Barry Blue: "Dancin' (On A Saturday Night)" Single (1979)

Barry Blue’s "Dancin' (On A Saturday Night)" backed with "School Love", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Old Gold (catalog number OG 9031) on September 7, 1979.

Overview of the Single

Track Details

Dancin' (On a Saturday Night):

Background: Originally released in 1973 on Bell Records (catalog BELL 1295), this track was co-written by Barry Blue and Lynsey de Paul. It became Blue’s biggest hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 1 on the Melody Maker Top 30, No. 2 in Australia (Kent Music Chart), No. 3 in Austria, No. 4 in Ireland, No. 9 in Germany, and No. 11 in the Netherlands. It was the 18th best-

selling single in Australia and the 23rd best-selling single in the UK in 1973.

Cultural Impact: The song became a line-dance classic and appeared in soundtracks for films like Anita and Me, American Swing, and The Long Good Friday. A 1989 remix (released on Escape Records, catalog AWOLT4) reached No. 86 on the UK Singles Chart.

1979 Reissue:

The 1979 Old Gold release capitalized on the song’s enduring popularity, reissuing it as part of a wave of nostalgia-driven re-releases of 1970s hits. This version retained the original 1973 recording’s 3:09 duration.

School Love:

Background: Originally released in 1974 on Bell Records (catalog BELL 1345) with "Hi-Cool Woman" as the B-side, "School Love" was another Barry Blue hit, reaching No. 11 on the UK Singles Chart. It was also co-written with Lynsey de Paul and reflects Blue’s glam-pop style, with a youthful, romantic theme.

Role in 1979 Reissue:

Pairing "School Love" with "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" for the Old Gold release was a strategic choice, combining Blue’s biggest hit with another Top 20 single to appeal to collectors and nostalgic listeners.

Release Context

Old Gold Label: Old Gold was a UK label specializing in reissuing classic pop and rock hits from the 1950s to 1970s. By 1979, the label was catering to a growing market for nostalgic vinyl singles, often pairing two hits by the same artist to maximize appeal. The catalog number OG 9031 places this release in Old Gold’s early series of 7-inch reissues.

Purpose of Reissue: The late 1970s saw a resurgence of interest in early 1970s glam rock, driven by nostalgia and the enduring popularity of artists like Barry Blue. The 1979 reissue aimed to reintroduce Blue’s hits to a new generation and capitalize on the song’s established status as a dancefloor favorite.

Physical Characteristics: The 7-inch vinyl single was a standard 45 RPM release, likely housed in a generic Old Gold sleeve or a company die-cut sleeve, as was common for reissues. Specific details about the sleeve or matrix numbers for OG 9031 are not widely documented, but similar Old Gold releases used simple packaging to keep costs low.

Germany - Bell - 1973

Barry Blue’s Career Context

Early Career: Born Barry Ian Green, Blue adopted his stage name in 1973 after signing with Bell Records, following unsuccessful singles under his real name. His breakthrough came with "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" and "Do You Wanna Dance" (No. 7, 1973), establishing him as a glam rock star. By 1979, Blue was transitioning into a successful producer and songwriter, working with artists like Heatwave (Boogie Nights, Always and Forever), Dina Carroll, and later Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, and Diana Ross.

1970s Success: Blue’s 1973–1974 hits, including "School Love" (1974, No. 11), "Miss Hit and Run" (1974, No. 26), and "Hot Shot" (1974, No. 23), made him a fixture on UK charts and TV shows, performing alongside acts like Queen, ABBA, and Status Quo.

Post-1970s: By 1979, Blue was less active as a performer but remained influential as a producer. His 1989 remix of "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" (Escape Records, AWOLT4) and a minor hit as Cry Sisco! ("Afro Dizzi Act", No. 42 UK) showed his continued presence in the industry.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Glam Rock Era: The 1979 reissue reflects the enduring appeal of early 1970s glam rock, a genre defined by its flamboyant style and catchy melodies. "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" captured the era’s carefree spirit, with its Greek-inspired instrumentation and danceable rhythm making it a standout. Fans on music forums praise its nostalgic charm, with comments like “a beautiful mix of glam, pop, and Greek folklore” and “a happy, danceable hit from the 70s.”

Germany - Bell - 1974

Nostalgia Market:

The Old Gold release targeted 1970s music fans, particularly those who frequented dancehalls where Blue’s songs were staples. The pairing of two chart hits ("Dancin'" and "School Love") made it a compelling purchase for collectors.

Awards and Recognition:

In 1974, "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" won a Carl Allan Award for Best Record of the Year, an accolade previously awarded to ABBA, The Beatles, and Queen, underscoring its impact.

Notes

Comparison to Original Releases:

The 1979 Old Gold single differs from the 1973 Bell Records release of "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" (BELL 1295, B-side "New Day") and the 1974 "School Love" single (BELL 1345, B-side "Hi-Cool Woman"). The Old Gold reissue paired two A-side hits, a common practice for reissue labels to maximize value.

Other Reissues:

A 1984 Old Gold release (OG 9842) paired "Dancin' (On a Saturday Night)" with "Do You Wanna Dance?" instead of "School Love," showing the label’s strategy of varying B-sides for reissues.