Rock City Single

Wizzard
Oct 23, 1980
2 min read

Updated: Nov 19

Helicopters' Hidden Gem

Released as a 7-inch vinyl single in picture sleeve in the UK on October 24, 1980, through Cheapskate Records (catalogue: CHEAP 6) “Rock City,” by Helicopters Featuring Roy Wood was backed with “Givin' Your Heart Away,” this hard rock track, written and produced by Roy Wood, showcased his enduring riff-driven style during a brief hiatus from his solo career. Recorded as a side project with the Helicopters band, the A-side's urgent guitars and Wood's urgent vocals evoked his Move and Wizzard roots, but it did not chart, reflecting his commercial decline. Issued in a picture sleeve with Wood's signature image, it's a cult favorite for fans of his rock 'n' roll legacy.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Rock City” (3:45)

Written by Roy Wood.

B-Side: “Givin' Your Heart Away” (4:20)

Written by Roy Wood.

Release Details:

Label: Cheapskate Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (CHEAP 6): “Rock City” / “Givin' Your Heart Away.” In a picture sleeve with band artwork.

No cassette or CD formats for this single.

Country Variations

The single was a UK release with no confirmed international variations:

Production and Context

Recorded in 1980 at Ridge Farm Studio, Surrey, England, the single was written and produced by Roy Wood, with the Helicopters lineup: Wood (vocals, guitar), Robin George (guitar), Terry Rowley (keyboards), Jon Camp (bass), and Tom Farnell (drums). The A-side's riff-heavy rock reflected Wood's post-Wizzard phase, while the B-side's melody hinted at his balladry. Released amid the new wave boom, it followed Wood's solo album Super Active Wizzo (1977) and preceded On The Road Again (1980), competing with acts like The Police but finding little traction.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“Rock City” was a standalone single, with no additional singles from it:

Chart Performance:

UK: Did not chart (Official Singles Chart).

Note: Wood's earlier hits included “See My Baby Jive” (No. 1, June 1973, 14 weeks) and “Angel Fingers” (No. 1, November 1973, 12 weeks), but “Rock City” marked his commercial dip in 1980.

This single is a must-have for Wood completists.

Have you snagged this Roy Wood rarity in your vinyl collection? Does “Rock City” riff your turntable? Share in the comments!