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David Bowie (May 28, 1982) The Laughing Gnome - 7" Single

  • May 28, 1982
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 28

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: David Bowie

Label: Decca Records

Date: May 28, 1982 (UK)

Catalogue: F 13924

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: United Kingdom

A-Side:

“The Laughing Gnome”

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: Mike Vernon

B-Side:

“The Gospel According to Tony Day”

THE STORY A surprise early-’80s chart-revival reissue of Bowie’s 1967 novelty single — backed with “The Gospel According to Tony Day”. Issued by Decca to capitalise on Bowie’s rising mainstream profile, the single returned to the UK charts fifteen years after its original release.

David Bowie's "The Laughing Gnome" Danish release cover, featuring whimsical artwork and vibrant typography, under Deram label, catalogue DM 123.
David Bowie's "The Laughing Gnome" Danish release cover, featuring whimsical artwork and vibrant typography, under Deram label, catalogue DM 123.

CONTEXT & NOTES Originally released in April 1967, “The Laughing Gnome” was one of Bowie’s pre-fame Deram-era singles — a whimsical, comic track built around sped-up vocal effects and music-hall charm. In 1982, Decca reissued the single on May 28 as F 13924, timed to coincide with renewed interest in Bowie following Scary Monsters and the lead-up to his Let’s Dance era. The reissue unexpectedly charted, giving Bowie a novelty-era hit long after he had moved into global superstardom.

Cover artwork of David Bowie's 1973 French release "The Laughing Gnome" and "The Gospel According to Tony Day" under the Deram label.
Cover artwork of David Bowie's 1973 French release "The Laughing Gnome" and "The Gospel According to Tony Day" under the Deram label.
Cover of the 1973 Dutch release of David Bowie's single "The Laughing Gnome," featuring a striking black-and-white photo of the artist, under the Deram label.
Cover of the 1973 Dutch release of David Bowie's single "The Laughing Gnome," featuring a striking black-and-white photo of the artist, under the Deram label.

CHART PERFORMANCE UK Singles Chart: Peak Position No. 6 Weeks on Chart: 11 Entry Date: June 6, 1982



INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS (1973 Originals)

  • Denmark – Deram – 1973

  • France – Deram – 1973

  • Italy – Deram – 1973

  • Netherlands – Deram – 1973

  • New Zealand – Deram – 1973

  • Portugal – Deram – 1973

  • UK – Deram – 1973

  • USA – London – 1973

UK VARIANTS

  • F 13924 – 7" Vinyl (Paper Label)

  • F 13924 – 7" Vinyl (Injection-moulded label, select pressings)

RELATED MATERIAL

  • Space Oddity (1975 reissue)

  • Cat People (Putting Out Fire) (1982)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page

SOURCES

  • Discogs

  • 45cat

  • BBC Official Charts

  • Wikipedia

All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference

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