PepsiDemacqueC for our new book It’s All In Black & White pic.twitter.com/fofoj2ZYDN — Shirlie Kemp (@Shirliekemp) September 30, 2021
Kemp explains that the book title refers to the duo putting their words into ink for their book and DeMacque-Crockett explained that the book title also refers to Kemp viewing everything in black and white. The book starts off with the duo detailing their special bond and how their friendship began in 1982 on a windy day outside Finsbury Park tube station. The duo in reference to the evolution of their book stated “We have been inspired now to put our memories on the page after many years of requests, reminiscing of our time in the spotlight, on and off the stage”
In an interview, Kemp said of her time in the band “It was a very innocent time of experiencing fame. “I just felt so lucky to be touring England and then the world. It was like a free holiday constantly” DeMacque-Crockett stated that she feels that the late George Michael has been sending the duo messages of support for their book release and said in the same interview “I’m quite emotional actually. I’ve been walking into the hotel foyer and every time one of George’s songs comes on. I think he’s got his fairy dust on our book, wishing us well”
The duo both agreed that being part of the band was hard work and were supported by Ridgeley when they paid their public respect and tributes to Michael following his sad passing in December 2016. The duo formed their group Pepsi and Shirlie when Wham disbanded in 1986 and released 5 singles as well as the memorable debut single“Heartache” (1987) which debuted at number 2 in the UK Official Singles Charts. (1987). The single was kept off the number 1 spot by Michael and Aretha Franklin’s single “I knew You Were Waiting” (1986) The single Goodbye Stranger” (1987) quickly followed reaching number 9 in the UK Official Singles Charts.
The duo disbanded to pursue family life and seek alternate careers and teamed up again for their 10th Anniversary Here and Now Tour in 2011. Kemp married Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet in 1988. Their daughter Harley Moon Kemp was born in 1989 and her son Roman Kemp (Radio Host and TV Personality) was born in 1993. In 2019 Kemp released an album In The Swing of It with her husband and they also wrote their book It’s A Love Story in 2020. Kemp also worked for Michael’s record label Aegean in 1997 and recently appeared in her son’s documentary Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency.
DeMacque-Crockett went on to work as a film and TV actor and portrayed Josephine Baker on-screen and completed a stint in the production of Hair at the Old Vic Theatre. DeMacque-Crockett moved to St Lucia with her husband where they operate a charter sailing business and is currently in England promoting the duo’s new book.
Ajda Vucicevic (Wellbeck Editorial Director) who worked with the duo on their book said “I’ve long admired Pepsi and Shirlie, so it is a dream come true to work with them on their book. “They have the most extraordinary connection as friends that we can all learn from” Pepsi and Shirlie’s book has been described as “A story of love, heartbreak, determination, and above all the unbreakable bond of friendship”
Pepsi and Shirlie’s book ‘It’s All In Black & White: Wham! Life and Friendship’ is now available to order online and in all participating stores.
