The Slade: Wild Winds Are Blowing Single (1969)

A Proto-Glam Wind Howls

The Slade’s “Wild Winds Are Blowing” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 24, 1969, on Fontana Records (catalogue: TF 1056). Backed with “One Way Hotel,” this energetic rock 'n' roll track, written by Bob Saker and Jack Winsley, marked the band's first single under their shortened name (from Ambrose Slade), produced by Chas Chandler. The A-side's driving rhythm and youthful vocals hinted at their future glam stomp, but as an early effort amid the beat group era, it failed to chart. Released in a Fontana company sleeve, it's a rare snapshot of Slade's pre-fame phase.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Wild Winds Are Blowing” (2:50, Bob Saker/Jack Winsley)

B-Side: “One Way Hotel” (2:44, Holder/ Lea Powel)

Release Details:

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

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (TF 1056): “Wild Winds Are Blowing” / “One Way Hotel.” In a Fontana company sleeve.

UK (Fontana TF 1056): Released October 24, 1969. Standard tracklist, company sleeve.

Notes: ℗ & © 1969 Fontana Records. Recorded at Philips Studios, London, 1969. Matrix numbers (e.g., TF 1056 A-1) confirm authenticity. The band's first single as "The Slade," following "Genesis" (1969).

Production and Context

Recorded in 1969 at Philips Studios, London, the single was produced by Chas Chandler, with the lineup: Noddy Holder (vocals), Dave Hill (guitar), Jim Lea (bass), and Don Powell (drums). The A-side's upbeat rocker reflected the band's beat group roots, while the B-side's balladry hinted at their future depth. Released amid the Beatles' final singles and the rise of Led Zeppelin, it followed the band's debut album Beginnings (1969) and failed to build momentum, but Chandler's involvement foreshadowed Slade's glam breakthrough.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“Wild Winds Are Blowing” was a standalone single, with no additional singles from it:

Country Variations

The single was released in the Netherlands alongside the UK.

Artist: The Slade

Label: Fontana

Country: Netherlands

Catalogue: 267 967 TF

Date: 24 Nov 1969

Note: Slade's earlier single “Genesis” (1969) also failed to chart, but later hits like “Get Down and Get With It” (No. 16, July 1971, 8 weeks) marked their ascent.

Single Chart Performance

“Wild Winds Are Blowing” failed to enter the UK Singles Chart or any international charts, reflecting Slade's early struggles before their glam reinvention.

Legacy and Collectibility

“Wild Winds Are Blowing” is a proto-Slade gem, hinting at their anthemic style, while “One Way Hotel” reveals emotional depth.

Streams on Spotify via Beginnings deluxe editions preserve the analog wind.

This single is a must-have for Slade completists.

Have you unearthed this early Slade rarity in your collection? Does “Wild Winds Are Blowing” stir your rock soul? Share in the comments!

Sources

Discogs: Wild Winds Are Blowing (1969)

Official Charts Company: Slade Singles

AllMusic: Slade Discography

Wikipedia: Slade Discography

45cat: TF 1056 Single