David Bowie (September 21, 1974) – “The First ‘Live’ Bowie Single ‘Knock On Wood’” - ULP Press

Sep 21, 1974

2 min read

This full-page advertisement promotes David Bowie’s single “Knock On Wood”, presenting it as the first live Bowie single and highlighting its connection to his forthcoming album. The advert uses a dramatic live performance photograph and bold typography to focus attention on the release.

Publication: Melody Maker

Date: September 21, 1974

Country: UK

The advertisement is dominated by a large headline announcing “The first ‘live’ BOWIE single ‘KNOCK ON WOOD’”. Directly beneath the title, the advert states that the release comes “FROM HIS FORTHCOMING ALBUM”.

A catalogue number, “RCA-2466”, appears alongside the release information.

The lower portion of the page features a large monochrome concert photograph of David Bowie performing on stage.

Bowie is shown seated during the performance, holding a microphone, creating a striking live image that reinforces the advert’s emphasis on the recording being a live release. The design is uncluttered and focuses almost entirely on the artist, the single title and its association with RCA. Small RCA and management logos appear at the bottom of the page, completing the promotional layout while keeping attention centred on the single itself.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This clipping is a record company advertisement created to promote the release of “Knock On Wood”.

The advert places particular emphasis on the fact that it is a live Bowie single, using both the headline wording and the concert photograph to reinforce that message.

The design relies on a simple combination of bold text and performance imagery rather than lengthy promotional copy.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Advertisement for the single “Knock On Wood”

Era: 1974 Bowie record promotion

Tone: Bold promotional advertising

Photography: Full-page black-and-white live performance photograph of David Bowie on stage holding a microphone

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• A full-page RCA advertisement for David Bowie's “Knock On Wood” single

• The headline describing it as “The first ‘live’ Bowie single”

• A large concert photograph used to promote the release

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