Clare Grogan: 80s Star's Shocking Financial Truth

Clare Grogan, the enduring 63-year-old lead singer of 80s band Altered Images, is preparing for a UK tour. The tour commemorates the 45th anniversary of their biggest hit, "Happy Birthday," which reached number 2 in 1981. Grogan, who also starred in the iconic 1981 comedy "Gregory's Girl," reflected on the band's financial struggles.

Despite achieving six UK top 40 singles and three top 30 albums, Grogan disclosed they were "penniless" during their peak fame. She stated she earned only £75 per week, a situation she attributed to the music industry's complexities and the band's youthful naivety in not questioning financial matters.

Altered Images, originally comprising Gerard McInulty, Michael Anderson, and Tony McDaid, later included Stephen Lironi, who married Grogan in 1994. The couple, after experiencing significant fertility challenges, adopted their daughter Ellie in 2005. Grogan's career also spans acting roles in "EastEnders" and "Red Dwarf," alongside writing children's novels.

Reflecting on her early career, Grogan admitted to still feeling "panicky" about her financial future due to her rocky start in music. The band's initial record deal in the early 1980s was for approximately £50,000. While successful internationally, Grogan reiterated that the band saw little of the profits, with her personal earnings remaining surprisingly low.