Slade: "The Bangin’ Man" Single ( 1974)

Slade's "The Bangin' Man" is a non-album single released by Polydor Records on June 28, 1974. Written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, the song reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for seven weeks. It was certified UK Silver by the BPI for selling over 250,000 copies in 1974.

Written by lead vocalist Noddy Holder and bassist Jim Lea, the song reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for seven weeks. It was certified UK Silver by the BPI for selling over 250,000 copies in 1974.

B-Side: "She Did It to Me," also written by Holder and Lea, exclusive to the single and later included on the 2007 compilation B-Sides.

Musical Style: Glam rock and power pop, characterized by Slade’s signature high-energy, foot-stomping sound with raucous guitars, thundering bass, and Noddy Holder’s distinctive vocals.

Background and Inspiration

Context: After the release of their single "Everyday" in March 1974, Slade returned to the studio to create a follow-up with a more rock-oriented sound, moving away from the softer tone of "Everyday."

Inspiration: The song was written during Slade’s tour in Australia and is lyrically inspired by their tour manager, Graham "Swinn" Swinnerton. His job involved waking band members in their hotel rooms to prepare for the next leg of their tour, reflecting the grueling life on the road. The lyrics capture the weariness and relentless cycle of touring, offering a rare glimpse into the less glamorous side of fame.

Musical Characteristics: The track features Dave Hill’s blistering guitar riffs, Jim Lea’s powerful basslines, and Don Powell’s pounding drums, with Chas Chandler’s production retaining the band’s raw, live energy. It’s described as a gritty, autobiographical anthem that balances Slade’s celebratory style with an undercurrent of exhaustion.

Release Details

Formats and Regions: Released as a 7" vinyl single in multiple regions, including the UK, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia, Yugoslavia, America, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

UK Release: Featured injection-molded labels, not paper labels as used in Ireland.

US Release: Included on the Warner Bros. Records release of the album Slade in Flame (1975).

Brazilian EP: In Brazil, the B-side "She Did It to Me" was given prominence as the title track of a four-track EP in 1975 (Polydor 2229'166).

Picture Sleeve: Some versions, particularly sought after by collectors, featured a red and white cartoon picture sleeve with a small Polydor label in the lower left corner.

Track Durations:

A-side: "The Bangin' Man" – 4:00

B-side: "She Did It to Me" – 3:16–3:23 (varies by source)

Promotion and Performances

No Music Video: No official music video was filmed for the single.

Television Appearances:

Performed on the UK ITV show Supersonic.

Performed on the German TV show Disco (mimed performance, available on YouTube).

Performed on the Dutch AVRO TV show TopPop.

Not performed on Top of the Pops due to a BBC strike at the time.

Critical Reception: Record Mirror described it as a "dramatically direct commercial song" with ample space for guitar work, highlighting its commercial appeal and rock energy.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Chart Success: As Slade’s twelfth UK hit, "The Bangin' Man" reinforced their dominance in the early 1970s British rock scene. Its No. 3 peak and Silver certification underscored their commercial prowess.

Fan Favorite: Despite not being on a studio album, the song remains a beloved track for its raw energy and authentic portrayal of touring life. It’s featured on compilations like Cum On Feel the Hitz: The Best of Slade (2020) and Old New Borrowed and Blue (Expanded) (2006).

Label: Polydor

Country: UK

Catalogue: 2058 492