Wet Wet Wet is a Scottish pop band formed in Clydebank, Scotland, in 1982. The band’s original lineup consisted of Marti Pellow (vocals), Graeme Clark (bass), Tommy Cunningham (drums), and Neil Mitchell (keyboards). They are known for their smooth pop-rock sound and a series of hits in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Key Facts and Achievements

• Formation and Early Years: The band members were school friends and started playing music together in the early 1980s. They initially called themselves Vortex Motion before settling on Wet Wet Wet, inspired by the Scritti Politti song “Gettin’, Havin’ and Holdin’.”
• Breakthrough Success: Wet Wet Wet’s debut album, Popped In Souled Out (1987), was a commercial success, featuring hit singles like “Wishing I Was Lucky” and “Sweet Little Mystery.”
• Signature Hits: They achieved massive success with their cover of The Troggs’ song “Love Is All Around,” which was featured on the soundtrack of the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral. The song spent 15 weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
• Other Popular Songs: The band had several other hit singles, including “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “Goodnight Girl,” and “Julia Says.”
• Albums: Wet Wet Wet released multiple successful albums, including Holding Back the River (1989), High on the Happy Side (1992), and Picture This (1995).

Band Dynamics and Hiatus

• Lineup Changes: Over the years, the band experienced some changes. Tommy Cunningham left the band in 1997 due to personal and creative differences but later rejoined in 2004.
• Marti Pellow’s Departure: In 2017, Marti Pellow left Wet Wet Wet to focus on his solo career. Kevin Simm, formerly of Liberty X and the winner of The Voice UK 2016, became the new lead vocalist in 2018.

Legacy

Wet Wet Wet remains an iconic band in the UK pop and rock music scene. Their smooth and melodic sound, combined with Marti Pellow’s distinctive voice, made them a favorite during the late 80s and 90s. Despite the challenges and changes in their lineup, Wet Wet Wet has maintained a loyal fan base and continues to perform and record music. Their contributions to the pop genre and memorable hits have left a lasting impact on the music industry.

Date: 24 June 2017
Location: Parkpop Night at the Park