Alvin Stardust: Tell Me Why Single (1974)

A Glam Leather Heart-Tug

Alvin Stardust’s “Tell Me Why” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 15, 1974, on Magnet Records (catalogue: MAG 19). Backed with “Roadie Roll On,” this emotive glam ballad (A) and upbeat rocker (B), both composed/produced by Peter Shelley (B co-written with Stardust), peaked at No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart for 8 weeks. Pressed with solid centre, push-out centre, and promo (large A, release date) variants, it’s a poignant ‘70s Stardust staple.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Tell Me Why” (3:10, Peter Shelley)

Producer – Peter Shelley.

B-Side: “Roadie Roll On” (2:51, Peter Shelley, Alvin Stardust)

Producer – Peter Shelley.

Release Details:

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

UK Variants:

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre (MAG 19):

A: “Tell Me Why” (3:10, Peter Shelley) – Producer – Peter Shelley

B: “Roadie Roll On” (2:51, Peter Shelley, Alvin Stardust) – Producer – Peter Shelley

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Push-out centre (MAG 19):

A: “Tell Me Why” (3:10, Peter Shelley) – Producer – Peter Shelley

B: “Roadie Roll On” (2:51, Peter Shelley, Alvin Stardust) – Producer – Peter Shelley

Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo Push-out centre (MAG 19):

A: “Tell Me Why” (2.59, Peter Shelley) – Producer – Peter Shelley

B: “Roadie Roll On” (2:50, Peter Shelley, Alvin Stardust) – Producer – Peter Shelley

Large A label with printed release date and varying timings.

UK (Magnet MAG 19): Released November 15, 1974. Solid centre, push-out centre, promo.

Country Variations:

7", 45 RPM, Single

EMI – EMI-10669

Australia

7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo

EMI – EMI-10669

Australia

7", Single, 45 RPM

Ariola – 13 707 AT

Austria

7", Single, 45 RPM

Columbia – 2C 004-96229

France

7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo

Ariola – 13 707 AT

Germany

7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo

Ariola – 13 707 AT

Netherlands

7", 45 RPM, Single

Parlophone – NZP 3492

New Zealand

Production and Context:

Produced by Peter Shelley. Recorded in 1974. The lineup: Alvin Stardust (vocals), with session musicians. “Tell Me Why” was a heartfelt ballad, “Roadie Roll On” a tour-life rocker. Released amid Stardust’s glam peak, it followed Alvin Stardust (No. 37 UK, 1974).

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 16 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 8 weeks.

Entry Date: November 30, 1974.

Peak: No. 16 (December 21–28, 1974).

Weeks on Chart: 8 (Nov 30, 1974 – Jan 18, 1975).

Chart Run: No. 27 (Nov 30), No. 24 (Dec 7), No. 19 (Dec 14), No. 16 (Dec 21), No. 16 (Dec 28), No. 19 (Jan 4), No. 21 (Jan 11), No. 46 (Jan 18).

Legacy and Collectibility

“Tell Me Why” is Stardust’s glam ballad gem, with “Roadie Roll On” a live-wire B-side. Original UK 7-inch vinyls fetch on eBay/Discogs (value £2 mint), promo (£5–£12). Verify catalogue MAG 19.

Streams on Spotify via Alvin Stardust reissues preserve the analog leather. This single is a must-have for Stardust fans and ‘70s glam collectors.

Have you snagged this Stardust why in your vinyl collection? Does Tell Me Why tell you? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube