Marti Pellow, born Mark McLachlan on March 23, 1965, is a renowned Scottish singer who has captivated audiences for decades. With a career spanning over four decades, Pellow has worn many hats - as the lead singer of the Scottish pop group Wet Wet Wet, a solo artist, and even an actor in musical theatre productions on both the West End and Broadway.
Pellow's journey in music began at the tender age of seven, when he would listen to his mother's 8-track record collection, which included soulful tunes by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The soul genre, particularly the music of Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke, resonated deeply with him. His exposure to live music only strengthened his passion, as he discovered the raw energy and emotion that came with performing.
However, Pellow's father was not initially supportive of his decision to pursue a career in music. The elder McLachlan was a builder, and he urged his son to consider a more traditional profession. But Pellow was resolute in his desire to become a musician, insisting that it was his calling in life.
In 1982, at the age of seventeen, Pellow formed a band with his friends from Clydebank High School, which would eventually become Wet Wet Wet. The band's name was inspired by the Scritti Politti song "Gettin', Havin' and Holdin'". Pellow also adopted the stage name Marti Pellow, combining his mother's maiden name with the nickname "Smarty" he received at school.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Wet Wet Wet enjoyed immense success, with Pellow's powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence at the forefront. However, in 1997, drummer Tommy Cunningham left the band over a royalties dispute, and the group's popularity began to wane. Pellow was also struggling with addiction to heroin, which he eventually overcame, stating that it was a "textbook" addiction that left him unable to function without it.
Pellow left Wet Wet Wet in May 1999, effectively disbanding the group. However, they reformed in March 2004, and Pellow continued to perform with the band until his departure in July 2017.
In addition to his work with Wet Wet Wet, Pellow has also pursued a solo career, collaborating with Chris Difford of Squeeze, with whom he met while they were patients at The Priory in March 1999. Difford has since become Pellow's lyricist and unofficial helper. With his remarkable talent, versatility, and perseverance, Marti Pellow has established himself as a true Scottish music icon.
