Gary Glitter, an English musician known for his flamboyant persona and catchy rock tunes, experienced a dramatic rise and fall in his career. Despite his success in the 1970s with hits like “Rock and Roll,” “I Love You Love Me Love,” and “Hello, Hello, I’m Back Again,” his career and reputation were ultimately tarnished by his criminal activities. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of Gary Glitter, highlighting the significant events that led to his downfall.
Early Life
Where Was Gary Glitter Born?
Gary Glitter was born Paul Francis Gadd on May 8, 1944, in Banbury, England. Raised by a single mother, Glitter and his brother were placed in the childcare system due to their unruly behavior. Frequently running away to London, Glitter found solace in the city’s vibrant club scene, where he began his journey in music.
Career Beginnings
How Did Gary Glitter Start His Music Career?
As a teenager, Glitter performed at various clubs in London, including the Two I’s and the Laconda. His talent caught the attention of film producer Robert Hartford-Davis, leading to a recording session with Decca Records. Under the stage name Paul Raven, he released his debut single, “Alone in the Night,” in 1960.
Despite a rough patch in his career, Glitter met record producer Mike Leander, who played a crucial role in his comeback. Joining the Mike Leander Show Band and later forming the band Boston International, Glitter’s career started gaining momentum in the late 1960s.
Success as Gary Glitter
What Were Gary Glitter’s Major Hits?
In the early 1970s, Glitter adopted his famous stage name and released his self-titled debut album, featuring the breakthrough hit “Rock and Roll.” The song reached number two on the UK charts and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Following this success, Glitter released numerous other hits, including “I’m the Leader of the Gang (I Am),” “I Love You Love Me Love,” and “Doing Alright with the Boys.”
Further Music Career
Did Gary Glitter Continue to Make Music After the 70s?
By the mid-1970s, Glitter’s popularity waned, leading to his temporary retirement in 1976. After a brief self-imposed exile, he returned to the UK and recorded the album “Silver Star,” which included hits like “It Takes All Night Long” and “A Little Boogie Woogie in the Back of My Mind.” In the 1980s, he found success with singles such as “Dance Me Up” and “Another Rock and Roll Christmas.”
In the early 1990s, Glitter established his own record label, Attitude Records, and continued to perform live. Despite his declining popularity, Glitter managed to maintain a presence in the music industry with various releases and performances.
Rock and Roll, Part 2 Royalties
Does Gary Glitter Still Make Money from “Rock and Roll, Part 2”?
Despite Glitter’s controversies, “Rock and Roll, Part 2” remains a popular song, especially in American sporting events. According to a 2014 Billboard report, Glitter and his co-writer were splitting roughly $250,000 per year in royalties from the song. However, a report from the LA Times claimed that Glitter sold his share of the song’s rights in 1997 to Snapper Music, and as of their inquiry, Glitter was no longer receiving payments from the song.
Legal Issues and Imprisonment
What Legal Troubles Did Gary Glitter Face?
In 1997, Glitter was arrested for possessing child pornography, leading to a four-month prison sentence. His criminal activities continued, and in 2005, he was arrested in Vietnam for child sexual abuse, resulting in a three-year prison sentence. Following his release, Glitter was deported to the UK and added to the Violent and Sex Offender Register.
In 2012, Glitter was arrested again on charges of child sexual assault. He faced multiple charges over the next few years, including attempted rape and indecent assault. In 2015, Glitter was sentenced to 16 years in prison for his crimes.
Personal Life
Who Were Gary Glitter’s Family Members?
In 1963, Glitter married Ann Murton, with whom he had a son named Paul and a daughter named Sarah. The couple divorced in 1972. While in Cuba in 2001, Glitter had another son, Gary, with Yudenia Sosa MartÃnez.
Conclusion
Gary Glitter’s journey from fame to infamy is a cautionary tale of how personal actions can overshadow professional achievements. Despite a successful music career that once earned him millions, Glitter’s criminal activities led to his financial and social downfall. His net worth, now estimated at $8 million, is a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions.