top of page
Search

🔘 Devil Gate Drive – Single: Jan. 1974

  • Writer: Suzi Quatro
    Suzi Quatro
  • Jan 25, 1974
  • 3 min read

A high‑octane glam‑rock anthem, “Devil Gate Drive” stands as one of Suzi Quatro’s most iconic hits — a stomping, rebellious burst of Chinnichap energy delivered with Quatro’s trademark swagger.


Released on January 25, 1974, the single arrived as the follow‑up to Quatro’s breakthrough smash “48 Crash.” Issued by RAK Records under catalogue number RAK 167, the track was written and produced by Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, the powerhouse duo behind many of the era’s biggest glam hits. Backed with “In the Morning,” the release showcased Quatro’s commanding vocal presence, driving bass, and rock‑and‑roll attitude. Entering the UK Singles Chart in early February, it surged to No. 1, becoming Quatro’s second chart‑topper and one of the defining glam singles of the decade.


Label: RAK Records

Catalogue Number: RAK 167

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre)

Released: January 25, 1974 (UK)


🔘 Track List


UK 7" Single — RAK Records – RAK 167 — 1974


A. Devil Gate Drive

B. In the Morning


Written by: Nicky Chinn, Mike Chapman

Produced by: Mike Chapman

Recorded: 1973–1974


🔘 Key Highlights

• Released January 25, 1974

• A-side: Suzi Quatro’s second UK No. 1 single

• B-side: “In the Morning” — non‑album track

• Chart debut: February 1974

• Performed on: *Top of the Pops* and UK pop‑TV rotation

• Recorded at: 1973–74 RAK sessions


🔘 The Story

By early 1974, Suzi Quatro had already broken barriers as one of the first women to achieve major success as a front‑line rock musician. “Devil Gate Drive,” her second collaboration with Chinn and Chapman to reach No. 1, cemented her status as a glam‑rock powerhouse.


The track’s pounding rhythm, shout‑along chorus, and Quatro’s fierce vocal delivery made it an instant classic. Its rebellious, high‑energy spirit captured the essence of the glam era, while the B‑side “In the Morning” offered a more reflective contrast.


Commercially, the single was a major triumph. Entering the UK charts in early February, it shot to No. 1 and remained a fixture throughout the month. “Devil Gate Drive” became one of Quatro’s signature songs and a cornerstone of her enduring legacy.


🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — RAK – RAK 167 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — RAK – RAK 167 — UK — 1974

• Issued in standard RAK company sleeve


🔘 Chart Performance


UK — Official Singles Chart

32 — February 2, 1974

14 — February 9, 1974

3 — February 16, 1974

1 — February 23, 1974

1 — March 2, 1974

4 — March 9, 1974

11 — March 16, 1974

20 — March 23, 1974

33 — March 30, 1974


Total Weeks: 9


🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: Suzi Quatro’s second UK No. 1

• B-side: Non‑album track

• Production: Mike Chapman

• Sleeve notes: Standard RAK company sleeve

• Historical placement: One of the defining glam‑rock singles of 1974

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Featured on numerous Quatro anthologies


🔘 Related Material

• “48 Crash” (1973)

• “Can the Can” (1973)

• “The Wild One” (1974)

• *Quatro* (1974)


🔘 Discography

48 Crash — 1973

Devil Gate Drive — 1974

The Wild One — 1974

Too Big — 1974


🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1973–74 — Recorded during RAK sessions

✦ Jan 25, 1974 — UK single released

✦ Feb 2, 1974 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ Feb 23, 1974 — Reaches No. 1

✦ Mar 30, 1974 — Completes 9‑week chart run


🔘 Glam Flashback

A fierce, foot‑stomping glam classic — bold, electric, and Suzi Quatro at full throttle.



🔘 Sources

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


🔘 Copyright Notice

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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.


Do you have Devil Gate Drive in your vinyl collection? Ready to drive through the gate? Share in the comments!


Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia and BBC Official Charts Company


Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.


Comments

bottom of page