Seeing Red A True Crime Podcast · Mark Randell & Bethan Trueman

Case re-opened - The Life & Crimes of Gary Glitter

·1 hr 11 min·2 clips

A glam rock star so successful his name defined an era—now defined by what he did to children

Seeing Red podcast re-releases their investigation into Paul Gad (Gary Glitter), the glam rock superstar convicted of sexual abuse. Gad was taken into care at 10 after an unstable childhood, found refuge in music, and became a massive 1970s star with hits like Rock and Roll (Parts 1-2), I'm the Leader of the Gang, and I Love You Love Me Love. His outrageousness made him popular with teenagers—and he exploited that access to sexually abuse underage girls. Released from prison February 2023 after serving half his 16-year sentence, he was rearrested weeks later for dark web child exploitation images. His February 2024 parole bid was denied. The episode emphasizes warning signs: how charming facade hides predation, and importance of open communication with children about abuse.

As heard by us

A conversational look at Gary Glitter's rise, collapse, and the 1997 Bristol repair that reopened the case.

Seeing Red traces Gary Glitter's rise and collapse with a steady, conversational touch, moving from the bankruptcy and royalties dispute into the 1997 Bristol laptop repair that exposed indecent images, led to an arrest, and set off searches in London and Somerset.

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Why you'd press play

For when you want the fall after the money, the royalties, and the 1997 unraveling.

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