Bryan Ferry (17 May 1974) The ‘In’ Crowd / Chance Meeting – 7" Single (UK)

Released on 17 May 1974, The ‘In’ Crowd was issued as the lead single from Bryan Ferry’s second solo album Another Time, Another Place. Backed with Chance Meeting, the single entered the UK Singles Chart on 19 May and remained for six weeks, peaking at No. 13. The release continued Ferry’s stylish reinterpretations of classic material, paired with a reworking of an early Roxy Music composition on the B‑side.

Artist: Bryan Ferry

Title: The ‘In’ Crowd / Chance Meeting

Release Date: 17 May 1974

Label: Island Records

Format: 7" Vinyl Single, 45 RPM

Catalogue Number: WIP 6196

Country: UK

Length: A: 4:16 / B: 3:34

MAIN NARRATIVE PARAGRAPH

The ‘In’ Crowd, originally written by Billy Page, was recorded at Island Studios and produced by Bryan Ferry with John Punter. The single reflects Ferry’s signature approach of transforming well‑known songs into lush, stylised art‑pop statements. The B‑side, Chance Meeting, revisits a track from Roxy Music’s 1972 debut album, reinterpreted with Ferry’s evolving solo aesthetic. The single’s UK chart run was strong, reaching No. 13 and remaining in the Top 20 for several weeks. Numerous international variants were issued across Europe, Australasia, and South Africa.

● TRACK LISTING

Side A

The ‘In’ Crowd – 4:16

Written by Billy Page

Produced by Bryan Ferry & John Punter

Side B

Chance Meeting – 3:34

Written by Bryan Ferry

Produced by Bryan Ferry & John Punter

● SLEEVE DETAILS

Sleeve Type: Standard Island Records 7" sleeve

Photography: Anthony Price

Design: Nicholas De Ville

Artwork: Bob Bowkett

Printed by Euro‑Albums Holland B.V.

Variants: UK stock copy, UK promo, multiple international sleeves (Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Yugoslavia)

“Bryan Ferry on his 1974 album Another Time, Another Place; also released as a single, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.”

● THE STORY BEHIND IT

The ‘In’ Crowd was recorded during sessions for Another Time, Another Place, with Ferry continuing his exploration of reinterpretation and stylistic reinvention. The track’s polished production, assisted by John Punter, reflects the sophisticated sonic palette Ferry was developing outside Roxy Music. Chance Meeting, originally from Roxy Music’s debut album, was re‑cut for this single, offering a more refined and atmospheric version. The single’s chart success helped cement Ferry’s parallel solo identity during a period of intense creativity.

● RELEASE FORMATS & EDITIONS

UK – Island Records – WIP 6196

7" Vinyl, 45 RPM, Single

℗ 1974 Island Records Ltd

Published by Cross Music Ltd (A) / E.G. Music Ltd (B)

Produced for E.G. Records

Pressed by EMI Records

Recorded at Island Studios

International variants include:

Australia – K‑5556

France – 6138 045

Germany – 13 386 AT

Ireland – WIP 6196

Italy – WIP 26196

Netherlands – WIP 6196

New Zealand – K 5556

Portugal – 13.386‑A

South Africa – TOS 987

Spain – 13 386 A

Yugoslavia – SI‑88762 (Jugoton)

● CONTEXT AND NOTES

The ‘In’ Crowd became one of Ferry’s most recognisable early solo recordings. Its chart performance strengthened his position as both a solo artist and the frontman of Roxy Music. The B‑side’s reappearance on later compilations highlights its importance within Ferry’s catalogue. International variants are widely collected due to sleeve differences and regional

● CHART PERFORMANCE

United Kingdom:

Peak Position: 13

First Chart Date: 25 May 1974

Weeks on Chart: 6

Chart Run:

26 → 16 → 13 → 14 → 19 → 41

● SOURCES

Discogs

45cat

BBC Official Charts

Wikipedia

All artwork, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.