Wizzard: Rattlesnake Roll Single (1975)

A Glam Farewell Single

Wizzard’s “Rattlesnake Roll” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 17, 1975, on Jet Records (catalogue: JET 758). Backed with “Can’t Help My Feelings,” this high-energy glam rock track, written and produced by Roy Wood, marked the band's final single before their disbandment. Recorded amid internal tensions and declining commercial fortunes, the A-side's infectious riff and brass-driven groove echoed Wizzard's carnival rock style, but it failed to chart, the single is a rare snapshot of Wizzard's chaotic creativity.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Rattlesnake Roll” (3:44)

Written by Roy Wood. A boisterous glam rocker with pounding piano, brass blasts, and Wood's multi-layered vocals, evoking a wild saloon brawl. Produced by Wood for Jet Records, it captured the band's live energy but lacked the pop polish of earlier hits like "See My Baby Jive."

B-Side: “Can’t Help My Feelings” (3:32)

Written by Roy Wood. A mid-tempo ballad with orchestral swells and Wood's emotive delivery, exploring romantic turmoil. Also produced by Wood, it provided a softer counterpoint to the A-side's raucousness.

Release Details:

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

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (JET 758): “Rattlesnake Roll” / “Can’t Help My Feelings.”

No cassette or CD formats for this single.

Notes: ℗ & © 1975 Jet Records. Matrix numbers (e.g., JET 758 A-1U) confirm authenticity. Released as Wizzard disbanded, following Growing Up (1975) and preceding Wood's Wizzo Band.

Production and Context:

Recorded in 1975 at studios like Lansdowne (London) and Wood's home setup, the single was produced and arranged by Roy Wood, featuring the core lineup: Wood (vocals, multi-instruments), Bill Hunt (trumpet, keyboards), Keith Smart (drums), and various session players. The A-side's brass and piano were hallmarks of Wizzard's orchestral glam, but internal strife (e.g., Hunt's departure) and shifting tastes toward punk sealed the band's fate. Released as their farewell, it aimed to recapture the magic of “Ballroom Blitz” but came too late, amid the glam decline.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

The “Rattlesnake Roll” single was a standalone release, with no additional singles from it:

Chart Performance:

UK: Did not chart (Official Singles Chart).

Ireland: Did not chart.

Germany: Did not chart.

Australia: Did not chart.

Other Countries: No chart entries in the US, Canada, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, or New Zealand, as it received minimal international distribution and promotion.

Single Chart Performance

“Rattlesnake Roll” failed to enter any charts, marking Wizzard's commercial end. The band had previously scored three UK No. 1s ("See My Baby Jive," "Angel Fingers," "I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday").

Have you unearthed this Wizzard rarity in your vinyl stash? Does it rattle your rock 'n' roll bones? Share in the comments!