Clout was a South African million-selling all-girl group formed in 1977.
Clout’s first and biggest hit, “Substitute”, was a new arrangement of a Righteous Brothers song, composed by Willie Wilson.
In 1978, their version reached No. 1 in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Austria, Denmark and Belgium. It also reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and remained in the UK charts for 15 weeks.
In 1981 the band split, after confirmed rumours that the band didn’t play any instruments on their recordings, this was all done by a male band called Circus.
After a lengthy hiatus, frontwoman Cindy Alter joined forces with local musicians to form a new band “Cindycate”, with the sole purpose of writing and recording original material.
“Cyndicate” had enormous potential but Cindy decided to take a personal break.
In 2002, Cindy was approached by an agent in South Africa who wanted to reunite Clout for a series of shows.
After touring for a year, Clout went their separate ways.
Recently she wrote her biography, aptly titled, “No Substitute”.
That was my favorite music group of all time.. I’m still wondering where are those ladies who entertained us with their beautiful music at fun valley and van wykrust resorts..
I just got to remember that song in 1978 I was ,23 that song was rarely played after that year
I was also 23 in 1978. I bought the record at the time. It is still one of my favourites to this day.
I am wondering if the beautiful young lady on the drums actually played the drums now, after the revelations I have read that they didn’t actually play the instruments.
I Remember Clout They were a very goo D’s Girl Band Like thr Bangles Substitute Went to Number 1 In the charts dont know if they are as till Togethef 10/10 for a very sweet loving song takes me back when i was young