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This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Graeme Clark, founding bassist of Wet Wet Wet, and the band’s newest frontman, Kevin Simm. Together, they took us on a journey through the band’s humble beginnings, meteoric rise to fame, their unforgettable hit Love Is All Around, and how they’ve kept the magic alive four decades later.
The Early Days in Glasgow
Wet Wet Wet formed back in 1982 in Glasgow, Scotland. For Graeme and his school friends, music wasn’t just a hobby—it was an escape from the bleak job prospects that faced so many young people at the time. With shipyards closed and unemployment sky-high, the boys turned their energy towards music, jamming in Graeme’s mother’s back room.
Passion and Persistence
None of them were formally trained, but that didn’t matter. What they lacked in technical skills, they made up for in passion and persistence. Graeme picked up the bass because of his love for reggae, Tommy was already playing drums, Neil joined in on keyboards, and Marty Pellow took the mic as lead vocalist. It wasn’t long before they realised they had something special.
Breaking Through with “Wishing I Was Lucky”
In 1987, Wet Wet Wet released their debut single, Wishing I Was Lucky. To their amazement, the track shot up the charts and instantly resonated with fans. It was a song born out of truth—about longing for more in life—and it became the anthem of their generation.
From Scotland to the World Stage
Following their early success, the band toured relentlessly, even opening for Elton John in America. Although they never quite cracked the U.S. their popularity soared across the UK, Europe, and Australia.
With A Little Help From My Friends
A major turning point came in 1988 when their version of With a Little Help from My Friends went to number one in the UK. Suddenly, Wet Wet Wet weren’t just another pop group—they were chart-toppers with staying power.
The Monster Hit: “Love Is All Around”
Of course, the song that defined Wet Wet Wet’s career was their 1994 cover of The Troggs’ classic Love Is All Around. Chosen for the soundtrack of Four Weddings and a Funeral, the track wasn’t initially seen by the band as a big deal. In fact, they thought it might make a decent B-side.
15 Weeks At The Top
But once it was released, it exploded worldwide. Spending 15 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK, the single became the country’s best-selling love ballad of the decade. In Australia, it was just as beloved, with fans playing it at weddings, parties, and every romantic occasion in between. The success was so overwhelming that the band eventually pulled the record from sale—otherwise, it might have stayed at the top indefinitely!
Success, Burnout, and Rebirth
Like many hugely successful bands, Wet Wet Wet eventually hit a wall. After years of constant touring and chart domination, tensions and different ambitions led to a split. Some members wanted to pursue theatre or movies, while others simply needed a break.
Challenging Times
Graeme reflects on this period as both exhilarating and challenging. Money and fame were great, but they also brought pressures and expectations. Eventually, the band regrouped in the 2000s, realising that their chemistry was too strong to leave behind. Their 2012 reunion at Glasgow Green proved just that—selling out instantly and reminding everyone of their enduring appeal.
Enter Kevin Simm
In 2018, following Marty Pellow’s departure, Wet Wet Wet welcomed Kevin Simm as their new lead singer. Kevin was no stranger to the spotlight—he had already won The Voice UK in 2016, impressing Graeme with his soulful vocals.
New Energy New Directions
Kevin brought fresh energy to the band, not just as a performer but also as a songwriter. Together, he and Graeme started writing new material, determined to keep Wet Wet Wet moving forward rather than becoming just another heritage act. Their 2021 album, The Journey, proved that the band could still create relevant, heartfelt music.
Wet Wet Wet Today
Nearly 40 years after their formation, Wet Wet Wet continue to perform and record. At the same time, they’re carving out a new chapter with Kevin at the helm.
