🔘 Knock on Wood – Single: Sept. 1974

A fierce, swaggering live cut from the Diamond Dogs tour, “Knock on Wood” captures Bowie’s 1974 soul‑infused stage persona at full voltage.

Released on September 13, 1974, “Knock on Wood” showcased David Bowie’s evolving sound during his ambitious Diamond Dogs tour, recorded live in the United States earlier that year. Backed with a powerful, extended live version of “Panic in Detroit,” the single highlighted Bowie’s shift toward a more soulful, brass‑driven style that would soon crystallise on *Young Americans*. Issued by RCA Victor under catalogue number RCA 2466, the release captured the theatrical intensity of Bowie’s mid‑’70s performances, complete with reworked arrangements and a heavier rhythmic emphasis. The A‑side’s punchy, horn‑laden delivery contrasted with the raw, sprawling energy of the B‑side, which stretched to nearly six minutes. The single entered the UK Singles Chart shortly after release, adding another Top 40 entry to Bowie’s prolific run. Today, it stands as a vivid snapshot of Bowie in transition — moving away from glam rock and into the sleek, American‑soul direction that defined his next era.

Label: RCA Victor

Catalogue Number: RCA 2466

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre)

Released: September 13, 1974 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA Victor – RCA 2466 — 1974

A. Knock on Wood (Live) — 3:08

B. Panic in Detroit (Live) — 5:51

Written by: Eddie Floyd, Steve Cropper (A) / David Bowie (B)

Produced by: David Bowie

Recorded live on the Diamond Dogs tour, 1974

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released September 13, 1974

• A-side: Live cover of Eddie Floyd’s soul classic

• B-side: Extended live version of “Panic in Detroit”

• Chart debut: Entered UK chart in September 1974

• Performed on: Diamond Dogs tour, 1974

• Recorded at: U.S. tour dates, 1974

🔘 The Story

“Knock on Wood” emerged from Bowie’s 1974 Diamond Dogs tour, a sprawling theatrical production that marked a turning point in his musical direction. Moving away from the glam‑rock textures of his early‑’70s work, Bowie began incorporating soul, funk, and R&B influences into his live arrangements. The tour’s horn section, backing vocalists, and expanded rhythm section transformed his sound into something richer, looser, and more groove‑driven.

The A‑side, a live cover of Eddie Floyd’s 1966 soul hit, became a showcase for Bowie’s evolving vocal approach — smoother, more rhythmic, and increasingly aligned with the Philadelphia soul influences that would shape *Young Americans*. Its tight arrangement and crisp brass lines made it an ideal candidate for single release.

The B‑side, a nearly six‑minute live rendition of “Panic in Detroit,” offered a stark contrast. Raw, sprawling, and percussive, it captured the improvisational energy of Bowie’s touring band, stretching the original track into a heavier, more chaotic performance. The extended drum and guitar passages highlighted the band’s live chemistry and Bowie’s willingness to reinvent his own material onstage.

Commercially, the single performed respectably, adding another charting entry to Bowie’s prolific mid‑’70s output. More importantly, it documented a crucial transitional moment — the bridge between the dystopian theatricality of *Diamond Dogs* and the sleek, soulful reinvention that would define his next chapter.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor – RCA 2466 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — RCA Victor – RCA 2466 — UK — 1974

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

Label: RCA Victor Country: Yugoslavia Catalogue: SRCA-88783

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

[Entered chart] — September 1974

[Peak position] — Top 40

[Additional weekly positions as needed]

Total Weeks: [To be filled if required]

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: Live soul cover reflecting Bowie’s shift toward R&B influences

• B-side: Extended live reworking of “Panic in Detroit”

• Production: David Bowie

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA Victor company sleeve

• Historical placement: Transitional release between *Diamond Dogs* and *Young Americans*

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Included on various Bowie live collections

🔘 Related Material

• *Diamond Dogs* (1974)

• “Rebel Rebel” (1974)

• “Young Americans” (1975)

• *David Live* (1974)

🔘 Discography

Rebel Rebel — 1974

Knock on Wood — 1974

Young Americans — 1975

Fame — 1975

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1974 — Recorded live on Diamond Dogs tour

✦ Sept 13, 1974 — UK single released

✦ Sept 1974 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ Late 1974 — Signals Bowie’s shift toward soul and R&B

🔘 Glam Flashback

A bold, brass‑driven snapshot of Bowie mid‑transformation — glam fading, soul rising, and the Diamond Dogs tour roaring at full power.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #KnockOnWood #1974 #RCAVictor #DiamondDogs

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: RCA Victor, 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.01001