🔘 Oh You Pretty Thing – Single: Apr. 1971

Peter Noone stepped out from his role as the fresh-faced frontman of Herman’s Hermits to launch his solo career. Choosing a brand-new song by the then still-emerging David Bowie, Noone delivered a bright, upbeat cover of “Oh You Pretty Thing.” The track showcased his clear, melodic voice and added a polished pop sheen to Bowie’s quirky, androgynous original.

Released on April 30, 1971, the single appeared on RAK Records under catalogue number RAK 114. Backed with “Together Forever,” this 7-inch release marked Peter Noone’s official debut as a solo artist following the end of Herman’s Hermits.

Label: RAK Records

Catalogue Number: RAK 114

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

Released: April 30, 1971 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RAK – RAK 114 — 1971

A. Oh You Pretty Thing

B. Together Forever

Written by:

- Oh You Pretty Thing: David Bowie

- Together Forever: Peter Noone

Produced by: Mickie Most

Recorded: 1971

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released April 30, 1971

• Peter Noone’s debut solo single after leaving Herman’s Hermits

• Cover of a then-unreleased David Bowie song (later featured on *Hunky Dory*)

• Bright, commercial pop arrangement typical of Mickie Most productions

• Chart debut: May 8, 1971

• Peaked at No. 12 in the UK

🔘 The Story

Fresh from the clean-cut teen idol image of Herman’s Hermits, Peter Noone surprised many by choosing David Bowie’s “Oh You Pretty Thing” as his first solo outing. Mickie Most’s production gave the song a smoother, more radio-friendly feel than Bowie’s own version, emphasising Noone’s strong vocal and adding catchy backing vocals. The single performed well, giving Noone a solid solo chart entry and helping introduce Bowie’s songwriting to a wider mainstream audience.

The B-side “Together Forever” was an original composition by Noone himself. Although “Oh You Pretty Thing” was not a massive No. 1, it marked a successful transition for Noone into the 1970s pop scene and remains one of the earliest notable covers of a David Bowie composition.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RAK – RAK 114 — UK — 1971

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RAK – RAK 114 — UK — 1971

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — RAK – RAK 114 — UK — 1971

• Issued in standard RAK company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on May 8, 1971 and peaked at No. 12. It spent a total of 9 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 9

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Oh You Pretty Thing” – upbeat pop cover of David Bowie’s song with polished production.

• B-side: “Together Forever” – original track written by Peter Noone.

• Production: Mickie Most – delivering his trademark commercial pop sound.

• Sleeve notes: Standard RAK company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the early stages of the glam rock era, bridging 1960s pop with the emerging 1970s glam and art-rock scene.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Appears on Peter Noone solo compilations and various David Bowie cover collections.

🔘 Related Material

• David Bowie – Oh! You Pretty Things (Hunky Dory, 1971)

• Herman’s Hermits hits (1964–1970)

• Oh You Pretty Thing (Peter Noone version, 1971)

🔘 Discography

(Previous: Herman’s Hermits singles)

Oh You Pretty Thing – Single: 1971

(Next solo singles follow in 1971–1972)

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1971 — Recorded with producer Mickie Most

✦ April 30, 1971 — UK single released

✦ May 8, 1971 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ May/June 1971 — Peaks at No. 12

✦ Mid-1971 — Completes 9-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With his boyish charm and a fresh David Bowie song in his pocket, Peter Noone stepped into the 1970s spotlight with “Oh You Pretty Thing,” adding a touch of glam sparkle to his solo debut.

#ReleaseChronicle #PeterNoone #OhYouPrettyThing #1971 #RAKRecords

🔘 Sources

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