With an incredible catalogue of songs, Wet Wet Wet are undoubtedly a musical phenomenon who have made a massive impact with their music over the years, making them one of the most successful bands in British pop history.
Having formed in 1982 after taking their name from a line in a Scritti Politti song, the band’s first single ‘Wishing I Was Lucky’ was released in 1987. It quickly entered the charts, starting a phenomenal run of 27 Top 40 hits including three UK No.1’s – ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ (1988); ‘Goodnight Girl’ (1991); and ‘Love Is All Around’ (1994) – which spent 15 weeks at the top, a record for any UK artist that still stands. The band’s debut album ‘Popped in Souled Out’ (1987) also burst into the charts hitting No.1.
As the hit singles and albums flowed, their success was punctuated by a string of awards all over the world – being recognised by everyone from the Brits to Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy to name but a few.
Wet Wet Wet have sold more than 15 million singles and albums to date and have featured in the UK official singles and album charts for over a colossal 500 weeks. Their albums have been certified 20 x platinum in the UK alone whilst the band appeared on the renowned BBC TV show Top Of The Pops an amazing 56 times, a record for a Scottish artist.
Wet Wet Wet have played to more than five million people in dozens of countries around the world. They set a record by playing ten sold out shows at Glasgow’s SEC in 1995, when they were officially the most popular live act in the UK, even out-selling the Rolling Stones who were also on tour that year. Tour by tour, Wet Wet Wet secured a reputation as one of the UK’s best live acts. The summer of 1988 saw them take part in the Nelson Mandela 70th birthday concert at Wembley Stadium performing to a global TV audience of millions whilst 1989 saw them host what was dubbed ‘The Wets In The Park’ concert at Glasgow Green.
Further individual live highlights included the John Lennon Tribute show in Liverpool (1990); Isle of Arran Live – broadcast live on BBC Radio 1 daytime (1992); Alton Towers Concert of the Year (1994); Playing Away at Celtic Park (1997); Live 8 The Long Walk to Justice at Murrayfield Stadium (2005).
Wet Wet Wet marked their 25th anniversary in 2012 by returning to Glasgow Green for a sold-out spectacular concert dubbed ‘Back In The Park’. They hit the road again the following year accompanied by the release of the album ‘Step By Step The Greatest Hits’ (2013) which featured 3 brand new songs and 17 classic Wet Wet Wet hits.
‘The Big Picture’, a 20th anniversary deluxe edition of their huge No. 1 album ‘Picture This’ was released at the end of 2015 followed by more touring throughout 2016. A ‘Popped In Souled Out 30th anniversary special edition’ was released in 2017 accompanied by a string of notable performances including what would be their last featuring Marti Pellow (vocals) at the iconic Edinburgh Castle venue.
Wet Wet Wet announced in late 2018 that Kevin Simm (winner of ‘The Voice UK’ and former member of Liberty X) had joined as the band’s lead vocalist. He was warmly welcomed by fans and they immediately sold out a set of live shows.
A newly invigorated Wet Wet Wet toured the UK extensively throughout 2019 and performed at some of Europe’s most prominent festivals including Isle of Wight Festival; Lytham Festival; and Belgium’s Nostalgie Beach Festival. They also appeared as special guests of Phil Collins at a sold-out show in Munich’s Olympic Stadium and performed with a 60-piece orchestra at the massive Bridge To Liberation event in Arnhem, Netherlands.
During the worldwide pandemic of 2020/21 and against the backdrop of no live work, Wet Wet Wet wrote and recorded a brand-new album called ‘The Journey’, their seventh LP. On release in November 2021 the self-recorded, produced and released album entered the Official UK Album Chart Top 10.
The end of ‘lockdown’ coincided with the departure of Neil Mitchell (keyboards) and also Tommy Cunningham (drums) – who had been dealing with the effects of tinnitus for some time. On their return to performing live in 2022/23, the ever-present Graeme Duffin (guitar), Graeme Clark (bass) alongside Kevin Simm (vocals) are fronting a full seven-piece band on the road where Wet Wet Wet have been playing at numerous festivals and events.
They will kick off 2024 with yet another extensive UK Tour.