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🔘 Rubber Band – Single: Dec. 1966

  • Writer: David Bowie
    David Bowie
  • Dec 2, 1966
  • 3 min read

In the winter of 1966, a 19-year-old David Bowie released his first official solo single. “Rubber Band” was a quirky, brass-laden mod-pop track with a theatrical, almost vaudeville feel, showcasing Bowie’s early experimentation with different styles and vocal approaches.


Released on December 2, 1966, the single appeared on Deram Records under catalogue number DM 107. Backed with “The London Boys” (misspelled as “The London Boy's” on the label), this 7-inch release marked Bowie’s official solo debut on the Deram label.


Label: Deram Records

Catalogue Number: DM 107

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: December 2, 1966 (UK)


🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Deram – DM 107 — 1966

A. Rubber Band

B. The London Boys


Written by: David Bowie (both tracks)

Produced by: Mike Vernon

Recorded: 1966


🔘 Key Highlights

• Released December 2, 1966

• David Bowie’s official solo debut single on Deram Records

• Brass-heavy mod-pop track with theatrical flair

• “The London Boys” appeared with a misspelling (“The London Boy's”) on the label

• Did not chart in the UK

• Highly collectable early Bowie single with rare promo and demo variants


🔘 The Story

“Rubber Band” was a playful, brass-driven pop song that reflected Bowie’s early interest in music-hall and theatrical styles. Produced by Mike Vernon, the track featured prominent horn arrangements and showcased Bowie’s distinctive vocal delivery at a very young age.


The B-side “The London Boys” was a more introspective and autobiographical piece about the mod scene in London. Although the single failed to chart, it remains a fascinating document of Bowie’s pre-fame era and a holy grail for collectors, especially in its rare promo and unreleased demo forms.


🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Deram – DM 107 — UK — 1966

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Deram – DM 107 — UK — 1966

• Promo copies with light blue/white labels

• Rare unreleased Decca demo with blank labels

• Issued in standard Deram company sleeve


🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.


Total Weeks: 0


🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Rubber Band” – quirky, brass-laden mod-pop track with theatrical elements.

• B-side: “The London Boys” – introspective mod-scene narrative (misspelled “The London Boy's” on the label).

• Production: Mike Vernon – early professional production for the young Bowie.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Deram company sleeve (promo and demo variants exist).

• Historical placement: Released during Bowie’s early pop/novelty phase, several years before his breakthrough with “Space Oddity” and the glam explosion.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on Bowie early career rarities compilations and box sets.


🔘 Related Material

• Can't Help Thinking About Me (1966)

• The Laughing Gnome (1967)

• Love You Till Tuesday (1967)

• Space Oddity (1969)


🔘 Discography

Can't Help Thinking About Me – Single: 1966

Rubber Band – Single: 1966

The Laughing Gnome – Single: 1967

Love You Till Tuesday – Single: 1967


🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1966 — Recorded with producer Mike Vernon

✦ December 2, 1966 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart


🔘 Glam Flashback

Long before the lightning bolt and Ziggy Stardust, a teenage David Bowie was already crafting quirky pop curiosities like “Rubber Band” in December 1966 — the first steps of a chameleon who would eventually redefine British music.



🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Deram Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.









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