Alex Harvey Band: "Sergeant Fury / Gang Bang" Single (1974)

Cover of "Sergeant Fury / Gang Bang," released under the Vertigo label in the Netherlands, catalogue number 6059 106.

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s "Sergeant Fury" backed with "Gang Bang", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK and other regions including Norway and Japan by Vertigo Records (catalog number 6079 006) on August 2, 1974..

A-Side: "Sergeant Fury"

Overview: "Sergeant Fury" is a glam rock track with a theatrical flair, characteristic of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s (SAHB) blend of blues rock, hard rock, and cabaret elements. Written by Alex Harvey and Hugh McKenna, the song was arranged by Derek Wadsworth and features a mix of 1930s dance band and vaudevillian jump rhythm, described as “engaging and amusing” by biographer John Neil Munro. Despite its title, the song is not directly about the Marvel Comics character Nick Fury (Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.) but uses the name for a playful, experimental vibe.

Length: 3:30

Production: Recorded with the band’s core lineup—Alex Harvey (vocals), Zal Cleminson (guitar), Chris Glen (bass), Hugh McKenna (keyboards), and Ted McKenna (drums)—the track showcases SAHB’s theatrical stage energy, though it was lip-synced in a 1974 Austrian TV performance.

Chart Performance: Released coinciding with the band’s appearance at the Knebworth Festival, the single did not chart, possibly due to its experimental nature failing to connect broadly with audiences.

Cultural Notes:

The song appeared on SAHB’s 1974 album The Impossible Dream (remastered in 2002) and was later included in the 1992 compilation All Sensations (Best Of). It’s less known than hits like “Delilah” but reflects the band’s bold, genre-blending style.

Cover of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band's single "Sergeant Fury / Gang Bang" released under the Vertigo label in Norway, catalogue number 6059 106.

B-Side: "Gang Bang"

Overview: Also written by Alex Harvey and Hugh McKenna, "Gang Bang" is a 4:47 track with a provocative title and gritty, bluesy rock sound typical of SAHB’s edgy approach. It was covered by artists like Bob Seger (in a 1974 Denver performance, introduced jokingly as a “love song ballad”) and Nick Cave’s early band, highlighting its influence on punk and rock scenes.

Cultural Impact:

The song’s raw energy and controversial title resonated with figures like Robert Smith of The Cure, who cited SAHB as a proto-punk influence in Britain, and Nick Cave, whose first band heavily drew from SAHB’s catalog, including “Gang Bang.”

Note:

A Japanese vinyl release (SFL-2005) had a printing error on the cover, listing the B-side as “Bang Bang” instead of “Gang Bang.”

Release Details

Format: 7" vinyl, 45 RPM, released in multiple regions (UK, Norway, Japan). Variants include different pressings, with the Japanese issue noting Eiger Music as the rights society.

Context:

SAHB, formed in Glasgow in 1972, was known for theatrical performances with graffiti-covered stage props and Alex Harvey’s charismatic delivery. The single came during their peak creative period, following albums like Framed and Next, and before their UK Top 10 hit “Delilah” in 1975. The band’s influence extended to artists like AC/DC, Nick Cave, and The Cure, with their mix of aggressive Glaswegian street theater and rock.

Cover "Sergeant Fury/Gang Bang" by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, released in Germany on the Vertigo label, catalog number 6059 106.

Collectibility:

As of recent Discogs data, the 1974 vinyl has an average rating of 4.25/5 from collectors, with 231 owners and 142 on wantlists. A rare Japanese pressing sold for $78.12 in 2017, with one copy listed at $208.33.

Additional Notes

The single’s release aligned with SAHB’s growing European popularity, though it didn’t replicate the chart success of later hits like “Delilah” (#7 UK, 1975) or “Anthem” (#30 Australia, 1975).