Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel: Black Or White Single (1975)

Harley’s Black And White Ballad

Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel’s “Black Or White” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on November 7, 1975, on EMI Records (catalogue: EMI 2369). Backed with “Mad, Mad Moonlight (Live), (recorded live at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, April 14, 1975).” this atmospheric glam rock ballad, written by Steve Harley. Produced by Steve Harley, the A-side’s introspective lyrics and moody melody peaked at No. 2 on the UK Star Breakers Chart.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Black Or White” (Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel)

Written by Steve Harley. Produced by Steve Harley.

B-Side: “Mad, Mad Moonlight (Live)” (Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel)

Written by Steve Harley. Produced by Steve Harley.

Release Details:

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

UK Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl, Single (Commercial) (EMI 2369):

A. Black Or White

B. Mad, Mad Moonlight (Live)

7-Inch Vinyl, Single, Promo Only (EMI 2369):

A. Black Or White (Edited Version)

B. Black Or White (Full Version)

7-Inch Vinyl, 45 RPM, White Label (EMI 2369):

A. Black Or White

B. (Test Tone)

UK (EMI EMI 2369): Released November 7, 1975. Commercial, promo, and white label versions.

Country Variations:

The single was released in several countries many with sleeve variations:

Belgium - EMI - 1975

Finland - EMI - 1975

Germany - EMI - 1975

Ireland - EMI - 1975

Italy - EMI - 1975

Netherlands - EMI - 1975

New Zealand - EMI - 1975

Switzerland - EMI - 1975

UK - EMI - 1975

Japan - EMI - 1976

UK Chart Performance:

No. 2 on the UK Star Breakers Chart

Legacy and Collectibility

“Black Or White” is a Harley classic, with “Mad, Mad Moonlight (Live)” showcasing Cockney Rebel’s theatre.Streams on Spotify via The Psychomodo reissues preserve the analog mood. This single is a must-have for Harley fans and glam collectors.

Have you snagged this Harley gem in your vinyl collection? Does “Black Or White” colour your playlist? 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