Mott: By Tonight Single (1975)

Mott The Hoople
Oct 31, 1975
2 min read

Post-Hunter's Hard Rock Edge

Mott’s “By Tonight” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 31, 1975 on CBS Records (catalogue: S CBS 3741). Backed with “I Can Show You How It Is,” this driving hard rock track, written by Nigel Benjamin and Pete Watts, served as the second single from the band's debut album Drive On. Produced by the band, the A-side's urgent guitars and Benjamin's powerful vocals marked Mott's new era without Ian Hunter, but it failed to chart. Housed in a CBS company sleeve, the single is a rare artifact of the band's transitional phase.

Single Overview

A By Tonight

B I Can Show You How It Is

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – CBS Inc.

Published By – April Music Ltd.

Published By – Mott Music

Arranged By, Producer, Directed By – Mott

Taken from the LP 'Drive On' CBS 69 154

A U.K. Production

Notes: released in four pronged and solid center versions

Country Variations

The single was a UK release with limited international distribution:

Germany received a commercial and promotional-only release (CBS S 3741).

Format:

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single

Country: Germany

A By Tonight

B I Can Show You How It Is

Record Company – CBS Inc.

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – CBS Records (UK)

Published By – April Music Ltd.

Published By – Mott Music

Pressed By – Rhein-Main Schallplatten-Produktion GmbH

Production and Context

Recorded in 1975 at Rockfield Studios, Monmouth, Wales, the single was produced by Mott (Nigel Benjamin: vocals, Pete Watts: bass, Dale Griffin: drums, Morgan Fisher: keyboards, Ray Major: guitar). “By Tonight” was the band's first single with Benjamin as lead singer after Ian Hunter's departure, signaling a heavier rock direction. Released amid punk's rise, it followed The Hoople (1974) and competed with The Damned and Sex Pistols, but Mott's glam roots limited their revival.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“By Tonight” was the lead single from Drive On:

Single Chart Performance

“By Tonight” failed to enter the UK Singles Chart or any international charts, reflecting Mott's challenges in the punk era.

Have you snagged this Mott rarity in your vinyl collection? Does “By Tonight” rock your playlist? Share in the comments!

Sources