Who's The Leader?

[andy hughes]

I listen to a reasonable amount of radio, watch a large amount of TV, and read a massive amount of music press. So, correct me if I'm wrong, but has Gary Glitter become a complete non-person since his court case? he hasn't been on any of the 'Top Ten' series, or mentioned in any press features, or had any of his records played anywhere. Is this a collective subconcious decision based on revulsion for his lifestyle, or just coincidence? Any thoughts?

[sft42]

Horrific to look back at the song he had hits with now: Do you wanna touch me? and Doing alright with the boys, he was the first chart act to have top ten hits with his first 11 releases so why has he dropped of the face of the earth? and what about Jonathon King....It seems in the pop industry being gay can be quite an advantage almost but dirty little secrets like these guys once out in the open...well let's just say your career gets swept under the carpet.....I don't think you'll get any official statement on it but I'd be willing to bet that the Beeb have banned all those records from their playlists.

Though having said all that, the music was a bit cack looking back on it, maybe that accounts for it?

[boognish76]

I was at a wedding last year where the dj played a Gary Glitter song. He was told by several guests to take it off sharpish! I'm sure the BBC have a policy, written or otherwise, not to play his records, and I'm also sure that it's a fairy accurate reflection of public opinion. Rock n Roll Part 2 was a half decent song though!

[Greedyfly]

Yes Im sure every company etc... agrees that he should not be played after what he did.

[jenstar]

The Blue Peter team performed "Another Rock N Roll Christmas" on their Christmas show in 2002. He'll have got some songwriting royalties from that.

[TommyC]

Hmmm Strange.. I always thought Gary Glitter was a total non-entity since the date of his first hit record..!! :o)

[andy hughes]

Thanks one and all for your interesting responses. Personally, I've always loved GG's records, and I think we should be able to seperate the art from the individual - if not, Charlie Chaplin, Wagner, pete Townsend - the list goes on, will all share GG's public fate as an artist, and i wonder if the art is diminished by the bahviour of the artist? I personally think mot, but it seems society does not agree.

[paulhopps22]

Hi Andy Hughes , I tend to agree with you m8 . In his time , he was a star. I bought everything he released and even tracked down his very old stuff . When it all came out about him , I felt really let down by my hero ! As someone who now works in the record industry ( radio ) , there IS a feeling that by playing his tunes , we're giving him money to fund his " obsession " . On a totally different note , his tunes really don't stand the test of time , unless as part of a retro show , of which there are few. I wonder if there will be an unofficial " BAN" on Michael Jackson .... there hasn't been a public out cry to ban R Kelly has there ???