Anne Nolan, member of 1970s Irish girl group The Nolans, has opened up about the group’s heyday, their image, and the 1983 chart controversy surrounding their single “Dressed to Kill.” At 75 years old, Nolan recalled the realities of fame during an era of industrial unrest, when the Dublin-born sisters sold 30 million records worldwide as the ultimate girls next door.
The 1983 Chart Withdrawal of Dressed to Kill
The success of the 1983 single “Dressed to Kill” was cut short when Epic records promoted the release with a free poster, violating chart rules at the time. Anne Nolan recalled that the charts made an example of the group by pulling the record just as it entered at a high spot. The single was later reinstated at No. 79, effectively losing its momentum in a fiercely competitive UK pop market.
“Everyone was trying to encourage people to buy their record by giving away free stuff like posters,” Anne Nolan said. “They made an example of us.” Before the chart setback, the sisters scored major hits with “I’m in The Mood For Dancing” and “Attention to Me,” eventually landing a support slot on Frank Sinatra’s 1975 European tour.
Management shaped early group styling choices
Reflecting on the group’s visual presentation, Anne Nolan noted that their early aesthetic was largely chosen by management rather than the sisters themselves. The band was styled in lace and leather for the “Dressed to Kill” campaign, a look where the members finally secured some personal input. She admitted that looking back at older television appearances occasionally prompts surprise at what they were given to wear.
Away from the television studios and stage performances, the age gap between the youngest sister Coleen and Anne meant their private wardrobes varied significantly. As their career progressed through the decades, the sisters asserted more control over their personal style, moving away from strict matching configurations enforced during their 1970s light entertainment television mainstay years.
The group marks album re-release with live shows
The Nolans are back in action with the re-release of “Dressed to Kill” timed for Halloween. The group has planned live appearances including five shows in Blackpool and two in London, with hopes of bringing the meet-and-greet events to Ireland. Anne Nolan continues to perform Q&A sessions alongside three or four songs for dedicated fans.
The family’s history remains marked by personal loss, with sisters Linda and Bernie passing away following cancer diagnoses. Anne Nolan, a two-time breast cancer survivor first diagnosed in 2000 and again twenty years later, underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and lumpectomies. She maintains that the lingering vigilance required after beating the disease has not impaired her life with her children and grandchildren.
The Nolans face chart removal over promotional posters
Who are The Nolans?
The Nolans are an Irish girl group originally from Dublin who achieved commercial success, selling 30 million records worldwide with hits like “I’m in The Mood For Dancing.”
Why was Dressed to Kill removed from the charts in 1983?
The single was pulled by chart officials because the band’s label, Epic, included a free promotional poster with the record, which violated the chart rules governing giveaways at the time.
How many members have faced health battles?
Sisters Linda and Bernie passed away from cancer, while Anne Nolan successfully beat breast cancer twice following diagnoses in 2000 and 2020.
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