Clare Grogan's Ageless Charm as Altered Images Announce 45th Anniversary UK Tour
Scottish singer and actress Clare Grogan, the 63-year-old lead vocalist of the iconic 1980s New Wave band Altered Images, appears not to have aged a day as she and her bandmates prepare to embark on a UK tour. This celebratory series of concerts marks the 45th anniversary of their biggest hit, Happy Birthday, which soared to Number 2 in the UK charts back in 1981.
Financial Struggles at the Height of Fame
Despite achieving significant commercial success with six UK top 40 singles and three top 30 albums, Clare has candidly revealed that the band remained 'penniless' during their peak years. She recounted earning a mere £75 per week even when topping the charts, a stark contrast to the perceived glamour of 80s pop stardom.
'I hadn’t made any money, despite three successful albums,' Clare explained. 'Ask any band from the 80s and they’ll tell you that somebody made some money, but it’s very rarely the band.'
A 'Big Mistake' in Trusting the Industry
Reflecting on her early career, Clare admitted that not asking questions about finances was a 'big mistake'. The band, eager to be part of the music scene, blindly trusted industry figures. 'The music business is notoriously messy and we were at an age where we desperately wanted to be part of it, so we didn’t ask questions,' she said. 'Also, there seemed something vulgar in talking about money.'
This naivety extended to their record deal, signed in the early 1980s for about £50,000, which seemed enormous at the time but yielded little personal profit. 'We had hits as far away as Australia and Japan, but did we make any money? Not really,' Clare lamented.
Enduring Legacy and Personal Journey
Clare, who remains as youthful and charismatic as ever, recently toured European festivals with Altered Images and is now set for UK shows. The original line-up included Gerard McInulty, Michael Anderson, and Tony McDaid, later joined by Stephen Lironi, whom Clare married in 1994. After experiencing six miscarriages and four failed IVF rounds, the couple adopted their daughter Ellie in 2005.
Acting Success and Cultural Impact
Beyond music, Clare has forged a notable acting career, most famously starring in the 1981 cult classic Gregory's Girl. The film, a beloved portrayal of teenage awkwardness set in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire, continues to resonate, ranking among the top 30 high school movies and admired by figures like Martin Scorsese. 'It’s a really lovely thing to have in my life,' Clare said, noting its universal appeal.
Her role nearly didn't happen; she initially declined the director's invitation, wary as a 17-year-old waitress. 'I had no idea who he was or what he did,' she recalled. 'I’d been told by my mother never to give my number to strange men.' Thankfully, he persisted, leading to a career-defining opportunity.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Plans
Despite her enduring fame, Clare admits to feeling 'panicky' about her financial future, a lingering effect of her rocky start in music. As Altered Images gear up for their anniversary tour, fans can expect a nostalgic yet revelatory experience, blending timeless hits with hard-earned wisdom from an era that shaped pop culture.
