Gary Holton

Gary Frederick Holton (22 September 1952 – 25 October 1985) was an English singer-songwriter, musician and actor. He was the frontman of the band Heavy Metal Kids (1972–1977), worked with Casino Steel (1981–1984), and played the part of Wayne (a.k.a. London) in the UK television comedy Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (1983–1985). Holton died from an overdose of morphine combined with alcohol in 1985.

Gary Holton was born in Clapham, south west London, the first child of Ernie and Joan Holton, and grew up in Kennington. Whilst musically talented, and a member of a rock band as a schoolboy at Beaufoy School, Lambeth, his real ambition was to act.

Early in his life, Holton began working in the theatre world with the Sadler's Wells Opera Company, debuting in opera appearances aged eleven, and was with them for three years. In 1966 he had a part in Congreve's Love for Love with Laurence Olivier, and at fourteen played the title role in Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Holton sang the theme tune to 1980s British children's drama, Murphy's Mob, which was produced by Central Television.

In the hit television comedy drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet Holton played Wayne Norris, a carpenter from London. The character was fond of women, music and alcoholic drinks, as Holton was off-screen.

In December 1978, Holton stood in for The Damned vocalist Dave Vanian on a short Scottish tour; he auditioned to replace the late Bon Scott in AC/DC.

Gary was the front-man for the band, which formed in 1972. With his cockney accent, he became a popular glam rock singer. The band were discovered by former Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich front-man Dave Dee, who signed them to Atlantic Records. Their eponymous debut album was well received by the press, but had achieved limited sales. They later played many gigs with punk rock band The Adverts. On their first American tour in 1975, they shortened their name to "The Kids".

In December 1975, the group signed with producer Mickie Most's RAK label but before work could begin on their next album, Holton was sacked amid a storm of drink- and drug-related headlines. Plans for the remaining members to continue on without him came to nothing. In late 1977, Holton rejoined the band for a handful of live shows and the long-delayed third album, Kitsch. However, by mid-1978, he had departed once again and the band broke up.