🔘 The Tears I Cried – Single: Apr. 1975

A driving, emotional slice of mid‑70s glam, “The Tears I Cried” arrived as The Glitter Band were at the height of their commercial power. Built on tight harmonies, melodic drama, and the group’s signature rhythmic stomp, the single became one of their biggest UK hits—showcasing the band’s ability to stand on their own beyond their origins as Gary Glitter’s backing group.

Released on April 4 1975 by Bell Records (BELL 1416), the single paired the anthemic A‑side with “Until Tomorrow,” written by bassist John Springate. Produced by Mike Leander for GTO Productions, the track continued the band’s run of polished glam‑pop singles. Entering the UK chart on April 12 at No. 29, it climbed steadily to a peak of No. 8, spending eight weeks on the chart. A special Smiths Crisps flexi‑disc edition—backed with “Just For You”—was also issued as part of a promotional token campaign, making it one of the more unusual Glitter Band collectibles.

Label: Bell Records

Catalogue Number: BELL 1416

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Solid Centre)

Released: April 4 1975 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — Bell Records – BELL 1416 — 1975

A. The Tears I Cried

Written by: Gerry Shephard

B. Until Tomorrow

Written by: John Springate

Produced by: Mike Leander for GTO Productions

Published by: Rock Artistes Music Publishing Ltd

Pressed by: EMI Records

Recorded: 1975

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released April 4 1975

• A-side: One of The Glitter Band’s strongest glam‑era singles

• B-side: “Until Tomorrow,” written by John Springate

• Chart debut: Entered UK chart at No. 29 on April 12

• Peak position: No. 8

• Total weeks on chart: 8

• Promotional variant: Smiths Crisps flexi‑disc with alternate B‑side

🔘 The Story

By early 1975, The Glitter Band had firmly established themselves as hitmakers in their own right. “The Tears I Cried” continued their streak of high‑energy glam singles, driven by Gerry Shephard’s emotive songwriting and Mike Leander’s polished production. The track’s blend of melancholy lyrics and uplifting glam arrangement resonated strongly with fans, pushing it into the UK Top 10.

The B‑side, “Until Tomorrow,” written by John Springate, offered a softer, melodic contrast, showcasing the band’s versatility beyond their trademark stomp‑beat sound.

A notable promotional twist came via Smiths Crisps, who issued a flexi‑disc version of the single backed with “Just For You.” Fans could obtain one of eight artist flexis—including Slade, Bay City Rollers, Gary Glitter, The Rubettes, and Status Quo—by collecting 20 tokens from crisp packets. The Glitter Band flexi came in a tri‑fold sleeve, now a prized collectible among glam‑era enthusiasts.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Single — Bell Records – BELL 1416 — UK — 1975

• 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo — Bell Records – BELL 1416 — UK — 1975

• Flexi‑disc, 7", 45 RPM — Smiths Crisps – LYN 3146 / LYN 3147 — UK — 1975

• Issued in standard Bell company sleeve (vinyl editions)

• Smiths Crisps tri‑fold sleeve (flexi edition)

🔘 Sleeves

• Standard Bell Records company sleeve (UK vinyl)

• Smiths Crisps tri‑fold promotional sleeve (flexi‑disc edition)

• No dedicated picture sleeve issued for the standard release

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Peak Position: No. 8

Total Weeks on Chart: 8

First Chart Date: 12/04/1975

Full Chart Run:

29 — 12/04/1975

16 — 19/04/1975

14 — 26/04/1975

08 — 03/05/1975 (peak)

11 — 10/05/1975

18 — 17/05/1975

35 — 24/05/1975

47 — 31/05/1975

Australia — Singles Chart

Peak Position: No. 7 (released as “Cry”)

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: One of the band’s final major UK hits

• B-side: Written by bassist John Springate

• Production: Mike Leander for GTO Productions

• Sleeve notes: Standard Bell sleeve; Smiths Crisps tri‑fold for flexi

• Historical placement: Part of the band’s strong 1974–75 chart run

• Collectability: Smiths Crisps flexi is highly sought after

🔘 Related Material

• “Goodbye My Love” (1975)

• “Love in the Sun” (1975)

• Smiths Crisps promotional flexi‑disc series

🔘 Discography

Goodbye My Love — 1975

The Tears I Cried — 1975

Love in the Sun — 1975

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ Early 1975 — Recorded for Bell Records

✦ Apr 4 1975 — UK single released

✦ Apr 12 1975 — Enters UK chart at No. 29

✦ May 1975 — Peaks at No. 8

✦ 1975 — Smiths Crisps flexi‑disc issued

🔘 Glam Flashback

Glam was still shining bright in 1975, and The Glitter Band delivered one of the era’s most heartfelt stompers. “The Tears I Cried” blends emotion, melody, and glitter‑beat power—proof that the band’s identity extended far beyond their origins.

#ReleaseChronicle #TheGlitterBand #TheTearsICried #1975 #BellRecords #GlamRock

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: Bell Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, RPM / Kent Music Charts, contemporary music‑press documentation, archival references.

🔘 Copyright Notice

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle 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.