Singer and Serial Abuser: The Disturbing Saga of Garry Glitter

In the early 1970s, Garry Glitter become a pop icon in the UK glam rock scene. Yet, disturbing revelations decades later would show the world a twisted predator

Depiction of Gary Glitter

A once-renowned figure in the UK glam rock scene, Garry Glitter’s disturbing fall from grace shocked and disgusted fans, critics, and the general public. Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, began his music career in the early 1960s but hit his stride in the early 1970s as he became a fixture in the UK glam scene.

Early Years

On May 8th, 1944, Paul Francis Gadd was born in the quaint town of Banbury, Oxfordshire. Paul’s mother, though not married, tried her best to support herself and her two sons through her work as a cleaner. Paul’s grandmother also helped raise the children, while Paul’s father was never a part of his life.

Paul was said to have been a difficult child; over time, he became too much for his young mother to handle. At age 10, Paul and his brother were put into alternative care.

Paul attended a Catholic school but continued his deviant behavior into his teenage years, often running away from home to visit nightclubs in London.

Photo of Gary Glitter (Colorado Music Experience)

Start in Music

It was in these London nightclubs that Paul first launched his musical career. Paul had begun performing at various club venues around the city. Eventually, he was discovered by producer Robert Hartford-Davis, who paid for young Paul to record music with Decca Records.

In January of 1960, when Paul was only fifteen, he released a single entitled “Alone in the Night” under the stage name Paul Raven.

By sixteen, Paul was working with his new manager, Vic Billings, who managed to secure a contract with Parlophone, where he worked with George Martin, a producer later known for his work with the Beatles.

Paul Gadd using the stage name Paul Raven (45cat)

Paul’s next two singles did not perform well, but despite the setback, Paul continued to work in and around the music industry. Paul worked as an assistant, appeared in commercials, and auditioned for multiple films.

Through these efforts, Paul met producer Mike Leander. It was around this time, in 1963, that Paul married Ann Murton. A year later, they welcomed a son, who they named Paul. In 1965, Paul joined the Mike Leander Show Band, which led to opportunities to produce records with a few artists.

In 1966, Paul and Ann had their second child, a daughter they named Sarah.

Following his time with the Mike Leander Show Band, Paul helped create the musical group Boston International, which put him on a five-year touring adventure throughout the UK and Germany.

During this time, Paul also recorded and produced several records. He briefly used the stage name of Paul Monday, and his music was finally getting some attention.

Paul landed the role of a priest in the concept album of Jesus Christ Superstar, released in 1970. After multiple setbacks, Paul’s persistence was beginning to pay off.

Photo of Gary Glitter (The Independent)

Gary Glitter: A Sparkling Star

In 1971, glam rock began dominating the charts in the UK. Seeing an opportunity to capitalize on the craze, Paul adopted the stage name of Gary Glitter, which he would keep for the rest of his career.

In 1972, the same year he split from his wife Ann Murton, Gary Glitter released a single called “Rock and Roll, Parts 1 and 2.” This record eventually reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, earned a place in the U.S. Top Ten, and reached number one on the charts in France.

With the success of this record, Gary Glitter’s career had begun in earnest.