The Nolans’ Anne Nolan on the 1970s Heyday and Re-release of ‘Dressed to Kill

Anne Nolan Details The Nolans’ Heyday and Chart Battles

In a recent interview, Anne Nolan looks back on the 1970s heyday of The Nolans and discusses the re-release of their 1983 single “Dressed to Kill.” She recalls how the six Dublin sisters sold 30 million records worldwide, despite facing strict image controls and aggressive chart competition. Originally from Raheny via Finglas in Dublin, the group began singing in the seaside town of Blackpool, Lancashire in the early sixties with songs from films and stage shows before developing into a polished pop group. Anne Nolan notes that One punk group spat outside our dressing room on Top of The Pops, explaining that It wasn’t because they didn’t like us, they didn’t even know us. It was because back then it was the thing to do. She adds that We were portrayed as a normal, sweet family band but we fought and swore when we needed to . . . The band also landed a support slot on Frank Sinatra’s 1975 European tour, scored hits with “I’m in The Mood For Dancing” and “Attention to Me” during an era of chiffon, spandex, and industrial unrest, and remained a mainstay of light entertainment television. Now 75 years old, she has two daughters named Amy and Alex and three grandchildren.

The Nolans Face Chart Interference in 1983

The single “Dressed to Kill” met an abrupt end when the band’s label, Epic, saw it withdrawn from the charts after promoting the track with a free poster. Anne Nolan explains that while many acts offered free items to boost sales, the charts at that time chose to penalize her group. The single re-entered the rankings at number 79, effectively halting its commercial momentum during an era when chart positions dictated a band’s viability. Speaking about their styling, she mentions that Our image was given to us, it wasn’t our idea, but as we went along we brought our own style in for Dressed to Kill, noting that they had lace, leather, and lovely make-up with a say in the matter. She points out that in private lives they dressed differently due to age ranges, with Coleen being 15 years younger, and that rivalry was intense between acts and labels. Despite this, she states, We get asked that a lot – have we ever met people in our business who were nasty? – and to be 100% honest, I have never come across anyone who was, adding that some people were just a bit offish. As hits dried up, the sisters diversified into television, theatre, and media.

Anne Nolan Reflects on Cancer Battles and Family Life

Away from the music industry, Anne Nolan reflects on her personal health challenges, noting that she has survived breast cancer twice after diagnoses in 2000 and 2020. She discusses the differing ways she and her late sister Linda approached their illnesses, with Linda choosing to talk openly about her treatment. Anne emphasizes that her family, including her children and grandchildren, remains her primary focus.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Nolans

How many records did The Nolans sell worldwide?

The group sold 30 million records worldwide.

Why was Dressed to Kill withdrawn from the charts?

The band’s label, Epic, promoted the 1983 single with a free Nolans poster, which contravened chart rules at the time, leading to the single being dropped from its initial high position.

What health challenges did Anne Nolan face?

Anne Nolan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and received a second diagnosis almost exactly 20 years later, undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and lumpectomies.