80s fans rejoice! Wet Wet Wet, who were behind some of the biggest hits of the decade, including Temptation and Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight, have confirmed that they will be heading on the road again.
The Scottish soft rock band will be out on tour next year as they mark the 40th anniversary of their debut album, Popped In Souled Out. The album was released all the way back in 1987, and it shot all the way up the Official Charts, topping it in the UK.
At the time, the band featured lead singer Marti Pellow, bass player Graeme Clark, synth player Neil Mitchell, drummer Tommy Cunningham and guitarist Graeme Duffin. However, when the band go on tour next year, Marti won't be with them, with Neil and Tommy also being absent.
Marti left the band in 1999, which ended the group at the time, although they reformed in 2004. Marti left for a second time in 2017, although this time, he was replaced by former Liberty X singer, Kevin Simm, who will be with the band on their nationwide tour.
But have you wondered what Marti has been up to in his time away from the group? Here's all you need to know…
Marti's life away from Wet Wet Wet
The issues for the band started when Tommy quit the group over a royalties dispute in 1997. Following Tommy's departure, Marti got hooked on heroin, and two years later, he opted to leave the band. After collapsing in 1999 from an overdose, he was admitted to rehab, where he kicked his addiction.
The star then went on to start a solo career, with the backing of Squeeze's Chris Difford, who Marti had met when they were both patients at The Priory.
© RedfernsMarti's solo career kicked off with his 2001 album, Smile, which contained singles like Close to You and I've Been Around the World. He also performed at the Girls' Night Out gig, which was in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, which subsequently led to him landing his West End debut, when he played Billy Flynn in Chicago.
In 2003, the star's mother passed, and his former bandmates showed their support for Marti, all attending her funeral. Speaking to the Daily Record, he spoke about how much the moment moved him, explaining: " I thought it was a powerful gesture. Moments like that put things into perspective – it wasn't all about music, it was more about a kinship between us.
© Getty Images"I remember my mother once saying, 'Maybe Wet Wet Wet will get back together again one day'. She must have had a wee vision. I'd never closed the chapter on the band; I'd always left the door open."
The group performed together for another 13 years, before Marti decided to refocus on his solo career. Confirming his departure, he said at the time: "I have had a great time and loved my career with Wet Wet Wet and to me they will always be the best band in the world.
© Redferns via Getty Images"When I started in Wet Wet Wet I gave it 100% of my heart and soul and that's what it demands and that is also what the fans demand - and if I can't do that because my focus is elsewhere, then this is not fair on the fans or the rest of the guys in the band."
Just after leaving the band, Marti released the album Mysterious, and in 2021, he followed it up with Stargazer. Although the singer isn't part of the group, he toured for 30th anniversary of their hit Love Is All Around, the song which led to the group's big breakout.
© Getty ImagesAnd the star isn't planning on going anywhere, telling the BBC in 2025 as he turned 60: "Most people get to their 60s and are thinking, 'Feet up, golf course, holidays.' Fair play to people who enjoy that. But my vocation and my passion – it happens to be my job."
