📰 Play Don’t Worry – Advert: Mar. 1975

A full‑page New Musical Express advert promoting Mick Ronson’s 1975 album Play Don’t Worry, alongside the Hunter‑Ronson Band’s UK tour and the single “Billy Porter.”

📰 Excerpt

Published on March 1, 1975, this NME advert announces Mick Ronson’s new album Play Don’t Worry, pairing the release with a dramatic live‑performance photograph and a full list of Hunter‑Ronson Band tour dates across the UK.

📰 Key Highlights

One‑page advert in New Musical Express, Mar. 1, 1975

Promotes Ronson’s album Play Don’t Worry (APL1 0981)

Highlights the single “Billy Porter” (RCA 24827)

Features a striking black‑and‑white performance photograph

Includes full UK tour itinerary for the Hunter‑Ronson Band

Co‑branded with MainMan and RCA

Captures Ronson’s post‑Bowie momentum and rising solo identity

📰 Overview

In early 1975, Mick Ronson was carving out his own artistic identity after years as David Bowie’s guitarist, arranger, and onstage foil during the Ziggy Stardust era. Play Don’t Worry, his second solo album, showcased Ronson’s versatility as a guitarist, vocalist, and producer, blending glam‑rock textures with soulful arrangements and sharp melodic instincts.

This NME advert positions Ronson as a fully fledged frontman. The dramatic performance photograph — head thrown back, guitar raised — reinforces his reputation as one of the decade’s most expressive players. The advert also promotes the Hunter‑Ronson Band’s extensive UK tour, signalling Ronson’s commitment to building a live following independent of Bowie’s orbit.

📰 Source Details

Publication / Venue: New Musical Express

Date: March 1, 1975

Issue / Format: One‑page advert

Provenance Notes: Based on the provided scan and Ronson’s documented 1975 promotional cycle.

📰 The Story

The advert serves multiple promotional functions:

• The Album

Play Don’t Worry is presented as Ronson’s major 1975 statement — a follow‑up to Slaughter on 10th Avenue and a showcase for his songwriting and production skills. The album’s RCA catalogue number (APL1 0981) is prominently displayed.

• The Single

“Billy Porter,” Ronson’s current single at the time, receives its own call‑out. Its inclusion reinforces Ronson’s push for radio presence and chart visibility.

• The Tour

The Hunter‑Ronson Band’s tour dates dominate the lower half of the advert, covering major UK cities:

Exeter

Sheffield

Manchester

Liverpool

Glasgow

Aberdeen

Newcastle

Leeds

Aylesbury

London (Hammersmith Odeon)

Birmingham

Bristol

East Ham

Croydon

The tour positioning reflects Ronson’s growing partnership with Ian Hunter, who is credited as a CBS artist.

The MainMan and RCA logos anchor the advert, linking Ronson to the same management and label infrastructure that supported Bowie’s early‑’70s rise.

📰 Visual Archive

New Musical Express advert for Mick Ronson’s Play Don’t Worry, March 1, 1975.

📰 Related Material

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📰 Closing Notes

This advert captures Mick Ronson at a pivotal moment — stepping out from Bowie’s shadow, asserting his own artistic voice, and building a dedicated following through touring, recording, and a strong visual identity. Play Don’t Worry stands as a testament to his musicianship and his determination to define himself on his own terms.

📝 Copyright

© 1975 New Musical Express / IPC Magazines.

Reproduced here for archival, research, and educational purposes.

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