Music > Interviews

Claire Grogan of Altered Images

30/05/19

Back in the early 80's Altered Images were one of the biggest pop acts around, with three top 30 albums and six UK top 40 singles between 1981 and 1983. We talked to lead singer and songwriter Clare Grogan, and asked her about the band's initial success, and their continuing popularity more than 35 years after Happy Birthday was first released.

Altered Images emerged at an exciting time in music – punk had paved the way for a wide range of new wave 'scenes'. I know you were all big fans of Siouxsie and The Banshees but, as you progressed and produced Pinky Blue and Bite, what other artists impressed and influenced you during the 80's?

So many! Blondie was a big favourite of all of ours. We also loved bands like Chic, Sister Sledge, The B52's, The Associates, Orange Juice, The Clash, Tom Tom Club, the whole Two-tone scene - I could go on and on. We had really eclectic and varied tastes – the tour bus cassette player was always being fought over.

1981 must have been an unbelievable year for you – Gregory's Girl was released in April and then, just six months later, Happy Birthday reached No 2 in the singles chart. How did you cope with the duality of suddenly being recognised, not just as Susan from the film, but also as the pin-up singer in a top-ten band?

I was surrounded by family and friends who kept my feet on the ground, which was a blessing. In the nicest possible way, they were a bit 'get over yourself , Grogan'. I must admit the quickness of it was pretty mind blowing at times but I embraced it!

Everybody remembers that first hit single (produced by Martin Rushent), although the rest of the album (produced by Steve Severin) had a much darker side – particularly songs like Insects, Real Toys and Leave Me Alone. How did Happy Birthday, the song, come about?

Our first single was actually called Dead Pop Stars, and sadly it got released the same day as John Lennon was assassinated, so was instantly and understandably pulled and didn't even make it on to our first album. We wanted to avoid any controversy, so perhaps it came from there. I call Happy Birthday the song that keeps on giving, as it is constantly used in films and TV. But I am also delighted that Dead Pop Stars is back in the set after such a long time.

The second album, Pinky Blue, included a cover of Neil Diamond's Song Sung Blue, with the one and only John Peel featuring on backing vocals. How on earth did that happen?

We talked him into it – I have no idea where we would be if it hadn't been for John Peel's early support. I can't describe how amazing it was for a young band like us to have him on our side.

The final album, Bite, had a more polished style, but also moved into 'pop' territory with songs like 'Don't Talk to Me About Love'. How much of this was your decision, and how much were you led by producers Mike Chapman and Tony Visconti?

Getting to work with two legendary producers was an incredible experience. It was very much our choice to move our sound on, though, and they enabled us to do it. We were experimenting, which is what you do when you're young. Actually I'm still experimenting!

Popular song-writing today seems to reflect young people's concerns  about the environment, mental health, and equality. If Altered Images were starting up today do you think that you, too, would have been a lot more political?

Our bass player Johnny McElhone's mum and dad were both MP's so we definitely had a political connection. We would have our tea at the House of Commons when we were passing through London. Our songs were more about escape and love and disappointment. Being young is confusing, fun and exhausting, and that's what I wanted to say in my lyrics.

There was quite a long gap between those final Altered Images gigs in the US, and you getting back on stage almost 20 years later. How did that finally come about, and how did it feel for you?

Timing is everything and when Tony Denton, the promoter behind the Here and Now shows, asked me to do an arena tour with a whole bunch of artists that I admire I had to say yes! Also I had a magnificent cake made that I jumped out of every night, which was always a ambition of mine. 

You are married to former band member Steve Lironi, who went on to work with artists such as Space, Black Grape and Suggs. Have the two of you ever been tempted to perform together on stage again, or to write any new songs?

We did perform together last year at a big charity event in Glasgow which was a truly magical evening and in between running our two restaurants I've persuaded Stephen to do some writing with me.

You both hail from the Glasgow area, and I know that the restaurants in London feature plenty of fresh Scottish produce. But are there any things 'Scottish' that you still really miss whilst living in London?

I'm lucky enough to visit and work there all the time. I'm in the middle of presenting a new cookery show for BBC Scotland where I get to tour the country – it's fantastic fun. I also have family in Scotland that we visit all the time. So I guess I don't get the chance to miss that much.

Obviously your daughter will be aware of what you do professionally, but do you think she yet realises what an iconic figure you were to an entire generation of music, film, and TV fans? And does she expect that song to be played each year at her own birthday party?

Elle is 14 and more caught up with her life, her friends and the bands she loves, which is exactly as it should be. In saying that, she occasionally joins me on stage – she's got a fantastic voice. And I do sing that song at all the family birthdays – they insist.

As well as starring as Susan in Gregory's Girl you were Ian Beales' lover in Eastenders, and Dave Lister's object of virtual desire in Red Dwarf. Is there anyone else that you would secretly still like to couple up with on-screen if the chance were to present itself?

Villanelle, of course. 

I recall that you headlined the University of East Anglia Student Union in Norwich back in 1983, but a year before that you supported U2 at the very same venue. Do you remember anything about either of those two gigs?

I do remember the tour with U2 and what nice boys they were but I'm afraid that's it. If only I had known that all these years later people would be asking me about it I would have paid more attention.

Many original Altered Images fans are very excited about your return to Norwich to play Epic Studios in June. What type of show can they look forward to this time around?

Honestly, everywhere we go we treat it like it might be our last chance so we really go for it. Old songs, a couple of new songs, covers of songs we love, and sometimes too much chat in between.

Finally, I know that the festival season will soon be upon us. Will Altered Images be making any outdoor appearances this Summer, and do you have any festivals that you are looking forward to attending?

I'm doing three Let's Rock festivals over the summer which are always good fun, with lots of other shows scattered throughout the year...we always post the dates on Facebook and Twitter.