🔘 Know Who You Are – Single: Sep. 1970

In the early autumn of 1970, Slade were transitioning from their skinhead image into a heavier, more rock-oriented sound. Still operating under the name Ambrose Slade on some releases, the band delivered “Know Who You Are” — a strong, melodic rocker with powerful harmonies and a confident groove that hinted at the stomping anthems to come.

Released on September 18, 1970, the single appeared on Polydor Records under catalogue number 2058 054. This 7-inch release marked an important step in Slade’s evolution toward the glam rock sound that would soon make them superstars.

Label: Polydor Records

Catalogue Number: 2058 054

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

Released: September 18, 1970 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Polydor – 2058 054 — 1970

A. Know Who You Are

B. Dapple Rose

Written by:

- Know Who You Are: Noddy Holder / Jim Lea / Dave Hill / Don Powell

- Dapple Rose: Noddy Holder / Jim Lea / Dave Hill / Don Powell

Produced by: Chas Chandler

Recorded: 1970

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released September 18, 1970

• Showcased Slade’s shift toward a more melodic and rock-oriented sound

• Featured strong vocal harmonies and a confident, driving riff

• Chart debut: September 26, 1970

• Peaked at No. 45 in the UK

🔘 The Story

“Know Who You Are” was written collectively by the band and produced by Chas Chandler. It represented Slade’s move away from pure skinhead aggression toward a more polished yet still powerful rock sound. The track’s strong chorus and harmonies showed the group’s growing confidence as songwriters and performers.

The B-side “Dapple Rose” continued the melodic rock direction. Although the single did not achieve major commercial success, it was a vital stepping stone in Slade’s journey from their early Ambrose Slade days to becoming one of the biggest glam rock bands of the 1970s.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Polydor – 2058 054 — UK — 1970

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Polydor – 2058 054 — UK — 1970

• Issued in standard Polydor company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on September 26, 1970 and peaked at No. 45. It spent a total of 6 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 6

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Know Who You Are” – melodic, riff-driven rocker with strong harmonies.

• B-side: “Dapple Rose” – solid rock track in the same vein.

• Production: Chas Chandler – helping shape Slade’s powerful early sound.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Polydor company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during Slade’s transitional period between their skinhead phase and the full glam explosion that would follow in 1971–1972.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on early Slade compilations and rarities collections.

🔘 Related Material

• Wild Winds Are Blowing (1969)

• Shape of Things to Come (1970)

• Get Down and Get with It (1971)

• Coz I Luv You (1971)

🔘 Discography

Wild Winds Are Blowing – Single: 1969

Know Who You Are – Single: 1970

Get Down and Get with It – Single: 1971

Coz I Luv You – Single: 1971

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1970 — Recorded with producer Chas Chandler

✦ September 18, 1970 — UK single released

✦ September 26, 1970 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ October 1970 — Peaks at No. 45

✦ Late 1970 — Completes 6-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the mirrored hats and chart-topping stomps, Slade were already flexing their rock muscles with “Know Who You Are” in September 1970 — the first clear signs of the powerhouse they were about to become.

#ReleaseChronicle #Slade #KnowWhoYouAre #1970 #Polydor

🔘 Sources

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