Bryan Ferry: Carrickfergus Single (1978)

Roxy Music
Nov 3, 1978
3 min read

The Bride Stripped Bare's Moody Muse

Bryan Ferry’s “Carrickfergus” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 3, 1978, on Polydor Records (catalogue: 2001 834). Backed with “When She Walks In The Room,” this haunting traditional Irish folk ballad arranged by Ferry, both tracks were taken from Ferry's fifth solo album, The Bride Stripped Bare. Produced by Ferry with collaborators, the A-side’s orchestral melancholy and Ferry’s emotive croon failed to chart. Issued in French-pressed editions with large centre and plastic injection labels, it’s a sophisticated gem from Ferry’s post-Roxy introspection.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Carrickfergus” (3:46, Trad. arr. Bryan Ferry)

Arranged by Bryan Ferry, written by Trad. A mournful Irish folk standard with sweeping strings, piano, and Ferry’s velvet baritone.

B-Side: “When She Walks In The Room” (6:28, Bryan Ferry)

Written by Bryan Ferry. A languid, lounge-jazz ballad with smoky atmosphere and introspective lyrics.

Release Details:

Label: Polydor / EG Records (UK distribution, French pressing, 45 RPM).

UK/EU Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (Large Centre with Plastic Spider) (2001 834):

Orange Polydor/EG label, large jukebox-style centre.

Label: Polydor – 2001 834, EG – 2001 834

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single

A Carrickfergus

Arranged By – Ferry

Written-By – Trad. 3:46

B When She Walks In The Room

Written-By – Ferry 6:28

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – E.G. Records Ltd.

Pressed By – Disco France

Lacquer Cut At – Phonodisc Ltd.

Made in France [for release in the UK]

Taken from 'The Bride Stripped Bare' POLD 5003

℗ 1978 EG Records Ltd. © EG Music Ltd. 1978

The uncredited pressing company is derived from the marks of the group AGI / Audio Graphic Industries, we can find on the run-out grooves. Disco France was the pressing plant of this group

7-Inch Vinyl (Plastic Injection) (2001 834):

Cream and Silver label variations , plastic injection mould.

Label: EG – 2001 834, Polydor – 2001 834

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single

A Carrickfergus 3:46

B When She Walks In The Room 6:28

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – E.G. Records Ltd.

Made in England

Notes: ℗ 1978 E.G. Records Ltd. © E.G. Music Ltd. 1978. Taken from The Bride Stripped Bare POLD 5003. Pressed by Disco France (AGI group). Lacquer cut at Phonodisc Ltd. Made in France for UK release. No actual UK pressing exists. Matrix / Runout (A): 2001834 A//2∇420 FRA agi 78 1 0; (B): 2001834 B//2∇420 FRA agi 78 1 0.

Country Variations

The single was primarily a UK release with French pressing:

UK (Polydor/EG 2001 834): Released November 3, 1978. French-pressed, large centre or plastic injection, orange label.

No US, Germany, Japan, Australia, or other market releases.

Production and Context

Recorded in 1978 at unspecified studios (likely Mountain Studios, Montreux, per album sessions). The single was part of The Bride Stripped Bare, produced by Ferry with Waddy Wachtel, Steve Nye, and Simon Puxley. The lineup featured Ferry (vocals, keyboards), with session players including Waddy Wachtel (guitar) and Alan Spenner (bass). “Carrickfergus” was Ferry’s elegant take on the Irish traditional, while “When She Walks In The Room” offered cinematic longing. Released amid post-punk’s rise, it followed In Your Mind (1977) and competed with Roxy Music’s reunion buzz, reflecting Ferry’s sophisticated solo evolution.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“Carrickfergus” was the lead single from The Bride Stripped Bare:

Single Chart Performance

“Carrickfergus” failed to enter the UK Singles Chart or any international charts, reflecting its niche, elegant appeal.