Irish pop icon Marti Pellow is marking a remarkable milestone this year: the 30th anniversary of “Love Is All Around,” the iconic song that established his Scottish band Wet Wet Wet as a formidable force in the music industry.
Reflecting on three decades of performing the track that dominated the UK charts for an impressive 15 weeks, Pellow confessed that he doesn’t harbor any resentment towards the song, despite the complexities of their relationship.
“Love Is All Around” belongs to a rarefied category of hits from the 1990s that became so ubiquitous that listeners began to tire of them, yet it remains a perennial favorite for many.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview on Afternoons on BBC Radio Scotland, Pellow reflected, “Love Is All Around was a freaky wee song in the same way the Bryan Adams song was and the Whitney Houston song was.”
To commemorate the enduring legacy of “Love Is All Around,” Marti Pellow has announced an exciting tour slated for next year, where he will reconnect with fans through this beloved anthem.
“Through the passage of time, the pendulum swings with it but when I meet people, they say they fell in love to that song, their son was born to that song,” he acknowledged, celebrating its impact on life’s most cherished moments.
Pellow articulated, “And that’s great pop music. So for me – I still love it. I don’t think I’d get out of a building or a venue without singing that song.”
Similar to other colossal hits like Bryan Adams’ “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” “Love Is All Around” became intertwined with the culture of the time, particularly as they were featured in blockbuster films.
Wet Wet Wet was initially approached to record a song for Richard Curtis’ classic romantic comedy “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” but they opted against covers of “I Will Survive” and “Can’t Smile Without You,” choosing instead to reinterpret the Troggs‘ hit.
Pellow fondly recalls the moment he first encountered the melody, sharing, “It was R.E.M.’s interpretation of it that I knew. Then I found out it was written by Reg Presley from the Troggs, lovely man.”
He believes that when a good song is crafted, it can transcend generations, remarking, “It just shows you that when a good song is written, everyone can have a shot at it.”
Pellow’s journey began in Clydebank, near Glasgow, where he formed Wet Wet Wet alongside his teenage bandmates, catapulting him into the spotlight as a heartthrob—a status that continues to resonate years later.
Despite his varied ventures in music, including roles in West End and Broadway productions such as “Chicago,” “Chess,” and “The Witches of Eastwick,” it is the classic hits from Wet Wet Wet that continue to draw audiences, prompting his planned “Love Is All Around” celebration tour in 2025.
He is convinced that the classic tracks will stand the test of time, stating, “The songs aren’t about yesterday, they are about today and tomorrow.”
Pellow has a clear vision of his upcoming tour: “My idea is to celebrate the Wet Wet Wet songs—that’s what people most associate me as a singer with—under the umbrella of Love Is All Around.”
In a moment of reflection with fellow artist Bryan Adams, Pellow recounted a humorous exchange they had in Memphis regarding their chart-topping songs, where Adams quipped, “He said he had the bar mitzvahs covered but I have the weddings covered with Love Is All Around.”
Capping off the celebration will be a highly anticipated homecoming concert at the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow next November, which Pellow describes as a dream come true: “A Saturday night for this Banky boy to play at the Hydro in Glasgow – it’s pinch me stuff.”
He expresses his dedication to creating memorable experiences not just for himself but also for his audience: “My shows are about entertaining—it’s all about memories—as much for me as the audience. I will never get blase about it.”
Interview with Marti Pellow: Celebrating 30 Years of “Love Is All Around”
Editor: Marti, it’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since “Love Is All Around” took the charts by storm. How does it feel to celebrate this incredible milestone?
Marti Pellow: It’s quite surreal, to be honest! ”Love Is All Around” has been such a significant part of my life and career. Reflecting on these three decades feels like a journey through time—a beautiful one at that.
Editor: You mentioned in a recent interview that you don’t hold any resentment towards the song, despite the complexities of its relationship with you. Can you elaborate on that?
Marti Pellow: Absolutely. While it can be challenging to be known for one particular song, “Love Is All Around” has such a strong connection with people’s lives. I often hear from fans about how the song played a special role in their love stories or major life events. It’s gratifying to be part of those moments.
Editor: It’s fascinating to hear how it resonates with listeners. You referred to it as part of a rare category of songs that became so ubiquitous they began to tire audiences out. What do you think has kept it alive in people’s hearts?
Marti Pellow: That’s a big question! I think great pop music transcends time. It’s intertwined with memories, emotions, and life milestones. When people say they fell in love to our song or that it has significance in their lives, that’s what makes it timeless.
Editor: You’re set to embark on a tour next year to commemorate the song’s legacy. What can fans expect from this tour?
Marti Pellow: I want to reconnect with fans in a way that feels intimate and celebratory. We’ll be revisiting “Love Is All Around,” along with other favorites. It’s about creating those shared memories all over again—singing along together, reliving the moments we’ve all had with the music.
Editor: It’s interesting that Wet Wet Wet was initially approached to record a song for “Four Weddings and a Funeral.” How did “Love Is All Around” become the choice?
Marti Pellow: (Laughs) Well, we were offered some great songs, but there was something special about the Troggs’ original. It had this essence that resonated with us. I remember hearing R.E.M.’s version and feeling drawn to it. It was a lovely experience to reinterpret a classic while keeping that original spirit.
Editor: You’ve had quite a journey from Clydebank to pop stardom. What do you think is the key takeaway from your experiences after all these years?
Marti Pellow: When you create music that people connect with, you realize its power to transcend generations. The fact that songs can still resonate decades later is a testament to that. I feel blessed to have lived through it all and to keep sharing that joy with fans.
Editor: Thank you, Marti. It’s clear that “Love Is All Around” will continue to weave its magic in the hearts of many for years to come.
Marti Pellow: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait to hit the road and celebrate this milestone with everyone.
Marti Pellow: The tour is going to be a heartfelt celebration! My goal is to reconnect with fans and celebrate not just “Love Is All Around,” but all the incredible songs I’ve had the privilege to perform with Wet Wet Wet. Expect a nostalgic evening filled with music that has marked all our lives, along with some personal stories and audience participation. It’s going to be a night to remember!
Editor: That sounds amazing! You mentioned how the song has been part of significant moments in people’s lives. Can you share a memorable encounter with a fan regarding this?
Marti Pellow: Certainly! I remember meeting a couple at one of my gigs who told me they had their first dance to “Love Is All Around” at their wedding. They said the song represents their entire relationship, and hearing that really hit home for me. It’s moments like those that remind me why I love performing, as it’s not just about the music—it’s about creating memories together.
Editor: In your journey from Clydebank to becoming a pop icon, how do you reflect on your growth as an artist?
Marti Pellow: It’s been an incredible evolution. I started out dreaming big with my friends. Every step—be it in Wet Wet Wet, my solo work, or even theater—has contributed to the artist I am today. I’ve learned to embrace change while staying true to my roots, and I cherish that journey every step of the way.
Editor: As you gear up for the big concert at Ovo Hydro in Glasgow next November, what does performing at home mean to you?
Marti Pellow: It’s everything! Playing at the Hydro is a dream come true, especially since it’s in my hometown. The energy from the audience, the shared history—it’s all very special. I’m just grateful to share those moments with everyone who’s been there along the way. It’s going to be a night filled with joy and nostalgia!
Editor: Marti, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us. We can’t wait for the tour and to celebrate “Love Is All Around” with you!
Marti Pellow: Thank you! I’m just as excited and can’t wait to see everyone on the road. Let’s make some more memories together!