🔘 Hot Shot – Single: Sept. 1974

A sleek, high‑energy glam‑pop stomper, “Hot Shot” captures Barry Blue at his commercial peak with a polished Bell Records sheen and an instantly memorable chorus hook.

Released on September 20, 1974, “Hot Shot” continued Barry Blue’s run of chart‑friendly glam‑pop singles for Bell Records. Backed with “Hobo Man,” the release showcased Blue’s signature blend of bright melodies, tight arrangements, and radio‑ready production. Issued as Bell Records catalogue BELL 1379, the single followed earlier hits such as “Dancin’ (On a Saturday Night)” and “School Love,” reinforcing Blue’s status as one of the label’s most reliable hitmakers. With its crisp rhythm section, layered backing vocals, and Blue’s distinctive pop phrasing, “Hot Shot” stands as a quintessential example of mid‑’70s Bell Records glam‑pop craftsmanship.

Label: Bell Records

Catalogue Number: BELL 1379

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre)

Released: September 20, 1974 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Bell Records – BELL 1379 — 1974

A. Hot Shot

B. Hobo Man

Written by: Barry Blue, Lynsey de Paul (A) / Barry Blue (B)

Produced by: Barry Blue

Recorded: 1974

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released September 20, 1974

• A-side: Glam‑pop single co-written with Lynsey de Paul

• B-side: “Hobo Man” — Barry Blue composition

• Chart debut: October 1974

• Performed on: UK pop‑TV rotation

• Recorded at: 1974 sessions for Bell Records

🔘 The Story

By late 1974, Barry Blue had firmly established himself as one of Bell Records’ most successful glam‑pop artists. Following the major success of “Dancin’ (On a Saturday Night)” and “School Love,” Blue continued refining his sound with “Hot Shot,” a bright, rhythm‑driven single co‑written with Lynsey de Paul. Their songwriting partnership had already produced several hits, and “Hot Shot” carried the same melodic confidence and commercial polish.

The track’s arrangement leaned into the hallmarks of Bell’s mid‑’70s sound: crisp percussion, layered backing vocals, and a buoyant, radio‑friendly chorus. Blue’s production emphasised clarity and punch, giving the single a clean, modern feel that aligned with the era’s glam‑pop sensibilities.

The B‑side, “Hobo Man,” offered a contrasting tone, showcasing Blue’s ability to blend pop hooks with more narrative‑driven songwriting. Together, the two tracks demonstrated his versatility as both a performer and producer.

While “Hot Shot” did not reach the same chart heights as his earlier hits, it reinforced Blue’s presence on the UK pop scene and contributed to his strong run of singles throughout the mid‑’70s. The release remains a fan favourite and a representative example of Bell Records’ distinctive glam‑pop output.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — Bell – BELL 1379 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — Bell – BELL 1379 — UK — 1974

• Issued in standard Bell Records company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

39 — October 26, 1974

29 — November 2, 1974

23 — November 9, 1974

26 — November 16, 1974

36 — November 23, 1974

Total Weeks: 5

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: Co-written with Lynsey de Paul

• B-side: Barry Blue original

• Production: Barry Blue

• Sleeve notes: Standard Bell Records company sleeve

• Historical placement: Part of Blue’s mid‑’70s glam‑pop run

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Included on various Barry Blue collections

🔘 Related Material

• “Dancin’ (On a Saturday Night)” (1973)

• “School Love” (1974)

• “Miss Hit and Run” (1974)

• *Barry Blue* (1974)

🔘 Discography

School Love — 1974

Hot Shot — 1974

Miss Hit and Run — 1974

Do You Wanna Dance — 1975

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1974 — Recorded for Bell Records

✦ Sept 20, 1974 — UK single released

✦ Oct 26, 1974 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ Nov 9, 1974 — Peaks at No. 23

✦ Nov 23, 1974 — Completes 5‑week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

A crisp, confident slice of Bell Records glam‑pop — catchy, polished, and unmistakably Barry Blue.

#ReleaseChronicle #BarryBlue #HotShot #1974 #BellRecords #GlamPop

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Bell 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.