🔘 Wild Winds Are Blowing – Single: Oct. 1969

In the autumn of 1969, long before the glitter, platform boots and chart domination of the glam era, a young band from Wolverhampton called Ambrose Slade (soon to shorten their name to Slade) released their second single. “Wild Winds Are Blowing” was a raw, heavy rocker that hinted at the powerful, stomping sound the band would later perfect.

Released on October 24, 1969, the single appeared on Fontana Records under catalogue number TF 1056. Backed with “One Way Hotel,” this 7-inch release captured the band in their early, pre-glam skinhead phase, blending hard rock energy with a touch of psychedelia.

Label: Fontana Records

Catalogue Number: TF 1056

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

Released: October 24, 1969 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Fontana – TF 1056 — 1969

A. Wild Winds Are Blowing

B. One Way Hotel

Written by:

- Wild Winds Are Blowing: Noddy Holder / Jim Lea / Dave Hill / Don Powell

- One Way Hotel: Noddy Holder / Jim Lea / Dave Hill / Don Powell

Produced by: Roger Wake

Recorded: 1969

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released October 24, 1969

• Early single from Ambrose Slade before they became simply Slade

• Showcased the band’s raw, heavy rock sound in their pre-glam days

• Chart debut: Did not chart

• One of the rarest and most collectable Slade singles

🔘 The Story

Still operating under the full name Ambrose Slade, the band was experimenting with a heavier, skinhead-influenced rock sound. “Wild Winds Are Blowing” featured aggressive guitars, pounding drums and Noddy Holder’s already distinctive vocal rasp. The song reflected the band’s transition from their earlier skinhead image toward the louder, more theatrical style that would soon define them as glam rock legends.

The B-side “One Way Hotel” was a strong, atmospheric rocker that further highlighted the group’s potential. Although the single failed to chart, it remains a fascinating snapshot of Slade before they found massive commercial success and became one of the biggest British bands of the 1970s.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — Fontana – TF 1056 — UK — 1969

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — Fontana – TF 1056 — UK — 1969

• Issued in standard Fontana company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Did not chart.

Total Weeks: 0

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Wild Winds Are Blowing” – heavy, riff-driven rocker showcasing the band’s raw early sound.

• B-side: “One Way Hotel” – atmospheric, powerful track with strong guitar work.

• Production: Roger Wake – capturing the band’s aggressive, energetic style.

• Sleeve notes: Standard Fontana company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the late 1960s, well before the glam explosion of 1971–1973, representing Slade’s transitional skinhead-to-glam period.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Highly sought-after by collectors; appears on early Slade rarities compilations.

🔘 Related Material

• Beginnings (1969 album as Ambrose Slade)

• Play It Loud (1970)

• Coz I Luv You (1971)

• Get Down and Get with It (1971)

🔘 Discography

Wild Winds Are Blowing – Single: 1969

Coz I Luv You – Single: 1971

Look Wot You Dun – Single: 1972

Mama Weer All Crazee Now – Single: 1972

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1969 — Recorded as Ambrose Slade

✦ October 24, 1969 — UK single released

✦ Did not enter UK Singles Chart

🔘 Glam Flashback

Before the mirrored top hats and stomping boots, a young Slade were already howling with raw power on “Wild Winds Are Blowing” in October 1969 — the first gust of the storm that would soon become glam rock.

#ReleaseChronicle #Slade #WildWindsAreBlowing #1969 #Fontana

🔘 Sources

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