Marti Pellow, born Mark McLachlan on March 23, 1965, is a highly acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter, whose impressive career has spanned an astonishing four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond.
As the lead vocalist of the iconic Scottish pop group Wet Wet Wet, Pellow has been the driving force behind some of the most beloved and enduring hits of the past few decades. With his powerful, soulful voice and captivating stage presence, he has consistently thrilled audiences worldwide, earning a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile singers of his generation.
In addition to his work with Wet Wet Wet, Pellow has also enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing a string of critically acclaimed albums and singles that showcase his remarkable vocal range and emotional depth. Furthermore, he has also ventured into the world of musical theatre, making memorable appearances on both the West End and Broadway, further solidifying his reputation as a true triple threat - a talented singer, actor, and performer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pellow has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Brit Awards, a Ivor Novello Award, and a Scottish Music Award, to name a few. His contributions to the music industry have been celebrated and honored, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in the Scottish music scene.
Despite his many accomplishments, Pellow remains humble and dedicated to his craft, continuing to create and perform music that inspires and uplifts his fans. His remarkable journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and passion, and serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and music lovers alike.
At a remarkably young age of seven, Pellow's fascination with music first began to unfold, as he would often indulge in his mother's extensive 8-track record collection, which featured a diverse array of soulful classics by renowned songwriters such as Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The genre's profound emotional resonance, exemplified by the iconic voices of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, would leave an indelible mark on Pellow's formative musical sensibilities.
Despite his father's initial reservations, Pellow remained steadfast in his commitment to a career in music, refusing to be swayed by his parent's advice to pursue a more conventional profession.
Marti Pellow, the talented vocalist and songwriter, embarked on a musical journey at the tender age of seventeen in 1982. Alongside his school friends from Clydebank High School, Pellow co-founded a band that would later blossom into the renowned Wet Wet Wet.
The name of this nascent group was a direct inspiration drawn from the Scritti Politti song "Gettin', Havin' and Holdin'". Furthermore, Pellow, in a nod to his creative flair, adopted the stage name Marti Pellow. This moniker was carefully crafted by combining his mother's maiden name with the affectionate nickname "Smarty", which had been bestowed upon him by his peers during his school days.
During the late 1980s and 1990s, the Scottish pop group Wet Wet Wet experienced an extraordinary level of success, with lead vocalist Marti Pellow's powerful, soulful vocals and captivating stage presence serving as the primary driving forces behind their widespread acclaim.
As the band's popularity continued to soar, they found themselves at the forefront of the music industry, with Pellow's remarkable vocal range and emotional delivery captivating audiences worldwide.
However, in 1997, a significant change took place within the group's dynamic when drummer Tommy Cunningham made the difficult decision to leave Wet Wet Wet due to a royalties dispute, marking a turning point in the band's trajectory.
Following Cunningham's departure, the group's popularity began to wane, and Pellow found himself struggling with addiction to heroin, a substance that had a profound impact on his life and ability to function.
Despite the challenges he faced, Pellow ultimately overcame his addiction, describing it as a "textbook" case of dependency that left him feeling helpless and unable to resist its pull.
In the end, Pellow's remarkable resilience and determination allowed him to emerge from the shadows of addiction, his powerful voice and captivating stage presence remaining an integral part of Wet Wet Wet's enduring legacy.
In a dramatic turn of events, Graeme Pellow's tenure with the renowned Scottish pop band Wet Wet Wet came to an abrupt end in May 1999, effectively disbanding the group and leaving a lasting impact on the music world.
However, in a surprising twist, the band members reunited in March 2004, marking a new chapter in their musical journey, and Pellow, undeterred by the initial hiatus, continued to perform with the band, his passion and dedication to the group remaining unwavering.
But, all good things must come to an end, and Pellow's association with Wet Wet Wet finally drew to a close in July 2017, as he bid farewell to the band, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable music and memories.
Marti Pellow, the versatile and talented Scottish singer-songwriter, has not only made a lasting impact as a member of Wet Wet Wet, but has also successfully ventured into a solo career, marked by collaborations with esteemed artists. One such notable partnership is with Chris Difford, the renowned lyricist and co-founder of Squeeze, whom Pellow met during his stay at The Priory in March 1999. This chance encounter blossomed into a fruitful creative alliance, with Difford going on to become Pellow's trusted lyricist and unofficial mentor.
Throughout his illustrious career, Marti Pellow has consistently demonstrated his remarkable talent, showcasing his impressive range and versatility as a performer. His unwavering dedication and perseverance have earned him a reputation as a true Scottish music icon, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
