David Bowie: "Suffragette City" Single (1976)
- David Bowie
- Jul 8, 1976
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 23
David Bowie’s "Suffragette City" backed with "Stay", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by RCA Records (catalog number RCA 2726) on July 9, 1976, to promote the compilation album ChangesOneBowie.
Overview of the Single
Catalog Number: RCA 2726 (UK), XB-01015 (Germany)
Format: 7" vinyl, 45 RPM
Purpose: Released to promote the CHANGESONEBOWIE compilation album, which highlighted key tracks from Bowie’s career up to that point.
Chart Performance: The single failed to chart, despite the popularity of "Suffragette City" as a fan favorite.
Tracks:
Side A: "Suffragette City" (3:28)
Side B: "Stay" (US single edit, 3:23)
Production:
"Suffragette City": Co-produced by David Bowie and Ken Scott.
"Stay": Produced by David Bowie and Harry Maslin.
Publishers:
"Suffragette City": MainMan/Chrysalis Music Ltd./Moth Music (A Gem Production).
"Stay": Bewlay Bros. Music/Chrysalis Music Ltd./MainMan Ltd.
Track Details Side A: "Suffragette City"
Origin: Originally recorded in 1972 and featured as the 10th track on Bowie’s fifth studio album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (released June 16, 1972). It was initially the B-side to the "Starman" single (April 28, 1972, RCA 2199) and later the B-side to "Young Americans" (February 1975)
Recording: Recorded on February 4, 1972, at Trident Studios, London, during the final stages of the Ziggy Stardust sessions
Personnel:
David Bowie: Vocals, guitar
Mick Ronson: Guitar, piano, ARP synthesizer (mimicking a saxophone)
Trevor Bolder: Bass
Mick Woodmansey: Drums
Musical Style: A high-energy glam rock, proto-punk, and hard rock track influenced by Little Richard (notably the piano riff) and the Velvet Underground. The song features a driving guitar riff, boogie-woogie piano, and an ARP synthesizer used to emulate a saxophone, a creative workaround due to budget constraints.
Lyrics and Themes: The song is part of the Ziggy Stardust narrative, portraying the titular character as a sexually charged, rebellious rock star. The lyrics include pop culture references, such as "droogie" from A Clockwork Orange (inspired by Anthony Burgess and Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film) and the phrase "wham bam thank you ma’am," borrowed from Charles Mingus. Interpretations vary, with some suggesting the song reflects Bowie’s bisexuality (with "Henry" as a male lover and "Suffragette City" symbolizing a shift to women) or drug use ("Henry" as slang for heroin), though Bowie never confirmed these theories.
Notable Features: The song’s structure is dynamic, with starts, stops, and a sing-along hook. The backing vocals shift from the left channel in the first verse to the right in the second, adding a stereo effect
Cultural Impact: Despite not charting as a single, "Suffragette City" is one of Bowie’s most iconic tracks, celebrated for its raw energy and glam rock swagger. It has appeared on multiple compilation albums CHANGESONEBOWIE (1976), CHANGESBOWIE (1990), The Best of David Bowie 1969/1974 (1997), Best of Bowie (2002)) and live albums (Live Santa Monica ’72, Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture, David Live, etc.).
Side B: "Stay" (US Single Edit)
Origin: Recorded in 1975 and featured on Bowie’s Station to Station album (released January 23, 1976). The version on the single is a shortened edit (3:23) compared to the album version (6:15).
Recording: Recorded at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles, in late 1975.
Personnel: David Bowie: Vocals
Carlos Alomar: Guitar Earl Slick: Guitar
George Murray: Bass
Dennis Davis: Drums Roy Bittan: Piano
Musical Style: A funk-rock and soul-infused track with a spacey, experimental edge, reflecting Bowie’s Thin White Duke persona. Described as a “weird soul song” with an otherworldly vibe, it contrasts with the high-octane glam of "Suffragette City."
Production: Arranged by Bowie and produced by Bowie and Harry Maslin.
