Gary Glitter, born Paul Francis Gadd on May 8, 1944, in Banbury, England, is an English musician known for his flamboyant stage presence and a series of hit songs in the 1970s. With a net worth of $8 million and standing at 5 ft 5 in (1.67 m), Glitter’s life has been marked by both immense success and profound controversy. At the age of 80, Glitter’s legacy is a complex blend of musical innovation and personal scandal.
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Gary Glitter’s early years were tumultuous. Born to a single mother, he and his brother were placed in the childcare system due to their unruly behavior. Glitter frequently ran away to London, seeking solace in the city’s vibrant club scene. His early exposure to London’s nightlife laid the foundation for his future career in music.
Career Beginnings and Initial Struggles
As a teenager, Glitter began performing at various clubs in London, including the Two I’s and the Laconda, where he played ballads and early rock standards. His first break came when film producer Robert Hartford-Davis noticed him and secured a recording session with Decca Records. Performing under the name Paul Raven, he released his debut single, “Alone in the Night,” in January 1960. Despite signing with Parlophone Records and working with record producer George Martin, Glitter’s early career struggled to gain traction.
By 1964, Glitter found himself working as an assistant and doing television commercials. His fortunes changed when he met record producer Mike Leander, who helped him revive his career. Using the name Paul Raven, Glitter joined the Mike Leander Show Band and later formed the band Boston International with saxophonist John Rossall. The band toured extensively throughout the UK and West Germany during the latter half of the 1960s.
The Glam Rock Era and Meteoric Rise
The 1970s marked a turning point for Glitter as he adopted the stage name Gary Glitter, aligning himself with the burgeoning glam rock movement. His self-titled debut album featured the hit single “Rock and Roll,” which soared to number two on the UK charts and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. This breakthrough was followed by a string of hits, including “I’m the Leader of the Gang (I Am),” “I Love You Love Me Love,” “Doing Alright with the Boys,” and “I Didn’t Know I Loved You (Till I Saw You Rock and Roll).”
Mid-Career Challenges and Comeback
Despite his initial success, Glitter’s career began to wane by the mid-1970s, leading him to announce his retirement in 1976. He spent time in France and Australia before returning to the UK to stage a comeback. His album “Silver Star” produced the hit singles “It Takes All Night Long” and “A Little Boogie Woogie in the Back of My Mind.” In the 1980s, Glitter enjoyed further success with singles like “Dance Me Up” and “Another Rock and Roll Christmas,” the latter becoming a popular holiday song in the UK.
Later Music Career and Continued Influence
In the early 1990s, Glitter founded his own record label, Attitude Records, which later merged with his company Machmain. He focused primarily on live performances and released the album “Leader II.” Glitter also participated in a revival tour of The Who’s “Quadrophenia” and recorded a cover of “The House of the Rising Sun.” In the early 2000s, he released another album, “On.”
Rock and Roll, Part 2: Enduring Legacy
One of Glitter’s most enduring contributions to music is the song “Rock and Roll, Part 2.” Despite his personal controversies, the song remains a staple at American sporting events and has been featured in various films, including a prominent scene in the 2019 movie “Joker.” According to a 2014 Billboard report, Glitter and his co-writer were earning approximately $250,000 per year in royalties from the song.
Legal Issues and Downfall
Glitter’s career came to a dramatic halt in the late 1990s when he was imprisoned for downloading child pornography. His legal troubles continued, culminating in a 2015 conviction for multiple charges related to child sexual abuse, resulting in a 16-year prison sentence. These charges have overshadowed his musical achievements and severely tarnished his reputation.
Conclusion
Gary Glitter’s life and career are a stark reminder of the duality of fame. While his contributions to the glam rock era and his hit songs have left an indelible mark on music history, his criminal actions have cast a long shadow over his legacy. As he remains behind bars, Glitter’s story serves as both a testament to the heights of musical success and a cautionary tale of personal downfall.
