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Roy Wood (May 23, 1975) Oh What a Shame - Single

  • Writer: Wizzard
    Wizzard
  • May 23, 1975
  • 2 min read

A sharp, melodic pop-rock single from Roy Wood’s solo era — his final major chart hit as a solo artist.

RELEASE DETAILS

Date: May 23, 1975

Catalogue: JET 754 (UK)

Format: 7" Single

Country: United Kingdom

A-Side: “Oh What a Shame”

B-Side: “Bengal Jig”


THE STORY

Released on May 23, 1975 on Jet Records, “Oh What a Shame” was written, produced, and performed entirely by Roy Wood, who handled all instruments and multi-tracked vocals. The single became a solid hit, reaching No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart and spending seven weeks on the chart. It marked the final major chart success of Roy Wood’s solo career.

CONTEXT & NOTES

Following his work with The Move, Electric Light Orchestra, and Wizzard, Roy Wood continued his eclectic solo career in the mid-1970s. “Oh What a Shame” showcased his signature blend of pop, rock, and melodic craftsmanship. The song has since appeared on numerous compilations and remains a staple of classic pop radio in the UK.


TRACK LIST

7" Single (UK) (JET 754) A. Oh What a Shame – 3:51 B. Bengal Jig

UK VARIANTS

  • JET 754 – Standard 7" Single (picture sleeve / company sleeve)

  • JET 754 – Promo 7" Single

  • JET 754 – White Label 7" Single (promo)

  • Multiple pressings with slight label variations

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Singles Chart: Peak No. 13

Weeks on Chart: 7 (31 May – 12 July 1975)

PERSONNEL

  • Roy Wood – lead and backing vocals, all instruments, production.


INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS





  • Australia – Polydor (1975)

  • Austria – Polydor (1975)

  • Belgium – Polydor (1975)

  • France – Polydor (1975) (shown)

  • Germany – Polydor (1975)

  • Ireland – Island / Polydor (1975)

  • Japan – Polydor (1975)

  • Netherlands – Polydor (1975)

  • New Zealand – Polydor (1975)



SOURCES Discogs • Official Charts Company • • Wikipedia

COPYRIGHT NOTICE 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. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

ARTIST — Roy Wood

ARTIST CATEGORY — Roy Wood Singles

ARTIST ITEM — Oh What a Shame (Single) ARTIST ATTACHMENT — Jet Records / Polydor ARTIST YEAR — 1975


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