Context: "Stay" was chosen as the B-side to pair a newer track from *Station to Station* with the older "Suffragette City," bridging Bowie’s glam rock past with his evolving sound in 1976. The US single edit was used for most editions, though the German release included a slightly different edit.
Background and Context
Mott the Hoople Connection: Bowie originally offered "Suffragette City" to Mott the Hoople in 1971 to prevent their breakup. The band, led by Ian Hunter, declined it, deeming it not special enough, and instead recorded Bowie’s "All the Young Dudes," which became a hit. This decision allowed Bowie to record "Suffragette City" himself, making it a cornerstone of the Ziggy Stardust album.
Ziggy Stardust Narrative: "Suffragette City" fits into the concept album’s story of Ziggy Stardust, an alien rock star navigating fame, sex, and rebellion. The song’s raw energy and provocative lyrics capture Ziggy’s hedonistic persona.
A Clockwork Orange Influence: Bowie and Mick Ronson saw Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange in January 1972, and its “malicious, malevolent” vibe influenced the song’s final version, particularly the use of “droogie.”
1976 Reissue: The single was part of RCA’s strategy to capitalize on Bowie’s growing fame with CHANGESONEBOWIE , a greatest-hits compilation. Pairing "Suffragette City" with "Stay" showcased Bowie’s evolution from glam rock to the soul and experimental sounds of Station to Station.
Additional Details
Vinyl Specifics:
The German edition (XB-01015) misspelled the track as "SUFFRAGETTECITY" on the label and sleeve.
Live Performances:
"Suffragette City" was a staple in Bowie’s live sets, with performances from the 1972–1973 Ziggy Stardust Tour (Live Santa Monica ’72, Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture), 1974 Diamond Dogs Tour (David Live, Cracked Actor), 1976 Isolar Tour (Live Nassau Coliseum ’76), and 1978 Isolar II Tour (Stage, Welcome to the Blackout).
A 1972 BBC session was released on Bowie at the Beeb (2000).
A notable performance was on April 2, 1978, at Selland Arena, Fresno, CA, where "Suffragette City" and "Stay" were both played.
Covers and Legacy:
"Suffragette City" has been covered by artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers (B-side to "Aeroplane," 1996), L.A. Guns (Cuts* 1992), and Mr. Big (Live at Budokan, 1997).
The song is celebrated as a glam rock classic, praised for its guitar work, energy, and cultural impact. It’s featured in games like Guitar Hero and*Rock Ban*.
Critical Reception
Critics have lauded "Suffragette City" for its raw power and Mick Ronson’s guitar work, calling it a quintessential Bowie track that embodies his glam rock era. Its “wham bam thank you ma’am” hook and unpredictable energy are often highlighted.
"Stay" is noted for its unique blend of funk, soul, and experimental rock, with a spacey quality that complements Bowie’s 1976 persona.
Despite the single’s commercial failure, both tracks remain fan favorites and are considered pivotal in Bowie’s discography.
Collectibility and Availability
The single is available on Discogs, with 7" vinyl copies varying in price based on condition and region. It’s part of Bowie’s collectible catalog, with editions like the German pressing noted for unique label errors.
Both tracks appear on streaming platforms and have been remastered multiple times, including in the 2012 Ziggy Stardust 40th anniversary edition and the 2015 Five Years (1969–1973) box set.
Misconceptions
A Reddit post suggested "Suffragette City" was inspired by Bowie’s 1976 arrest in Rochester, NY, for marijuana possession, linking the title to Susan B. Anthony. This is incorrect, as the song was recorded in 1972, years before the arrest.
Conclusion
The "Suffragette City" b/w "Stay" single is a snapshot of David Bowie’s evolution, pairing the electrifying glam rock of his Ziggy Stardust era with the soulful experimentation of his Thin White Duke phase. Though it didn’t chart, the single’s tracks are enduring classics, showcasing Bowie’s versatility, cultural influences, and raw musical power. Its significance lies in its role within the CHANGESONEBOWIE campaign and its lasting appeal among fans and collectors.
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