Ian Hunter: Cleveland Rocks Single (1979)

A Rock Anthem Revival

Ian Hunter’s “Cleveland Rocks” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 2, 1979, on Chrysalis Records (catalogue: CHS 2390). Backed with “Bastard,” this high-energy rock anthem, written by Ian Hunter, was taken from from his fifth solo album, You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic. Produced by Mick Ronson and Ian Hunter.

The song celebrates the city of Cleveland, Ohio, highlighting its vibrant spirit, and is regarded as an unofficial anthem there. Starting in 1979, Cleveland radio station WMMS played the song every Friday at 5:00 PM, and it serves as a victory anthem for the city's sports teams. In honor of "Cleveland Rocks," Ian Hunter received the key to the city from Cleveland mayor Dennis Kucinich on June 19, 1979. A cover version by The Presidents of the United States of America was used as the theme song for The Drew Carey Show.

Origins

The song was partly inspired by the songwriter's wish to challenge the negative reputation of a city he cared about. Hunter mentions on his website, "the inspiration for 'Cleveland Rocks' goes back to the old days when people used to make fun of Cleveland. Cleveland was 'uncool,' and LA and NYC were 'cool.' I didn't see it that way. Lotta heart in Cleveland."

The song was initially released in 1977 as "England Rocks" on a single in the United Kingdom, two years before the "Cleveland" version came out. However, Hunter has consistently claimed that Cleveland was the song's original inspiration. On his website, he stated, "I originally wrote 'Cleveland Rocks' for Cleveland. I later changed it to 'England Rocks' because I thought it should be a single somewhere, and Columbia wouldn't release it as a single in the U.S. (too regional). 'Cleveland Rocks' is Cleveland's song, and that's the truth."

A live rendition of "Cleveland Rocks" is featured on Hunter's 1980 album "Welcome to the Club" and on the soundtrack of the 1987 film "Light of Day," a movie set in Cleveland starring Joan Jett and Michael J. Fox.

The "England Rocks" version is included on the compilation albums "Shades of Ian Hunter: The Ballad of Ian Hunter and Mott the Hoople" and "The Very Best of Ian Hunter," as well as on the CD reissue of Hunter's 1977 album "Overnight Angels."

The original version also acts as an unofficial tribute to rock and roll history, featuring an archival sample of Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed introducing his show, The Moondog Show, on WJW at the beginning of the song. This then transitions into the intro of "Cleveland Rocks." At the time of the song's release, Freed had been deceased for fourteen years. His show on WJW helped launch several rock and roll acts in the genre's early days and contributed to the decision to open the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland sixteen years later. Hunter performed "Cleveland Rocks" during the pregame ceremonies of Game 3 of the 2007 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena, marking the first NBA Finals game held in Ohio.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Cleveland Rocks” (3:48, Ian Hunter)

Written by Ian Hunter.

B-Side: “Bastard” (6:34, Ian Hunter)

Written by Ian Hunter.

Release Details:

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

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (CHS 2390): “Cleveland Rocks” / “Bastard.” In a Chrysalis picture sleeve.

Notes: ℗ & © 1979 Chrysalis Records. Recorded at AIR Studios, London, 1979. Matrix numbers (e.g., CHS 2390 A-1) confirm authenticity.

Single 7" Vinyl Commercial in Picture Sleeve

Label: Chrysalis – CHS 2390

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM

A Cleveland Rocks 3:48

B Bastard 6:34

Published By – April Music Ltd.

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Chrysalis Records Ltd.

Copyright © – Chrysalis Records Ltd.

Producer – Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson

Written-By – Hunter

Country Variations

The single was released exclusively in the UK.

However, a version with the tracks reversed was released in Italy.

Single 7" Vinyl Commercial in Picture Sleeve

Label: Chrysalis – 6155 261

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single

Country: Italy

Released: 1979

A Bastard 3:55

B Cleveland Rocks 3:48

Distributed By – Polygram Dischi S.p.A.

Published By – April Music Ltd.

Producer – Mick Ronson

Producer, Written-By – Ian Hunter

Rights Society: SIAE

Matrix / Runout (Side A): 6155261 1 1 520

Matrix / Runout (Side B): 6155261 2 1 520 150979

Single 12" Vinyl Commercial in Picture Sleeve

Label: Chrysalis – 9198358, Chrysalis – 9198 358

Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM

Country: Italy

Released: 1979

A Bastard 6:34

B Cleveland Rocks 3:48

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Chrysalis Records Ltd.

Lacquer Cut At – Phonoster

Distributed By – Polygram Dischi S.p.A.

Published By – April Music Ltd.

Producer – Mick Ronson

Producer, Written-By – Ian Hunter

℗ 1979 Chrysalis - Made in Italy

Matrix / Runout (Label side A): 9198 358.1

Matrix / Runout (Label side B): 9198 358.2

Matrix / Runout (Runout side A, etched): 9198358 1 1 520

Matrix / Runout (Runout side B, etched): 9198358 2 1 520 26-07-79

Other (Lacquer cut plant ID): 520

Other (Mastering date 1979-07-26): 26-07-79

Rights Society: S.I.A.E.

Single Chart Performance

“Cleveland Rocks” failed to enter the UK Singles Chart.

Have you snagged this Hunter rarity in your vinyl collection? Does “Cleveland Rocks” rock your world? Share in the comments!

Sources

Discogs: Cleveland Rocks (1979)

45cat: CHS 2390 Single

YouTube: Cleveland Rocks Official Audio (2014 upload, 100K+ views)

Wikipedia: You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic

Official Charts Company: Ian Hunter Singles

AllMusic: Ian Hunter Discography

Billboard: N/A (No US chart data for this single)