Anne Nolan, member of the biggest selling Irish girl group of all time The Nolans, has reflected on the band’s 1970s heyday, addressing their manufactured image, chart controversies, and enduring fan legacy ahead of the re-release of their 1983 single “Dressed to Kill.”
The Nolans’ Return and Image Realities
- Anne Nolan revealed that the group’s style—heavy on lace, chiffon, and leather—was given to them rather than being their idea.
- The band’s 1983 single “Dressed to Kill” is receiving a re-release timed around Halloween, reviving a track whose original chart run was abruptly cut short.
- Despite selling 30 million records worldwide and touring with Frank Sinatra, the sisters continue to connect with fans through intimate live Q&A and performance dates.
The Manufactured Wardrobe of a 1970s Pop Phenomenon
Looking back at television appearances, Anne Nolan admitted to a sense of disbelief regarding the styling imposed upon the group. The singer, now 75, questioned the styling choices handed down to the Dublin-born siblings as they navigated the mechanics of early television stardom. “When I look back at our television appearances, I think ‘oh my heavens! What on earth did they dress us in?’” Anne noted, explaining that the sisters initially accepted advice because they were new to television.
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The six sisters—originally from Raheny via Finglas in Dublin before moving to Blackpool, Lancashire—evolved from a humble family cabaret act performing songs from films and stage shows into a polished pop group. While private wardrobes varied due to age gaps—Coleen being fifteen years younger than Anne—their public personas changed as their career went on and they started wearing clothes they liked, such as for the “Dressed to Kill” era.
Chart Battles and the Epic Records Poster Controversy
The trajectory of “Dressed to Kill” offers a clear window into the mechanics of the music industry, where chart rules were enforced and promotional giveaways carried penalties. The band’s label, Epic, promoted the single with a free Nolans poster, which contravened chart rules at the time. However, chart authorities elected to make an example of the group.
The single was taken out of the charts, put back in at No. 79, and by then it was lost. Despite operating in an era defined by intense rivalry between labels and acts for the top spot, Anne maintains that the group never encountered genuine hostility from contemporaries, recalling that even offish encounters were easily chalked up to the pressures of the entertainment business.
| Metric / Milestone | The Nolans Record |
|---|---|
| Global Record Sales | 30 Million |
| Origin City | Dublin, Ireland (later Blackpool) |
| Notable Support Tour | Frank Sinatra (1975 European Tour) |
| Re-released Track | “Dressed to Kill” (1983) |
Enduring Legacy and Resilience Through Personal Hardship
As the sisters diversified into television, theatre, and media, they appeared on programmes such as ITV’s Loose Women as well as docuseries like The Nolans Go Cruising and At Home with The Nolans. Yet, this public longevity exists alongside profound personal sorrow, including the deaths of sisters Linda and Bernie following battles with cancer.
Anne herself has faced the disease twice, diagnosed initially in 2000 and again twenty years later to the exact day. Reflecting on her treatment, which involved chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and lumpectomies, Anne maintains a practical outlook on survival. “That’s something you just live with and you get used to it,” she stated, emphasizing that her children and grandchildren remain her primary focus.
Plans are currently being planned for next year, alongside meet-and-greet shows spanning Blackpool and London, with hopes for a return to Ireland. “Being able to do that at my age is wonderful,” Anne reflected, recalling an audience member who recently told her that the group’s music had shaped their lives.
