The debut album "Popped In Souled Out" was released in September 1987 and was an immediate success. It entered the charts at No. 2 (held off by "Bad" Michael Jackson) finally achieving the number one spot 14 weeks later on the strength of their third top ten smash "Angel Eyes". "Popped In Souled Out" would go on to sell 2.2 million copies with over 1.6 million sales in the UK alone.

The reviews in the more serious rock press were ironically the most positive. Q said "Their debut album sparkles with superior pop if not heart wrenching soul." The NME review said "a record dripping with sincerity, daftness and authenticity."

If 1987 was hectic, 1988 was even more so. The year began with the release of The Wet’s 4^th single the anthemic "Temptation", which was to coincide with their sell-out UK, European and Japanese tours. In 40 days the boys played to more than 500,000 people throughout Italy, Germany, Japan, Holland and the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland. Tommy said "I thought of the magnitude of this, our first British tour and began to feel seriously worried whether we were ready to carry this thing off, could the fans of us fill large venues - were we that successful"

"With A Little Help"

Next, The Wets recorded a version of the Beatles "With A Little Help From My Friends". All proceeds from the album and single were to go to the charity for abused children "Childline". The band were euphoric when the song became their first number one single raising over £600,000 for the charity. It held the top spot for 4 weeks, selling almost 500,000 copies in the process - not bad for a song recorded and mixed (by the Wets) in one day - and all for the princely sum of £200.00 + VAT.

The summer of ’88 proved to be a hiatus for the band. At the Nelson Mandela 70^th birthday at Wembley Stadium they performed "Wishing I was Lucky" to an audience of millions.

A month later, Marti was to duet with sixties legend Joe Cocker, performing "With A Little Help From My Friends" at the Royal Albert Hall, fronting the incredible all-star band which included Elton John, Phil Collins, Mark Knopfler and Brian May. Elton was so impressed with the boys that he asked them to support him on his forthcoming American tour. This really was a dream come true for The Wets. Four nights at the Hollywood Bowl were followed by five nights at Madison Square Gardens - 30 dates in all.

Best Group

Meanwhile, the accolades flowed in. The band were the "peoples choice" for the BPI Best Newcomers Award of 1988 and a host of music critic polls from the likes of Smash Hits, Record Mirror and the Daily Star awarded them everything from "Best Album" to "Best Group in the World", "Best Smile"(!) etc. They were also invited to appear at the Italian San Remo Festival, The Motreaux Festival and the Belgium Music Awards. The British Music Industry was also sitting up and taking notice, awarding them the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Award for the Best Group Of 1988.

Just when it looked as though things couldn’t get any better, "The Memphis Sessions", so dear to the Wets hearts, was released, and entered the UK charts at No. 3 giving them their second platinum success.

They had come so far and sold so many records and played to so many people - now they had to consolidate their success. Time to tackle the dreaded "second album syndrome". Said Neil "So many bands achieve success and then sink without trace. We had no wish to emulate them. Longevity was our aim, and to continue writing good songs."