David Bowie: "The Laughing Gnome" Single (1973)

David Bowie’s "The Laughing Gnome" backed with "The Gospel According To Tony Day", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Deram (catalog number DM 123) on September 14, 1973.

This version can be identified by the matrix numbers printed upside-down above the catalogue numbers on the labels. It has the same catalogue number as the original release but has the matrix numbers printed the right way up.

A release date of September 28, 1973, was given in booklet 'The New Singles' No. 494 for the re-release, it entered the UK Singles Chart the week of September 9, 1973 - September 15, 1973 at number 42, where it spent 12 weeks peaking at number 6 for two weeks.

Release Details:

A-Side:

"The Laughing Gnome"

B-Side: "The Gospel According to Tony Day"

Label: Deram Records (DM 123)

Original Release: April 14, 1967 (UK)

Reissue: September 1973 (UK)

Context: This was one of Bowie’s early singles, released when he was still finding his artistic voice, years before his breakthrough with Ziggy Stardust.

The 1973 reissue capitalized on Bowie’s newfound fame as a glam rock icon.

A-Side: "The Laughing Gnome"

Written by David Bowie and produced by Mike Vernon.

Released in 1967 when Bowie was 20, it reflects the whimsical, theatrical style of his early work, influenced by British music hall and novelty pop.

The song features Bowie’s voice sped up to create the high-pitched voice of the gnome, a playful storytelling device.

Reception:

In 1967, the single flopped, failing to chart in the UK or elsewhere. Critics and fans largely dismissed it as a novelty track.

The 1973 reissue, riding on Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane fame, reached No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart, reflecting his growing popularity.

France - Deram - 1973

B-Side:

"The Gospel According to Tony Day"

Also written by Bowie and produced by Mike Vernon, released as the B-side to "The Laughing Gnome" in 1967.

Recorded during the same sessions as Bowie’s debut album David Bowie (1967) for Deram.

Context in Bowie’s Career

1967:

Early Struggles:

At the time of the single’s original release, Bowie was an unknown artist experimenting with various styles (folk, pop, music hall) under Deram Records, a Decca subsidiary focused on progressive and experimental acts.

His debut album David Bowie (1967) was a commercial failure, and singles like "The Laughing Gnome" and "The Gospel According to Tony Day" didn’t resonate with audiences.

Bowie was still developing his songwriting and stage presence, influenced by artists like Anthony Newley and the British vaudeville tradition.

1973:

Reissue and Stardom:

By September 1973, Bowie was a global star, thanks to albums like The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust (1972) and Aladdin Sane (1973). Deram reissued early tracks to capitalize on his fame.

Netherlands - Deram - 1973

The reissue of "The Laughing Gnome" was a surprising hit, though it contrasted with the glamorous, edgy image Bowie had cultivated.

This period marked Bowie’s transition from Ziggy Stardust to new personas like Aladdin Sane and the dystopian themes of Diamond Dogs (1974).

Bowie’s Reflection:

In later interviews, Bowie expressed mixed feelings about his early Deram work, calling tracks like "The Laughing Gnome" a product of youthful experimentation.