What were Altered Images' biggest achievements?

Altered Images achieved six UK top 40 singles and three top 30 albums, with their hit "Happy Birthday" reaching number 2 in 1981.

How much did Clare Grogan earn at the height of her fame?

Clare Grogan earned only £75 per week, even when Altered Images was experiencing chart success.

What other notable roles has Clare Grogan had?

Besides her music career, Clare Grogan is known for her role in the 1981 film "Gregory's Girl" and has appeared in "EastEnders" and "Red Dwarf."

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Clare Grogan: 80s Star's Shocking Financial Truth

Clare Grogan: 80s Star's Shocking Financial Truth

31 Jan

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Summary

Clare Grogan earned only £75 weekly at the peak of her fame.
Altered Images achieved six UK top 40 singles and three top 30 albums.
Grogan also starred in the iconic 1981 comedy Gregory's Girl.

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.