🔘 Hang On To Yourself – Single: Aug. 1972

In the late summer of 1972, a mysterious band called Arnold Corns released “Hang On To Yourself” — a raw, high-energy glam rocker with a sharp, rebellious edge. Unbeknownst to most at the time, the project was a secret vehicle for David Bowie, who wrote and produced the track while still in the midst of his Ziggy Stardust phenomenon.

Released on August 25, 1972, the single appeared on B&C Records under catalogue number CB 189. Backed with “Man In The Middle,” this 7-inch release was one of the most intriguing and collectable curiosities of the glam rock era.

Label: B&C Records

Catalogue Number: CB 189

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

Released: August 25, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — B&C – CB 189 — 1972

A. Hang On To Yourself

B. Man In The Middle

Written by: David Bowie (both tracks)

Produced by: David Bowie

Recorded: 1971–1972

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released August 25, 1972

• Secret David Bowie project under the pseudonym Arnold Corns

• Early version of “Hang On To Yourself,” later re-recorded for *The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust*

• Highly collectable glam-era rarity

• Did not chart in the UK

🔘 The Story

Arnold Corns was essentially a pseudonym for David Bowie, who wrote, produced, and provided lead vocals on both tracks. The project was intended as an experimental side venture during the creation of the Ziggy Stardust album. “Hang On To Yourself” appears here in an earlier, rawer form than the version that would later appear on *Ziggy Stardust*.

The B-side “Man In The Middle” was another Bowie composition, showcasing his ability to craft sharp, character-driven rock songs. Although the single received limited promotion and did not chart, it has since become a sought-after item among Bowie and glam collectors for its historical significance and rarity.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — B&C – CB 189 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — B&C – CB 189 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard B&C company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Hang On To Yourself” – raw, energetic early version of the glam classic later featured on *Ziggy Stardust*.

• B-side: “Man In The Middle” – sharp, character-driven Bowie composition.

• Production: David Bowie – recorded during the early Ziggy Stardust sessions.

• Sleeve notes: Standard B&C company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the height of Ziggy-mania as a secret side project, offering a glimpse into Bowie’s creative process during one of his most fertile periods.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Both tracks have appeared on various David Bowie rarities compilations and bootlegs.

🔘 Related Material

• Starman (1972)

• Suffragette City (1972)

• The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972)

• John, I’m Only Dancing (1972)

🔘 Discography

Hang On To Yourself – Single: 1972 (as Arnold Corns)

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1971–1972 — Recorded during Ziggy Stardust sessions

✦ August 25, 1972 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

Under the mysterious name Arnold Corns, David Bowie dropped a raw glam bomb in August 1972 with “Hang On To Yourself,” giving fans an early taste of the revolutionary sound that would soon define the Ziggy era.

#ReleaseChronicle #ArnoldCorns #HangOnToYourself #1972 #BCRecords

🔘 Sources

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