What is Marc Almond's net worth?
Marc Almond is an English singer-songwriter and musician who has a net worth of $20 million. Marc Almond emerged as one of the most distinctive voices and personalities of British music in the 1980s, first rising to prominence as the frontman of Soft Cell before establishing a diverse and enduring solo career.
Soft Cell released their debut studio album, "Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret," in 1981. This album reached #5 in the UK and #22 in the US. The duo also released the albums "Non Stop Ecstatic Dancing" in 1982, "The Art of Falling Apart" in 1983, "The Last Night in Sodom" in 1984, and "Cruelty Without Beauty" in 2002. The group's single "Tainted Love" reached #1 in the UK, Australia, Germany, France, Belgium, and the US. As a solo artist Almond has released nearly two dozen studio albums. His single "Something's Gotten Hold of My Heart" (featuring Gene Pitney) reached #1 in the UK, Switzerland, Germany, and Ireland. He has sold more than 30 million records worldwide and also released two albums with the group Marc and the Mambas.
(Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Early Life and Formation of Soft Cell
Born in Southport, Lancashire, Almond spent his early years moving between his hometown and Leeds due to his parents' separation. His early exposure to music came through his mother's record collection, which included the torch songs and dramatic ballads that would later influence his style. While studying Fine Art at Leeds Polytechnic in 1977, he met Dave Ball, and together they formed Soft Cell. The duo's experimental approach to electronic music, combined with Almond's distinctive voice and theatrical performance style, quickly set them apart from their contemporaries.
Soft Cell Success and Cultural Impact
Soft Cell's 1981 cover of "Tainted Love" catapulted them to international stardom, spending a record-breaking 43 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band's debut album, "Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret," further established their unique blend of electronic music with darker, more controversial themes. Despite their relatively brief initial run, ending in 1984, Soft Cell's influence on electronic music and alternative culture was profound and lasting.
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images
Solo Career and Artistic Evolution
Following Soft Cell's dissolution, Almond embarked on a solo career that demonstrated his remarkable versatility as an artist. His work with Marc and the Mambas allowed him to explore darker, more experimental territory, while subsequent solo albums showcased his interest in everything from Jacques Brel-style chanson to Russian romance songs. Albums like "Mother Fist and Her Five Daughters" (1987) and "Enchanted" (1990) demonstrated his ability to merge commercial appeal with artistic integrity.
Personal Challenges and Renaissance
The 1990s and early 2000s brought significant challenges for Almond, including battles with addiction and depression. However, it was a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2004 that proved to be his most serious setback. The accident left him in a coma for weeks and required a lengthy rehabilitation period. Yet, Almond emerged from this experience with renewed creative energy, producing some of his most personal and accomplished work, including the acclaimed album "Stranger Things" (2010).
Legacy and Continuing Impact
Marc Almond's contribution to popular music extends far beyond his chart successes. His willingness to challenge musical and social conventions, his open exploration of sexuality and gender in his work, and his dedication to artistic authenticity have influenced generations of musicians. Awarded an OBE in 2018 for his services to arts and culture, Almond continues to record and perform, maintaining his status as one of British music's most distinctive and enduring voices.
