Marti Pellow – Singer, Solo Artist and Stage Performer

Scottish singer and songwriter Marti Pellow is best known as the lead vocalist of the pop group Wet Wet Wet. Born Mark McLachlan in Clydebank, Scotland, he rose to international fame in the 1980s and 1990s with hits such as “Love Is All Around”. Beyond his work with the band, Pellow has maintained a varied career as a solo artist and stage performer.

Early life and rise to fame

Pellow was born on 29 January 1965 in Clydebank. He formed Wet Wet Wet in 1982 with friends from the local area. The band quickly achieved success in the United Kingdom with a series of upbeat pop and soul-influenced songs. Their cover of the Troggs’ “Love Is All Around”, featured in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral, spent 15 weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1994.

The 1980s music scene that produced Wet Wet Wet also gave rise to many other lasting acts. Bon Jovi – Band History, Biggest Hits and Jon Bon Jovi Facts chronicles one such career in depth.

Solo career and musical theatre

After Wet Wet Wet went on hiatus in the late 1990s, Pellow launched a solo career. His debut solo album, Smile, was released in 2001, and he supported it with the Smile Tour across the UK that same year. The album showcased a more introspective pop sound.

Beyond pop music, he has worked extensively in musical theatre and acting. Pellow took on roles in stage productions including Chicago, Chess, and The Witches of Eastwick. His stage work has been praised by critics, demonstrating a versatility that extends beyond recording and touring.

Return to Wet Wet Wet and later work

Pellow reunited with Wet Wet Wet for various tours and performances in the 2000s and 2010s. He continued to tour both as a solo performer and with the band before leaving Wet Wet Wet again in 2017. Since then, he has continued to release solo music and perform live.

Personal life

Pellow has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction, which he faced during the height of Wet Wet Wet’s fame. He underwent rehabilitation and has since been an advocate for recovery. He has kept other aspects of his personal life, including details about his marriage and family, largely private.

Pellow remains active in music and continues to perform. His career spans more than four decades, encompassing pop stardom, solo artistry, and musical theatre. He is not alone in that respect; Kiki Dee – Biography, Songs, Age, and Career Facts highlights a similarly enduring career in British music.

Related reading: Bon Jovi – Band History, Biggest Hits and Jon Bon Jovi Facts | Kiki Dee – Biography, Songs, Age, and Career Facts

Sophie KendallStaff Writer

Sophie Kendall is Culture & Communities Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering community stories, arts, culture, festivals, local events and heritage.