Glitter Band: "Heartbeat To Heartache" Single (1982)

Glitter Bands "Heartbeat To Heartache" backed with "I Don't Want To See You Tonight" was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Cheapskate Records (catalog number CHEAP 101 ) on October 1, 1982.

This single marks one of the band's rare '80s comebacks, released in 1982 on the Precision label (a small UK indie). By then, the classic lineup had fragmented, but it featured a reunion of sorts with Shephard (guitar/vocals) and Springate (bass/vocals) as the creative core, joined by original drummer Tony Leonard. The track reflects an '80s pop sheen—polished production, synth-tinged melodies, and heartfelt lyrics—far removed from their glittery '70s stomp, aligning more with the era's radio-friendly hits like those from early Duran Duran or Soft Cell.

• A-Side: "Heartbeat To Heartache" Written by Shephard and Springate, this upbeat pop track clocks in at about 3:07 and explores themes of reconciliation after heartbreak. Lyrics like "I'm back in town to see you / I can't believe that I will be so near you / But you will see that you were wrong" capture a hopeful yet wistful vibe. It's a decent, catchy earworm with jangly guitars and soaring harmonies, but it didn't chart, overshadowed by the synth-pop explosion. Fans praise its melodic hook and as a "lost gem" from the band's later years.

  
  

• B-Side: "I Don't Want To See You Tonight" Also penned by Shephard and Springate, this slower, more melancholic ballad (around 3:30) delves into emotional avoidance post-breakup: "I don't want to see you tonight / 'Cause it hurts too much to say goodbye." It features tender vocals from Springate and subtle keyboard layers, emphasizing vulnerability over the band's usual bombast. Like the A-side, it's a solid '80s-style pop tune but flew under the radar commercially.

  
  

The single was a low-key release, not promoted heavily, and represents the band's attempt to adapt to new wave and pop trends without recapturing their '70s glory. It's included on compilations like The Complete Singles Collection (Disc 2, tracks 7 and 8), where collectors value it for its rarity—original vinyl copies are scarce and fetch modest prices on sites like Discogs. Audio clips are available on YouTube, showcasing the polished production that could have fit on early '80s BBC Radio playlists.

If you're a fan of their glam hits, this single offers a softer, more mature evolution; otherwise, it's a curiosity for '80s pop completists. For deeper dives, check their Wikipedia page or the 2023 Cherry Red reissue for full context.