🔘 Roll Away the Stone – Single: Nov. 1973

A jubilant, piano‑driven glam‑rock anthem, “Roll Away the Stone” stands as one of Mott the Hoople’s most enduring and uplifting singles — a triumphant blend of swagger, melody, and gospel‑tinged exuberance.

Released on November 9, 1973, the single arrived as the band’s first major release following the success of *Mott*. Issued by CBS Records under catalogue number S CBS 1895, the track featured Ariel Bender on guitar and a re‑recorded vocal arrangement from Ian Hunter, giving the song a brighter, more polished feel than its earlier album‑session version. Backed with “Where Do You All Come From,” the single showcased the band’s ability to balance rock‑and‑roll grit with pop‑friendly charm. Entering the UK Singles Chart in mid‑November, it climbed into the Top 10 and became one of their signature hits.

Label: CBS Records

Catalogue Number: S CBS 1895

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre)

Released: November 9, 1973 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — CBS Records – S CBS 1895 — 1973

A. Roll Away the Stone

B. Where Do You All Come From

Written by: Ian Hunter

Produced by: Mott the Hoople, Dale Griffin (credited as Buffin)

Recorded: 1973

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released November 9, 1973

• A-side: Post‑*Mott* standalone single

• B-side: Non‑album track

• Chart debut: Mid‑November 1973

• Performed on: *Top of the Pops* and UK pop‑TV rotation

• Recorded at: 1973 CBS sessions

🔘 The Story

Following the success of *Mott*, the band returned with “Roll Away the Stone,” a joyous, piano‑driven rocker that captured the band’s signature blend of glam swagger and heartfelt uplift. The track’s infectious chorus, gospel‑style female vocals, and Hunter’s charismatic delivery made it an instant standout.

The single’s re‑recorded version — featuring Ariel Bender on guitar and a new spoken‑word bridge — gave the song a brighter, more celebratory feel. The B‑side, “Where Do You All Come From,” offered a looser, more playful contrast, showcasing the band’s versatility during this transitional period.

Commercially, the single was a major success. Entering the UK charts in mid‑November, it climbed into the Top 10 and became one of Mott the Hoople’s most recognisable and enduring hits.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — CBS – S CBS 1895 — UK — 1973

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — CBS – S CBS 1895 — UK — 1973

• Issued in standard CBS company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

36 — November 17, 1973

23 — November 24, 1973

14 — December 1, 1973

9 — December 8, 1973

10 — December 15, 1973

18 — December 22, 1973

29 — December 29, 1973

41 — January 5, 1974

Total Weeks: 8

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: One of the band’s most enduring glam‑era singles

• B-side: Non‑album track

• Production: Mott the Hoople

• Sleeve notes: Standard CBS company sleeve

• Historical placement: Key single bridging *Mott* and *The Hoople*

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Featured on numerous Mott anthologies

🔘 Related Material

• “Honaloochie Boogie” (1973)

• “All the Way from Memphis” (1973)

• “The Golden Age of Rock ’n’ Roll” (1974)

• *The Hoople* (1974)

🔘 Discography

Honaloochie Boogie — 1973

All the Way from Memphis — 1973

Roll Away the Stone — 1973

The Golden Age of Rock ’n’ Roll — 1974

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1973 — Recorded during CBS sessions

✦ Nov 9, 1973 — UK single released

✦ Nov 17, 1973 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ Dec 8, 1973 — Peaks at No. 9

✦ Jan 5, 1974 — Completes 8‑week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

A jubilant glam‑rock celebration — uplifting, melodic, and pure Mott the Hoople joy.

#ReleaseChronicle #MottTheHoople #RollAwayTheStone #1973 #CBSRecords #GlamRock

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: CBS Records, 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.