Early Life and Career
Gary Glitter was born in Banbury, Oxfordshire, England in 1944. His birth name is Paul Francis Gadd. His mother was a cleaner and his father worked at a factory. Growing up, Gary was interested in music and was heavily influenced by rock and roll artists such as Elvis Presley and Little Richard.
In his late teens, Gary left home to pursue a career in music. He started off playing in local clubs and eventually formed his own band called Paul Raven and the Blue Beats. In 1964, the band released their first single, "Brenda", which failed to chart. Gary went on to join other bands, including Les Martin and His Band and The Boston Showband.
In the early 1970s, Gary adopted the stage name Gary Glitter and began recording as a solo artist. His first hit single, "Rock and Roll (Parts 1 and 2)", was released in 1972 and became a massive success, reaching number two on the UK charts. This was followed by a string of other hits, including "Do You Wanna Touch Me? (Oh Yeah)", "I Love You Love Me Love", and "Hello, Hello, I'm Back Again".
Unfortunately, Gary's successful music career was tainted by his later conviction for child sexual abuse. Despite his fall from grace, his early career as a musician remains an important part of pop culture history.
Rise to Fame
Gary Glitter, born Paul Francis Gadd, began his career in music in the late 1960s as a member of the group, The Boston Show Band in Vietnam. He later joined the band, The Herd, as their guitarist and co-songwriter. In 1972, he began his solo career and released his debut album, "Glitter." The album's lead single, "Rock and Roll Part 1," became an international hit and remains one of Glitter's most well-known songs.
Glitter's success continued into the early 1970s with hits such as "I Love You Love Me Love," which topped the charts in the UK. However, it was his performances and stage presence that truly captivated audiences. His flamboyant costumes and makeup, combined with his energetic and theatrical performances, made him a beloved figure in the glam rock movement.
By the mid-1970s, Glitter's popularity began to wane, and he went on a hiatus from music. He returned in the late 1970s with a more disco-influenced sound and scored another hit with "Rock and Roll Part 2." Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Glitter continued to perform and released several albums, but his popularity never reached the heights of his earlier years.
Despite his later struggles and controversies, Glitter's legacy as an influential figure in rock and roll remains strong. His music has been sampled and covered by numerous artists, and his influence on the glam rock movement has been recognized by critics and fans alike.
Troubles with the Law
Although Gary Glitter had a successful music career, he had many troubles with the law. In 1997, he was arrested for possession of child pornography, which resulted in him being sentenced to four months in prison. He was also put on the UK sex offenders register for 10 years.
In 2006, Glitter was arrested in Vietnam for child sexual abuse. He was found guilty and was sentenced to three years in prison. On his release, he was deported from Vietnam back to the UK.
In 2015, Glitter was once again arrested in the UK on charges of historic child sex abuse. He was found guilty and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.
Glitter's history of sexual offenses against children has led to his music being banned in many countries.
Personal Life and Controversies
Gary Glitter's personal life has been a subject of controversy throughout his career. He has been married twice and has two children. His first daughter, Sarah, was born in 1977 and his second daughter, Louise, was born in 1984. Both of his marriages ended in divorce.
Glitter's controversies began in the late 1990s after it was revealed that he had been arrested and convicted for possession of child pornography. In 1999, he was imprisoned for four months and his reputation never fully recovered. Despite his criminal past, Glitter continued to perform and released new music, much to the disappointment and outrage of many of his fans.
In 2006, Glitter was arrested in Vietnam for child sex offences and was sentenced to three years in prison. His convictions in Vietnam sparked widespread protests and outrage from his fans and the public, with many calling for a boycott of his music. Glitter was deported back to the UK in 2008 and was placed on the sex offender register.
Since his release from prison, Glitter has largely remained out of the public eye and has not released any new music. However, his legacy remains tarnished by his past crimes and controversies.
Net Worth and Legacy
Gary Glitter's net worth is estimated to be around $2 million USD. However, his music career has been overshadowed by his criminal history and controversial personal life. In 1999, Glitter was arrested for possession of child pornography and was later found guilty of child sexual abuse in Vietnam in 2006. He was sentenced to three years in prison and deported back to the UK in 2008.
Despite his criminal record, some of Glitter's music has maintained popularity and has been featured in popular movies such as "Joker" and "The Hangover". However, many artists and organizations have distanced themselves from his music and brand due to his criminal past. In 2015, Glitter's name was removed from the list of songwriters on the hit song "Do They Know It's Christmas?" by Band Aid.
As a result of his crimes, Gary Glitter's legacy is a complicated and controversial one. While his music has influenced many artists and entertained millions, his criminal actions have caused harm and trauma to numerous victims.
FAQ
What is Gary Glitter's real name?
Gary Glitter's real name is Paul Francis Gadd.
What is Gary Glitter's net worth?
As of 2021, Gary Glitter's net worth is estimated to be around $8 million.
What is Gary Glitter known for?
Gary Glitter is known as a rock singer and songwriter who gained fame in the 1970s for hits such as "Rock and Roll (Part 2)" and "Do You Wanna Touch Me."
What is Gary Glitter's height?
Gary Glitter's height is reported to be 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm).