Marti Pellow is a name that resonates with many fans of 80s and 90s pop music, known primarily for his role as the lead singer of the iconic Scottish band Wet Wet Wet. With his soulful voice, undeniable charisma, and timeless hits, Pellow has remained a household name in the world of music. But his journey hasn’t been all about fame and fortune. It’s been a story of reinvention, personal struggles, and an unyielding passion for music. In this article, we take a closer look at his life, his rise to stardom, and the challenges he’s faced along the way.
Early Life: From Clydebank to the Big Stage
Born Mark McLachlan on March 23, 1965, in Clydebank, Scotland, Marti Pellow grew up with an early love for music. He adopted the stage name “Marti Pellow” after combining his mother’s maiden name with a nickname from his school days. His journey into music began at a young age, with Pellow showing an early interest in singing and performing.
In the early 1980s, Marti formed a band with a group of friends, initially called Vortex Motion. The group eventually rebranded themselves as Wet Wet Wet, a name inspired by a phrase Marti heard from an old girlfriend. Wet Wet Wet became one of the most successful British bands of the late 80s and early 90s, dominating the charts with their mix of soft rock, pop, and soul.
Wet Wet Wet: A Meteoric Rise to Fame
Wet Wet Wet’s breakthrough came in 1987 when their debut album Popped In Souled Out hit the market. The album produced several hits, including the iconic “Wishing I Was Lucky” and “Sweet Little Mystery.” However, it was the release of “Love Is All Around” in 1994 that catapulted them to global fame. The song topped the charts for 15 consecutive weeks, thanks to its inclusion in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. This was a pivotal moment in Pellow’s career, as it established Wet Wet Wet as a leading pop-soul band in the UK and around the world.
Over the years, Wet Wet Wet released several albums, all of which showcased Marti’s unique vocal ability and the band’s ability to blend pop with soulful ballads. Their music resonated with a broad audience, and they became known for their hit singles like “Goodnight Girl” and “Julia Says.” Marti Pellow’s powerful and emotive voice became synonymous with the band’s success, cementing his place in pop music history.
Solo Career: Reinventing Himself
In 1997, after years of global success with Wet Wet Wet, Marti decided to embark on a solo career. His first album, Smile, was released in 2001 and received critical acclaim. While it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as Wet Wet Wet’s hits, it showcased a more mature side of Marti’s songwriting and vocal abilities. His solo work explored a range of genres, from pop to soul, and allowed him to evolve as an artist beyond his band days.
Marti’s solo career continued with albums like The Only One (2003) and Marty Pellow Sings the Hits of Wet Wet Wet & Smile (2006), a compilation album where he reinterpreted the band’s classic hits alongside new material. He also ventured into musical theatre, making his West End debut in 2006 in Chicago, where he portrayed the role of Billy Flynn.
Despite stepping away from Wet Wet Wet, Pellow’s fans remained loyal, and he continued to release music, tour, and perform live. His time away from the band also allowed him to reconnect with his artistic side and explore new creative avenues.
Personal Struggles: Battling Addiction
While Marti Pellow’s career flourished, his personal life was less than perfect. In the late 90s and early 2000s, Pellow struggled with addiction to heroin and alcohol, which affected both his personal life and his music career. Pellow has openly discussed his battles with substance abuse and the toll it took on his relationships and career.
In his 2012 autobiography, Pellow Me, he spoke candidly about his addiction and how it nearly destroyed him. Pellow credited his recovery to the support of his friends, family, and his own determination to overcome his demons. He eventually sought treatment and turned his life around, becoming an advocate for addiction recovery and mental health awareness.
Today, Pellow remains sober, and his openness about his struggles has helped to normalize conversations about addiction, showing others that recovery is possible.
Family Life: The Love of His Life
In terms of his personal relationships, Marti Pellow has been with his long-term partner, Eileen Catterson, a former model, for many years. Though they have never married, they are often seen as one of the most enduring couples in the entertainment world. Pellow has spoken fondly of his partner and has credited her support as instrumental in his recovery from addiction.
Despite their long relationship, Marti and Eileen have kept much of their private life out of the public eye, maintaining a low profile when it comes to details about their personal lives.
Net Worth and Legacy
As of 2025, Marti Pellow’s net worth is estimated to be £15 million, reflecting his extensive career in music and theatre. He continues to perform, both solo and as part of Wet Wet Wet during their reunion performances. Pellow’s enduring success is a testament to his talent, resilience, and the love of his fans.
Marti Pellow’s career has spanned decades, and his legacy in the music industry is secure. He remains an influential figure in pop and soul music, and his work has touched the lives of millions of fans. His powerful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and ability to evolve as an artist ensure that he will remain a beloved figure in the music world for years to come.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Music
Marti Pellow’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention. From his early days with Wet Wet Wet to his successful solo career and his work in musical theatre, Pellow has proven that an artist can evolve, learn, and grow throughout their life. His ability to overcome personal challenges, including addiction, and continue to perform and create music shows the strength of his character.
With a career that has seen both highs and lows, Marti Pellow has become a symbol of resilience, creativity, and passion. Whether you know him for his iconic songs with Wet Wet Wet or for his work as a solo artist, Marti Pellow’s impact on the music world is undeniable, and his story continues to inspire.
This article covers the major milestones in Marti Pellow’s life and career, highlighting his achievements, struggles, and growth over the years.
