🔘 There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree – Single: Oct. 1972

In the darkening autumn of 1972, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band emerged as one of the most theatrical and unpredictable acts in British rock. Fronted by the charismatic and larger-than-life Alex Harvey, the band blended hard rock, cabaret flair and dark humour. Their debut single “There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They’re Burning Big Louie Tonight” was a wild, storytelling rocker full of gangster menace and twisted festive imagery.

Released on October 27, 1972, the single appeared on Vertigo Records under catalogue number 6059 070. Backed with “Harp,” this 7-inch release introduced the band’s unique, dramatic sound to the public just weeks before their debut album *Framed* arrived.

Label: Vertigo Records

Catalogue Number: 6059 070

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

Released: October 27, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Vertigo – 6059 070 — 1972

A. There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They’re Burning Big Louie Tonight

B. Harp

Written by:

- There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They’re Burning Big Louie Tonight: Alex Harvey / Hugh McKenna

- Harp: Alex Harvey / Zal Cleminson / Chris Glen / Ted McKenna

Produced by: The Sensational Alex Harvey Band

Recorded: 1972

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released October 27, 1972

• Debut single from The Sensational Alex Harvey Band

• Darkly humorous, theatrical rock track with a gangster narrative

• Showcased Alex Harvey’s commanding vocal presence and the band’s vaudeville-meets-rock style

• Preceded the acclaimed debut album *Framed*

🔘 The Story

Freshly formed after Harvey joined forces with the musicians who would become his Sensational Band, the group wasted no time making a bold statement. “There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother…” delivered a cinematic tale of crime and retribution wrapped in festive absurdity. Alex Harvey’s gritty, spoken-sung delivery and the band’s tight, dramatic playing created something genuinely unique in the glam rock landscape.

The B-side “Harp” offered a different flavour, highlighting the band’s musical range. Though the single did not achieve major chart success, it quickly gained a cult following and helped build anticipation for the *Framed* album. The track remains a favourite among fans for its eccentric storytelling and Harvey’s magnetic personality.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Vertigo – 6059 070 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Vertigo – 6059 070 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard Vertigo company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother, They’re Burning Big Louie Tonight” – theatrical, darkly comic gangster tale with festive twist.

• B-side: “Harp” – atmospheric track showcasing the band’s musical versatility.

• Production: The Sensational Alex Harvey Band – raw and dramatic, capturing their live energy.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Vertigo company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during the peak of the glam rock era, offering a more theatrical and narrative-driven alternative to the stomping anthems of Slade and Sweet.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on *Framed* reissues and various Sensational Alex Harvey Band anthologies.

🔘 Related Material

• Framed (1972 album)

• Midnight Moses (1973)

• Next (1973)

• Delilah (1975)

🔘 Discography

There’s No Lights On The Christmas Tree Mother… – Single: 1972

Midnight Moses – Single: 1973

Next – Single: 1973

The Impossible Dream – Single: 1974

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1972 — Recorded for the debut album *Framed*

✦ October 27, 1972 — UK single released

✦ December 1972 — *Framed* album released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

With a twinkle in his eye and a gangster’s grin, Alex Harvey brought Christmas crime and cabaret chaos to the glam rock party in late 1972.

#ReleaseChronicle #SensationalAlexHarveyBand #TheresNoLightsOnTheChristmasTree #1972 #Vertigo

🔘 Sources

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1pN9o68y4o