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🔘 Stardust – Single: Nov. 1974

  • Writer: David Essex
    David Essex
  • Nov 29, 1974
  • 4 min read

Released in the UK on November 29, 1974, David Essex’s “Stardust,” backed with “Miss Sweetness,” appeared as a 7-inch vinyl single on CBS Records (S CBS 2828 / 2828). Written by Essex and produced, arranged, and orchestrated by Jeff Wayne for Jeff Wayne Music, the track served as the theme for the film *Stardust*, the sequel to *That’ll Be the Day*. A shimmering glam‑pop ballad with cinematic sweep, it entered the UK Singles Chart on November 30, 1974, eventually peaking at No. 7 and remaining on the chart for ten weeks. The single was lacquer‑cut by ARUN at Aston Clinton and issued in multiple UK variants, including solid centre (picture sleeve or company bag) and knockout centre editions. A polished, emotive Essex classic from his mid‑’70s peak.


Label: CBS Records

Catalogue Number: S CBS 2828 / 2828

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre / Knockout Centre; Picture Sleeve & Company Bag)

Released: November 29, 1974 (UK)


🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — CBS Records – S CBS 2828 — 1974

A. Stardust

Written by: David Essex

Produced, Arranged & Orchestrated by: Jeff Wayne

B. Miss Sweetness

Written by: David Essex

Produced, Arranged & Orchestrated by: Jeff Wayne

Recorded at: CTS / Advision Studios, 1974

Published by: Essex Music / Jeff Wayne Music


🔘 Key Highlights

• Released November 29, 1974

• A-side: Theme from the film *Stardust*

• B-side: Essex‑penned non‑album track

• UK peak: No. 7

• Chart run: 10 weeks

• Lacquer cut by ARUN (Aston Clinton)

• Issued in solid centre, knockout centre, and picture sleeve variants


🔘 The Story

“Stardust” arrived at a pivotal moment in David Essex’s career. Following the success of *That’ll Be the Day* and its soundtrack, Essex returned to the big screen in *Stardust*, a film chronicling the rise and fall of a fictional rock star. The title track, written by Essex and shaped by Jeff Wayne’s lush orchestral production, captured the film’s emotional arc — fame, fragility, and the glittering melancholy of the 1970s music world.


Musically, the single blended glam‑pop sheen with cinematic drama. Essex’s warm, expressive vocal sat atop sweeping strings, soft electric piano, and Wayne’s signature arrangements, creating a sound that felt both intimate and widescreen. The B-side, “Miss Sweetness,” continued the collaboration, offering a lighter, melodic contrast.


Commercially, “Stardust” performed strongly, entering the UK chart at the end of November 1974 and peaking at No. 7. Its ten‑week run reflected Essex’s popularity during this period, bolstered by his dual success as both a recording artist and film star. The single’s multiple UK variants — including picture sleeves tied to the film’s promotion — have since become sought‑after collector items.


Today, “Stardust” stands as one of Essex’s most enduring recordings, emblematic of his mid‑’70s blend of pop charisma, cinematic ambition, and heartfelt songwriting.


🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Solid Centre — CBS – S CBS 2828 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Knockout Centre — CBS – S CBS 2828 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Picture Sleeve — CBS – S CBS 2828 — UK — 1974

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Company Sleeve — CBS – S CBS 2828 — UK — 1974


🔘 Chart Performance


UK — Official Singles Chart

7 — Peak Position

Chart Run: 10 Weeks Total


🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: Theme song for *Stardust* (1974 film)

• B-side: Essex‑written track produced by Jeff Wayne

• Production: Jeff Wayne for Jeff Wayne Music

• Sleeve: Issued in picture sleeve and standard CBS company bag

• Historical placement: Major hit during Essex’s film‑soundtrack era

• Lacquer cut: ARUN (Aston Clinton)


🔘 Related Material

• “Gonna Make You a Star” (1974)

• *Stardust* (Film & Soundtrack, 1974)

• “Rolling Stone” (1975)

• Out on the Street (1976)


🔘 Discography

Gonna Make You a Star — 1974

Stardust — 1974

Rolling Stone — 1975

Out on the Street — 1976


🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1974 — Recorded with Jeff Wayne for *Stardust*

✦ Nov 29, 1974 — UK single released

✦ Nov 30, 1974 — Enters UK chart

✦ Early 1975 — Peaks at No. 7, charts for 10 weeks


🔘 Glam Flashback

A shimmering slice of cinematic glam‑pop — Essex at his most emotive, wrapped in Jeff Wayne’s sweeping orchestration and the glittering melancholy of 1970s stardom.


🔘 Hashtags


🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources:

Wikipedia • Discogs • 45cat • BBC / Official Charts Company


🔘 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.





Legacy and Collectibility

“Stardust” is David Essex’s glam film theme classic. Original UK CBS pressings (solid/knockout centre) fetch £5–£20 on eBay/Discogs. Verify catalogue S CBS 2828. Streams on Spotify preserve the stardust shine. This single is a must-have for Essex and ‘70s glam collectors.


Do you have Stardust in your vinyl stack? Does it make you a star? Share in the comments!


Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including PDiscogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube





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