Singer and Serial Abuser: The Disturbing Saga of Garry Glitter

In the early 1970s, Garry Glitter became a pop icon in the UK glam rock scene. Yet, disturbing revelations decades later would show the world a twisted predator

This article originally appeared on the true crime newsletter Tales From the Underworld. Subscribe for new and exclusive historical true crime content.

Guest Post by Kirsten Ford

Depiction of Gary Glitter (Image generated via Midjourney)

A once-renowned figure in the UK glam rock scene, Garry Glitter’s disturbing fall from grace shocked and disgusted fans, critics, and the general public. Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, began his music career in the early 1960s but hit his stride in the early 1970s as he became a fixture in the UK glam scene.

Early Years

On May 8th, 1944, Paul Francis Gadd was born in the quaint town of Banbury, Oxfordshire. Paul’s mother, though not married, tried her best to support herself and her two sons through her work as a cleaner. Paul’s grandmother also helped raise the children, while Paul’s father was never a part of his life.