🔘 You Better Run – Single: Dec. 1966

In the winter of 1966, a young Wolverhampton band called The 'N Betweens released their second single. “You Better Run” was a raw, high-energy beat track with a powerful, driving rhythm and strong vocal delivery that hinted at the explosive sound the band would later develop as Slade.

Released on December 2, 1966, the single appeared on Fontana Records under catalogue number TF 767. This 7-inch release captured the band in their early, pre-glam phase, full of youthful energy and beat-group fire.

Label: Fontana Records

Catalogue Number: TF 767

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

Released: December 2, 1966 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Fontana – TF 767 — 1966

A. You Better Run

B. Evil Witchman

Written by:

- You Better Run: Unknown (cover)

- Evil Witchman: Noddy Holder / Jim Lea / Dave Hill / Don Powell

Produced by:

Recorded: 1966

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released December 2, 1966

• Second single by The 'N Betweens (who would later become Slade)

• High-energy beat track showcasing the band’s raw, powerful early sound

• Did not chart in the UK

🔘 The Story

Before they shortened their name to Slade and embraced the glam explosion, The 'N Betweens were a hard-working beat group honing their craft. “You Better Run” was a fiery, uptempo rocker that highlighted the band’s energetic performance style and Noddy Holder’s already distinctive vocal rasp. The B-side “Evil Witchman” was an original composition by the band, showing their growing songwriting confidence.

Although the single did not achieve commercial success, it remains a fascinating early artefact from the band that would go on to become one of the most successful and beloved glam rock acts of the 1970s.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Fontana – TF 767 — UK — 1966

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Fontana – TF 767 — UK — 1966

• Issued in standard Fontana company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “You Better Run” – raw, high-energy beat rocker with powerful vocal delivery.

• B-side: “Evil Witchman” – original track written by the band.

• Production: Early Fontana-era production typical of mid-1960s beat singles.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Fontana company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the mid-1960s beat era, several years before The 'N Betweens became Slade and dominated the glam rock charts.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on early Slade / The 'N Betweens rarities compilations.

🔘 Related Material

• You Really Got Me (1964, as The 'N Betweens)

• Wild Winds Are Blowing (1969, as Ambrose Slade)

• Get Down and Get with It (1971)

• Coz I Luv You (1971)

🔘 Discography

You Really Got Me – Single: 1964

You Better Run – Single: 1966

Wild Winds Are Blowing – Single: 1969

Coz I Luv You – Single: 1971

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1966 — Recorded as The 'N Betweens

✦ December 2, 1966 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

Long before the mirrored hats and chart-topping stomps, a young band called The 'N Betweens were already rocking hard with “You Better Run” in December 1966 — the first sparks of the fire that would soon become Slade.

#ReleaseChronicle #TheNBetweens #YouBetterRun #1966 #Fontana

🔘 Sources

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

Music journalist Fred Bronson noted that "You Better Run" was a commercial disappointment, having peaked at number 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 after their previous single, "Good Lovin'," had reached number one. The Cavaliere and Gene Cornish composition "Love Is a Beautiful Thing" was the single's B-side.

"Evil Witchman" was a Fowley, Powell, Hill, Holder, and Lee composition.