⭐ Pyjamarama – Single: Feb. 1973

b/w “The Pride and the Pain”

7" Single — Island Records (WIP 6151)

Released: February 23, 1973 (UK)

A sleek, art‑school glam single marking Roxy Music’s ascent into full early‑’70s sophistication.

Released on February 23, 1973, Pyjamarama arrived as Roxy Music were rapidly evolving from avant‑garde newcomers into one of Britain’s most stylish and influential bands. Recorded between late 1972 and early 1973, the single captures the group in transition — bridging the experimental textures of their debut with the cinematic polish of For Your Pleasure.

Written by Bryan Ferry and produced by the band with Chris Thomas, Pyjamarama showcases Ferry’s crooning theatricality, Phil Manzanera’s angular guitar work, Andy Mackay’s melodic saxophone lines, and Brian Eno’s sonic treatments. Though not included on the original For Your Pleasure LP, the single became a key part of the era’s visual and musical identity.

The track entered the UK charts on March 10, 1973, becoming another early milestone in Roxy Music’s rise. Never issued in the U.S., it remains a quintessential UK‑only glam artifact.

🔘 Track List

A‑Side:

Pyjamarama

B‑Side:

The Pride and the Pain

🔘 Variants

UK 7" — Island WIP 6151 (1973)

• Pink rim “palm tree” label

• Standard paper sleeve

UK 7" — Island WIP 6151 (Later 1973 repress)

• Blue “sunset” label variant

Germany 7" — Island 12 725 AT (1973)

• Picture sleeve with band photo

Netherlands 7" — Island 12 725 AT (1973)

• Alternate picture sleeve layout

Reissues

• Included on various Roxy Music singles compilations

• 1977 Polydor reissue (UK)

• 1999 The Early Years CD

• 2012 Complete Studio Recordings box set

🔘 Chart Performance

UK Singles Chart: Peaked at No. 10

• Entered chart March 10, 1973

• 8 weeks on chart

• Not issued in the U.S.

🔘 Context & Notes

• Recorded during sessions adjacent to For Your Pleasure

• Features the classic early‑’73 lineup: Ferry, Manzanera, Mackay, Eno, Paul Thompson, and John Porter

• “Pyjamarama” was re‑recorded for the 1977 Greatest Hits compilation

• The B‑side, “The Pride and the Pain,” is an instrumental showcasing the band’s experimental leanings

• The single’s non‑album status made it a fan‑favourite collectible

• Represents the last Roxy single released while Eno was still in the band

🔘 Visual Archive

A UK Island Records 7" single housed in a standard company sleeve. The label features the pink rim “palm tree” design, with the title “Pyjamarama” and catalogue number WIP 6151 printed in black text.

Roxy Music — “Pyjamarama” (1973), Island Records WIP 6151.

🔘 Related Material

• Roxy Music (1972)

• For Your Pleasure (1973)

• “Do the Strand” (1973)

• Roxy Music UK Singles 1972–74

🔘 Discography

• “Virginia Plain” (1972)

• “Pyjamarama” (1973)

• For Your Pleasure (1973)

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

• Late 1972: Writing and early recording

• Feb 23, 1973: UK release

• Mar 10, 1973: UK chart entry

• 1977: Re‑recorded for Greatest Hits

• 2012: Included in Complete Studio Recordings

🔘 Glam Flashback

A moment of satin‑slick elegance — Pyjamarama captures Roxy Music refining their art‑rock glamour just as they stepped into their imperial phase.

🔘 Closing Notes

Though never issued in the U.S., Pyjamarama remains one of Roxy Music’s defining early singles — a stylish, transitional work that crystallised the band’s unique blend of glamour, experimentation, and pop sophistication.

🔘 Sources & Copyright

• Island Records UK

• Contemporary UK chart data

• Roxy Music discographic documentation

All artwork and original text remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary.