🔘 Both Ends Burning – Single: Dec. 1975

Roxy Music
Dec 12, 1975
3 min read

In the winter of 1975, Roxy Music were at the peak of their commercial and creative powers. With their slick, sophisticated art-glam sound fully refined, the band delivered “Both Ends Burning” — a sleek, urgent rocker that perfectly captured their blend of style, tension, and nocturnal glamour.

Released on December 12, 1975, the single appeared on Island Records under catalogue number WIP 6262. As the second single from the acclaimed album *Siren*, it showcased Bryan Ferry’s smooth yet intense vocal delivery and the band’s polished, cinematic production.

Label: Island Records

Catalogue Number: WIP 6262

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: December 12, 1975 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Island – WIP 6262 — 1975

A. Both Ends Burning

B. For Your Pleasure (Live)

Written by: Bryan Ferry

Produced by: Chris Thomas

Recorded: 1975

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released December 12, 1975

• Second single from the acclaimed album *Siren*

• Featured Roxy Music’s signature sophisticated art-glam sound with strong rhythmic drive

• Chart debut: December 20, 1975

• Peaked at No. 25 in the UK

🔘 The Story

By late 1975 Roxy Music had evolved into a tighter, more focused unit following the temporary split in 1974. “Both Ends Burning” reflected this maturity with its pulsating rhythm, atmospheric synths and Ferry’s distinctive croon. The song’s theme of living life to the limit suited the band’s elegant yet decadent image perfectly.

The B-side was a live version of the earlier classic “For Your Pleasure,” giving fans a taste of Roxy Music’s dynamic stage presence. While not as big a hit as “Love is the Drug,” the single maintained the band’s strong chart presence during one of their most successful periods.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Island – WIP 6262 — UK — 1975

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Island – WIP 6262 — UK — 1975

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — Island – WIP 6262 — UK — 1975

• Issued in standard Island company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on December 20, 1975 and peaked at No. 25. It spent a total of 7 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 7

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Both Ends Burning” – sleek, urgent art-glam rocker with atmospheric production and Bryan Ferry’s smooth vocal.

• B-side: “For Your Pleasure” (Live) – powerful live version of a fan favourite.

• Production: Chris Thomas – delivering Roxy Music’s polished, cinematic sound.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Island company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during Roxy Music’s classic mid-1970s peak, bridging their art-rock roots with mainstream success.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on Roxy Music greatest hits collections and *Siren* reissues.

🔘 Related Material

• Love is the Drug (1975)

• Siren (1975 album)

• Do the Strand (1973)

• Virginia Plain (1972)

🔘 Discography

Love is the Drug – Single: 1975

Both Ends Burning – Single: 1975

Dance Away – Single: 1979

Over You – Single: 1980

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1975 — Recorded for the album *Siren*

✦ December 12, 1975 — UK single released

✦ December 20, 1975 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ January 1976 — Peaks at No. 25

✦ Early 1976 — Completes 7-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With sharp suits, smoke, and seductive cool, Roxy Music burned brightly at both ends in December 1975, proving that art-glam could still smoulder on the charts.

#ReleaseChronicle #RoxyMusic #BothEndsBurning #1975 #IslandRecords

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Island Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGrdWwYE77c