Gary Glitter

Paul Francis Gadd, born on May 8, 1944, is widely recognized by his stage name, Gary Glitter. He carved out a prominent place in the glam rock scene during the 1970s and 1980s, known for his flamboyant style, including glittering outfits, dramatic makeup, and platform boots. Glitter’s music career took off after he transitioned from his earlier moniker, Paul Raven, to Gary Glitter. His discography boasts numerous hits, with iconic tracks such as "Rock and Roll, Parts 1 and 2," "Do You Wanna Touch Me," and "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)." Over his career, he sold more than 20 million records, scored 26 singles on the UK charts, and had twelve of those reach the Top 10, including three number-one hits.

However, Glitter's legacy is overshadowed by serious legal troubles. In 1999, his career came to a crashing halt when he was imprisoned for downloading child pornography. His subsequent convictions for child sexual abuse and attempted rape in 2006 and 2015, respectively, further marred his reputation. Glitter's notoriety grew after being deported from Cambodia and later facing charges in Vietnam, where he was convicted of obscene acts with minors. His fall from grace was described as both "dramatic" and "spectacular," leading to a lifetime registration as a sex offender in the UK. Glitter's case has sparked significant public outrage, marking him as a controversial figure in music history.