Arnold Corns (17 May 1974) Hang On To Yourself / Man In The Middle – Single (UK)

A reissue of the early Bowie‑associated Arnold Corns recordings, this 1974 Mooncrest single revived two tracks originally cut in 1971 as part of Bowie’s experimental pre‑Ziggy project with designer Freddie Burretti. Re‑released to capitalise on Bowie’s rising fame, the single failed to chart due to limited promotion but remains a key artefact of the Ziggy prototype era

ARTIST / TITLE / RELEASE DATA

Artist: Arnold Corns

Title: Hang On To Yourself / Man In The Middle

Release Date: 17 May 1974

Label: Mooncrest

Format: 7" Vinyl, 45 RPM, Single, Reissue

Catalogue Number: MOON 25

Country: UK

Length: A/B combined approx. 7:41

MAIN NARRATIVE PARAGRAPH

Originally recorded in 1971, the Arnold Corns project was Bowie’s early attempt at shaping a stylised pop persona through Freddie Burretti, with Bowie writing, producing, and performing most of the material. These early versions of Hang On To Yourself and Man In The Middle pre‑date the Ziggy Stardust era and feature contributions from Bowie’s circle including Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, and Mick Woodmansey. The 1974 Mooncrest reissue attempted to reintroduce the material during Bowie’s commercial peak, though it received little promotional support.

● TRACK LISTING

Side A

Hang On To Yourself – Arnold Corns (Written by David Bowie)

Side B

Man In The Middle – Arnold Corns (Written by David Bowie)

● SLEEVE DETAILS

Sleeve Type: Standard UK 7" sleeve Photography: Not specified Design: Mooncrest art department Variants: Standard issue only

● RELEASE FORMATS & EDITIONS

UK – Mooncrest – MOON 25

7" Vinyl, 45 RPM, Single, Reissue

℗ 1971 recordings

Marketed by B&C Records Ltd.

Pressed by EMI Records

Produced for Butterfly Record Productions Ltd.

"Re‑release to cash in on Bowie's then newly found fame, but it wasn't a hit due to poor promotion."

● THE STORY BEHIND IT

Arnold Corns began in 1971 as a Bowie side project, partly a creative experiment and partly a vehicle for Freddie Burretti, whose image Bowie was shaping into an early Ziggy‑like figure. Sessions at Radio Luxembourg and Trident Studios produced several tracks, including early versions of Moonage Daydream, Hang On To Yourself, and Man In The Middle. Although Burretti was presented as the frontman, he did not sing on the recordings; Bowie and Mark Carr‑Pritchard handled vocals. The 1974 Mooncrest reissue revived two of these tracks, reflecting growing interest in Bowie’s pre‑fame work.

● RELEASE FORMATS & EDITIONS

UK – Mooncrest – MOON 25

7" Vinyl, 45 RPM, Single, Reissue

℗ 1971 recordings

Marketed by B&C Records Ltd.

Pressed by EMI Records

Produced for Butterfly Record Productions Ltd.

● CONTEXT AND NOTES

These recordings pre‑date the Ziggy Stardust album, with Hang On To Yourself later re‑recorded for the 1972 LP. Man In The Middle features vocals by Mark Carr‑Pritchard, though credited to Bowie. The 1974 reissue followed Bowie’s breakthrough success but did not chart. The original 1971 B&C release is considered the primary pressing.

● CHART PERFORMANCE

United Kingdom:

Did not chart

International:

No chart activity

● SOURCES

Discogs

45cat

BBC Official Charts

Wikipedia

[Other relevant sources as needed]

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