Forever Single: 1973

A Forever Suicide Note

Roy Wood’s “Forever” was released as a 7-inch vinyl single with demo promo in the UK on November 16, 1973, on Harvest (catalogue: HAR 5078). Backed with “Music To Commit Suicide By,” this Brian Wilson/Neil Sedaka-influenced glam-pop epic and dark instrumental (both written/produced by Roy Wood), featuring Rick Price on telephone, peaked at No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart for 13 weeks. Issued in push-out centre, demo with “NOT FOR SALE,” it’s a timeless ‘70s glam reissue pair.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Forever”

Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood. Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood. Featuring, Other [Telephone] – Rick Price.

B-Side: “Music To Commit Suicide By”

Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood. Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood.

Release Details:

Label: Harvest (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Published By – Roy Wood Music (A), Carlin Music Corp. (global).

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – EMI Records Ltd.

Record Company – EMI Records Ltd.

UK Formats: Commercial

Push Out Centre (HAR 5078)

A: “Forever” – Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood – Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood – Featuring, Other [Telephone] – Rick Price – With special thanks to Brian Wilson and Neil Sedaka for their influence

B: “Music To Commit Suicide By” – Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood – Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood

Solid Centre (HAR 5078)

A: “Forever” – Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood – Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood – Featuring, Other [Telephone] – Rick Price – With special thanks to Brian Wilson and Neil Sedaka for their influence

B: “Music To Commit Suicide By” – Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood – Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood

Vinyl, 7" Single Promotional

Demo Record Not For Sale (HAR 5078)

A: “Forever” – Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood – Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood – Featuring, Other [Telephone] – Rick Price – With special thanks to Brian Wilson and Neil Sedaka for their influence

B: “Music To Commit Suicide By” – Written-By, Producer – Roy Wood – Performer [All Instruments] – Roy Wood

Country Variations:

The single was released in several countries:

UK (Harvest HAR 5078)

Released November 16, 1973. 7-inch (standard & demo).

Belgium (Harvest 1973)

Denmark (Harvest 1973)

Finland (Harvest 1973)

France (Harvest 1973)

Germany (Harvest 1973)

Greece (Harvest 1973)

Ireland (Harvest 1973)

Netherlands (Harvest 1973)

New Zealand (Harvest 1973)

Portugal (Stateside 1973)

South Africa (Harvest 1973)

Sweden (Harvest 1973)

Australia (Harvest 1974)

Japan (Odeon 1974)

USA (United Artists 1974)

Production and Context

Written/produced by Roy Wood, who played all instruments and multi-tracked vocals. Rick Price adds telephone effect. A-side thanks Brian Wilson and Neil Sedaka for influence. Globally published by Carlin Music Corp. Recorded post-Wizzard, appeared on Top of the Pops three times (20 Dec 1973, 3 Jan 1974, 17 Jan 1974). Later on compilations Singles (1993) and Through the Years: The Best of Roy Wood.

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 8 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 13 weeks.

Entry Date: December 1, 1973.

Peak: No. 8 (January 26, 1974).

Weeks on Chart: 13 (Dec 1, 1973 – Feb 23, 1974).

Chart Run: No. 42 (Dec 1), No. 32 (Dec 8), No. 31 (Dec 15), No. 11 (Dec 22), No. 11 (Dec 29), No. 11 (Jan 5), No. 12 (Jan 12), No. 9 (Jan 19), No. 8 (Jan 26), No. 9 (Feb 2), No. 10 (Feb 9), No. 18 (Feb 16), No. 41 (Feb 23).

Legacy and Collectibility

“Forever” is a glam-pop masterpiece, “Music To Commit Suicide By” a haunting instrumental. Original UK 7-inch vinyls fetch £3–£10 on eBay/Discogs, demo promos (£15–£30). Verify catalogue HAR 5078.

Streams on Spotify via Wood compilations preserve the analog warmth. This solo gem is a must-have for Wizzard/Roy Wood fans and ‘70s glam collectors.

Have you felt the pull of this Forever glam epic? Does the B-side make you reach for the light switch? 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.