Blackfoot Sue (August 26, 1972) – “Eight Years to the NME Chart” Feature – New Musical Express
This New Musical Express feature from August 26 1972 profiles Birmingham band Blackfoot Sue, celebrating their first chart success after eight years of persistence. Written by Tony Norman, the article captures the group’s excitement and humility as they finally break through with their hit single “Standing in the Road.”
Publication: New Musical Express Date: August 26 1972 Country: United Kingdom
The piece opens with Norman’s reflection on the magic of a first hit record — the moment when years of effort and disappointment are replaced by triumph. He introduces identical twins Dave and Tom Farmer, alongside bandmates Ed Gogo and Al Jones, describing them as “a little band with big dreams.”
The group recounts their journey from school rehearsals to recording their breakthrough single, which climbed the NME chart after steady radio play. The interview highlights their grounded attitude despite newfound success. Dave Farmer recalls writing “Standing in the Road” quickly and recording it within days, while Tom Farmer notes the thrill of hearing it on the radio for the first time.
The band’s camaraderie and optimism shine through, with Norman emphasizing their youthful enthusiasm and genuine gratitude for recognition after years of hard work.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Blackfoot Sue’s rise in 1972 exemplifies the persistence of British rock bands navigating the post‑Beatles landscape.
Formed in Birmingham, they spent nearly a decade refining their sound before achieving mainstream attention. Their single “Standing in the Road” became a staple of early‑1970s pop‑rock, blending glam energy with melodic hooks that resonated with audiences during the height of the UK singles boom.
The article’s tone reflects NME’s role as both chronicler and cheerleader for emerging talent. Norman’s portrayal of the band — earnest, hardworking, and unpretentious — contrasts with the flamboyant glam‑rock figures dominating headlines at the time.
His focus on their long journey underscores the era’s fascination with authenticity and perseverance. Blackfoot Sue’s success also marked a broader shift in British rock: regional bands from outside London were beginning to achieve national prominence.
Their story mirrors that of other Midlands acts who bridged pop accessibility and rock credibility.
The feature stands as a snapshot of optimism in 1972’s music scene — a reminder that even amid glam spectacle, genuine musicianship and determination could still capture the public’s imagination.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Blackfoot Sue’s first chart success with “Standing in the Road” Era: 1972 – British Pop‑Rock / Early Glam Era Tone: Warm, celebratory, and reflective Photography: Black‑and‑white image of the four band members standing outdoors near a concrete overpass
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Headline: “Blackfoot: Eight Years to the NME Chart”
Subheading: “Tony Norman meets ‘a little band with big dreams’ — who made it”
Full‑page interview detailing the band’s journey and reactions to success
Photograph of the group in casual 1970s attire
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