🔘 Suffragette City – Single: Jul. 1976

Label: RCA Victor Country: UK Catalogue: RCA 2726 Font

Label: RCA Victor Country: UK Catalogue: RCA 2726 Back

In the blistering summer of 1976, David Bowie was fully immersed in his “Thin White Duke” persona. Riding the wave of the critically acclaimed *Station to Station* album, he re-released one of his most explosive tracks from the Ziggy Stardust era as a single.

Released on July 9, 1976, the single appeared on RCA Records under catalogue number RCA 2726. Backed with the sleek, funky “Stay,” this 7-inch release gave new life to the raw, high-energy rocker “Suffragette City.”

Label: RCA Records

Catalogue Number: RCA 2726

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

Released: July 9, 1976 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA – RCA 2726 — 1976

A. Suffragette City

B. Stay

Written by: David Bowie (both tracks)

Produced by: David Bowie and Harry Maslin

Recorded:

- Suffragette City: February 1972 at Trident Studios, London

- Stay: 1975–1976 at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released July 9, 1976

• Re-release of the classic Ziggy-era track paired with a new *Station to Station* cut

• Showcased Bowie’s evolution from raw glam rock to sophisticated funk

• Chart debut: July 17, 1976

• Peaked at No. 23 in the UK

🔘 The Story

“Suffragette City” originally appeared on *The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars* in 1972. Its aggressive riff, driving energy and rebellious “wham bam thank you ma’am” attitude made it a fan favourite. Re-releasing it in 1976 allowed a new audience to discover the track while pairing it with “Stay,” a smooth, funky song from the *Station to Station* sessions.

The contrast between the raw, youthful energy of “Suffragette City” and the cool, sophisticated groove of “Stay” perfectly illustrated Bowie’s artistic journey over the previous four years. The single performed solidly, reaching the UK Top 30 and reinforcing Bowie’s enduring appeal.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RCA – RCA 2726 — UK — 1976

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RCA – RCA 2726 — UK — 1976

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — RCA – RCA 2726 — UK — 1976

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on July 17, 1976 and peaked at No. 23. It spent a total of 7 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 7

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Suffragette City” – explosive, riff-driven glam rocker from the Ziggy Stardust era.

• B-side: “Stay” – smooth, funky soul track from the *Station to Station* album.

• Production: David Bowie and Harry Maslin (for “Stay”); Ken Scott and David Bowie (original “Suffragette City”).

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during Bowie’s “Thin White Duke” period, cleverly bridging his glam past with his current soul-funk direction.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: “Suffragette City” is a staple on nearly every Bowie greatest hits collection.

🔘 Related Material

• Station to Station (1976 album)

• Golden Years (1975)

• TVC 15 (1976)

• Ziggy Stardust (1972)

🔘 Discography

Golden Years – Single: 1975

TVC 15 – Single: 1976

Suffragette City – Single: 1976

Stay – Single: 1976

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ February 1972 — “Suffragette City” originally recorded

✦ 1975–1976 — “Stay” recorded at Cherokee Studios

✦ July 9, 1976 — UK single released

✦ July 17, 1976 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ August 1976 — Peaks at No. 23

✦ Late 1976 — Completes 7-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

From Ziggy’s wild rebellion to the Thin White Duke’s icy cool, David Bowie bridged four years of evolution in one single, letting “Suffragette City” roar once more while “Stay” kept the dancefloor alive.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #SuffragetteCity #1976 #RCA

🔘 Sources

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