Both Ends Burning Single: 1975

A Siren Live Glam Torch

Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK on December 12, 1975, on Island Records (catalogue: WIP 6262), Roxy Music’s “Both Ends Burning” was the second single from Siren. The A-side (studio, edited to 3:58) was backed with “For Your Pleasure” recorded live at Wembley Empire Pool in October 1975. Produced by Chris Thomas & Roxy Music, pressed by CBS Aston Clinton with solid centre, knockout centre, promo, and rare blank B-label variants. Peaked at No. 25 on the Official Singles Chart for 7 weeks. A burning glam finale to the classic Roxy era.

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Island Records.

Formats: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single (solid/knockout centre, promo, blank B-label).

Full Track Listing

Side A

Both Ends Burning (3:58) – Written-By: Ferry – Producer: Chris Thomas, Roxy Music

Side B

For Your Pleasure (Live at Wembley Empire Pool, October 1975) (4:58) – Written-By: Ferry – Producer: Chris Thomas, Roxy Music

Global Variants

- 7", 45 RPM, Single – Island WIP 6262 – UK – 1975 (solid centre)

- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Knockout Centre – Island WIP 6262 – UK – 1975

- 7", Single, Promo – Island WIP 6262 – UK – 1975

- 7", 45 RPM, Single, Blank B-Label – Island WIP 6262 – UK – 1975

- 7", 45 RPM, Single – Island – Ireland – 1975

- 7", 45 RPM, Single – Island – Australia/Germany/Japan/Netherlands – 1976

Production and Context

Produced by Chris Thomas & Roxy Music. A-side from Siren (1975). B-side exclusive live version from the October 1975 Wembley shows.

Official BBC Singles Chart Data

Peak position: 25

7 weeks – December 27, 1975 to February 7, 1976

40 → 40 → 32 → 28 → 25 → 25 → 36

Legacy and Collectibility

“Both Ends Burning” is Roxy Music’s live-burning glam classic. Original UK Island pressings (solid/knockout centre) fetch £10–£30 on eBay/Discogs, blank B-label £50+, promos £30–£70. This single is a must-have for Roxy collectors.

Do you have Both Ends Burning in your vinyl stack? Still burning at both ends? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.