Bryan Ferry (May 11, 1974) The "In" Crowd – New Musical Express

Roxy Music
May 11, 1974
2 min read

A full‑page advertisement from New Musical Express promoting Bryan Ferry’s new single “The ‘In’ Crowd,” released on Island Records in May 1974.

Writer: Island Records Advertisement

Artist: Bryan Ferry

Date: May 11, 1974

Length: 2 min read

The advertisement features a monochrome photograph of Bryan Ferry swimming in calm water, his head and arm emerging from the surface. The minimalist design and elegant typography reflect Ferry’s cultivated image as a sophisticated pop artist. The single “The ‘In’ Crowd” continued his solo trajectory following the success of “These Foolish Things,” blending suave presentation with art‑rock sensibility.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Promotion of Bryan Ferry’s new single “The ‘In’ Crowd”

Era: 1974 – Early solo career period

Tone: Stylish, minimalist, and refined

Photography: Monochrome image of Ferry swimming in open water

Audience: UK pop and art‑rock readers

PUBLICATION

Publication: New Musical Express

Date: May 11, 1974

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Page 15

Title: The “In” Crowd Advertisemen

“The ‘In’ Crowd – New Single WIP 6196.”

THE STORY BEHIND IT

Following his acclaimed debut solo album “These Foolish Things,” Bryan Ferry released “The ‘In’ Crowd” as a continuation of his reinterpretations of classic songs. The advertisement’s serene aquatic imagery contrasts with the song’s social commentary, reinforcing Ferry’s reputation for irony and elegance. The campaign positioned him as both a pop crooner and avant‑garde stylist.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: Bryan Ferry’s single release promotion

Era: 1974

Tone: Cool and understated

Photography: Ferry swimming in calm water

Audience: NME readers and Island Records buyers

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This advertisement exemplifies Island Records’ refined visual approach to Ferry’s solo work. The design’s simplicity and the use of water imagery evoke themes of isolation and poise, aligning with Ferry’s cultivated persona and the art‑rock aesthetic of the mid‑1970s.

“Bryan Ferry – The ‘In’ Crowd – New Single WIP 6196.”

SOURCES

New Musical Express (May 11, 1974)

Publication verified from archival issue records

Context cross‑checked with discography and press documentation

External anchors: Discogs / Wikipedia (where applicable)

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