July 22, 1977:

Record label for the single "England Rocks" by Ian Hunter's Overnight Angels, released on 22 July 1977 under CBS with catalogue number S CBS 5497 in the UK.

The single "England Rocks" / "Wild N' Free" by Ian Hunter's Overnight Angels was released.

Origin:

Originally a non-album B-side, it was later included as a bonus track on the remastered CD of Overnight Angels.

Significance:

"England Rocks" is one of Ian Hunter’s best-known songs. It was later retitled and re-recorded as "Cleveland Rocks" for his 1979 album You’re Never Alone with a Schizophrenic, with amended lyrics to appeal to American audiences, particularly in Cleveland.

The re-recorded version became a hit, peaking at 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and 49 in the UK, and was famously used as a theme for The Drew Carey Show (covered by The Presidents of the United States of America in 1997). Hunter noted that he originally wrote the song as "Cleveland Rocks" but changed it to "England Rocks" for the single to make it less regionally specific for a potential US release, which Columbia declined.

Covers:

Joe Elliott’s Down 'n' Outz covered "England Rocks" on their 2010 album My ReGeneration.

B-Side:

"Wild N' Free"

Origin:

From the Overnight Angels album (track 7).

Reception: Fans and reviewers often highlight "Wild N' Free" as a standout track for its aggressive energy and glam-rock swagger. It’s considered one of the stronger tracks on the album, despite the album’s overall mixed reception.

Record label for the single "Wild N' Free" by Ian Hunter's Overnight Angels, released on 22 July 1977 under CBS with catalogue number S CBS 5497 in the UK.

Production and Recording

Producer: Roy Thomas Baker, known for his lush, layered production on Queen’s albums. However, Hunter criticized the production on Overnight Angels, particularly the mixing, which he felt was overly compressed for AM radio, diminishing the album’s "panoramic" sound. He also noted that he sang in a higher register than comfortable, which he believed detracted from his vocal performance.

Band: The single featured Earl Slick’s standout guitar work, Dennis Elliott on drums (by permission of Foreigner), and the rest of the Overnight Angels lineup. The band’s chemistry, particularly Slick’s contributions, is often praised, even if the album’s production was divisive.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Reception: The single and its parent album received mixed reviews. While "England Rocks" became a fan favorite and a precursor to the more successful "Cleveland Rocks," Overnight Angels was criticized for its thin production and lack of memorable hooks compared to Hunter’s earlier work. Hunter himself called the album a “mistake” and disliked his vocal performance, though some fans and reviewers consider it a “lost gem” with strong tracks like "Wild N' Free."

Commercial Performance:

The single and album did not chart significantly, and the album’s non-release in the US limited its impact. However, "England Rocks" gained cult status, especially after its transformation into "Cleveland Rocks."

Tour:

Hunter toured Overnight Angels with Earl Slick, Rob Rawlinson, Peter Oxendale, and Curly Smith, with The Vibrators as the support act. "England Rocks" was performed live, and Hunter has occasionally revisited it in later performances, though he avoids most Overnight Angels tracks live due to his dissatisfaction with the album.

Ian Hunter's "England Rocks / Wild N' Free," released under CBS 5497 in Yugoslavia.

Release Details

Format: 7" vinyl single (CBS 5497 in Yugoslavia, among other regions).

Label:

CBS Records. The single’s labels credit "Ian Hunter's Overnight Angels."

Cultural Impact

"England Rocks" to "Cleveland Rocks": The song’s evolution from "England Rocks" to "Cleveland Rocks" is a notable part of Hunter’s legacy. The latter became an anthem in Cleveland, earning Hunter the Key to the City on June 19, 1979, and cementing his connection to American rock culture. The song’s use in The Drew Carey Show further amplified its reach.

Fan Perspective:

Despite Hunter’s own criticism, fans often praise Overnight Angels and its singles for their raw energy and connection to Mott the Hoople’s legacy. Tracks like "Wild N' Free" are seen as precursors to punk rock, while "England Rocks" is celebrated for its anthemic quality.

Additional Notes

Hunter’s Disapproval:

Hunter’s dissatisfaction with Overnight Angels stems from the forced nature of the album, his vocal register, and the production choices. He has stated it’s the only album in his career he regrets.

Comparison to Mott the Hoople:

The single and album are often compared to Mott the Hoople’s glam-rock era, with "Wild N' Free" evoking their early 1970s sound. Fans note that Overnight Angels feels like a bridge between Hunter’s solo work and his Mott roots.