Clare Grogan reflects on Spandau Ballet’s “True” as a song about her
Clare Grogan has stated that she was the inspiration for the iconic love song “True” by Spandau Ballet, a revelation that both surprised and amused her, reports BritPanorama.
The frontwoman of Altered Images and her friend Gary Kemp, who composed the hit in 1982, had a flirtatious friendship in the 1980s. Grogan humorously recalls how she would tease her husband about being the muse for the song. “Whenever I was really annoying my husband, I would say: ‘Can I just remind you that the greatest love song ever has been written about me?’” After learning the truth from Kemp’s later publication, she felt a mix of embarrassment and delight.
Kemp wrote “True” at the age of 23, and the song achieved global success in over 20 countries the following year with its smooth saxophone solo and memorable chorus. “I was infatuated with Clare,” Kemp later recounted. “Although my feelings were unrequited and the relationship was platonic, it was enough to trigger a song.” The lyrics contain coded messages intended for Grogan, underscoring the nature of their connection.
Despite the past, Grogan expresses no regrets about having a song written for her. “If you’re going to have a song written about you, it’s a really gorgeous song to have,” she stated, noting that it brings her joy whenever she hears it in public. Grogan’s band, Altered Images, emerged as a key player in the UK post-punk and new wave landscape, achieving three top 10 albums and six UK top 40 hits, including “Don’t Talk to Me About Love” and “I Could Be Happy.” While she acknowledges a rivalry with Spandau Ballet’s greater success, she reflects on their common working-class roots and shared ambitions.
The musician married her bandmate Stephen Lironi in 1994, and they adopted a daughter named Ellie in 2005. Lironi produced Altered Images’s latest album, “Mascara Streakz,” released in 2022, marking the band’s first new music in 40 years. Grogan is optimistic about Lironi’s continued involvement in future projects, especially as Altered Images prepares for a UK-wide tour in September, celebrating the 40th anniversary of their debut album by performing it in full along with other hits.
In parallel with her music career, Grogan found success as an actress, starring in the beloved film “Gregory’s Girl.” The summer following her high school graduation was a whirlwind, with her signing to CBS Records and starring in the film almost simultaneously. Looking back, she regards her rapid rise to fame with a mix of disbelief and acceptance, having experienced fluctuations in self-confidence along the way.
Reflecting on her career evolution, she has taken on numerous acting roles across various mediums, including television and theatre, while also contemplating the future of Altered Images. Grogan has begun writing again but emphasizes the need for personal readiness before committing to new projects. “The only person that’s putting you under that pressure is you, Clare,” she reassures herself, signalling a careful and thoughtful approach to her artistic endeavours.
Altered Images will be touring the UK throughout September: tickets are available via alteredimages.band.
