🔘 When the Daylight Comes –Single: Mar. 1979

Released: March 27 1979 (UK)

Catalogue Number: CHS 2278 (Chrysalis UK)

A widescreen, late‑night anthem from Hunter’s 1979 creative peak.

Released as part of the You’re Never Alone With a Schizophrenic campaign, “When the Daylight Comes” captures Ian Hunter at his most cinematic. Built on Roy Bittan’s sweeping piano and Mick Ronson’s atmospheric production, the track blends Springsteen‑esque grandeur with Hunter’s trademark grit.

Although not a major chart hit, the single reinforced the album’s momentum and showcased the E Street Band’s unmistakable presence. Its UK release arrived with a striking sleeve featuring Hunter in dark sunglasses and leather — a visual extension of the album’s nocturnal, introspective mood.

🔘 Track List

(UK 7" – Chrysalis CHS 2278)

Side One

When the Daylight Comes — Ian Hunter

Side Two

Wild East — Ian Hunter

Produced by: Ian Hunter & Mick Ronson

Engineers: Bob Clearmountain, Ed Sprigg

🔘 Variants (UK‑Only, Discogs‑Verified)

🇬🇧 UK – Chrysalis – CHS 2278 (1979)

Format: 7" Single

Country: UK

Year: 1979

Notes:

• Standard UK picture sleeve

• Green Chrysalis labels

• B‑side: “Wild East”

• Matrix variants include STERLING stamps

🔘 Chart Performance

🇬🇧 UK Singles Chart

Peak Position: Did not chart

Label: Chrysalis

Catalogue Number: CHS 2278

(No official chart run — included for archival completeness.)

🔘 Context & Notes

Personnel (Verified)

• Ian Hunter — vocals, piano

• Mick Ronson — guitar, arrangements

• Roy Bittan — piano

• Max Weinberg — drums

• Garry Tallent — bass

• Ellen Foley — backing vocals

• George Meyer — backing vocals

Recording Notes

• Recorded at The Power Station, NYC

• Signature Clearmountain mix: bright, open, cinematic

• Ronson’s production emphasises atmosphere and emotional lift

Press Reception

• Praised in album reviews for its Springsteen‑like sweep

• Frequently cited as one of the standout tracks on the album

Legacy

• A fan favourite and a staple of Hunter’s late‑’70s live sets

• Reinforced the album’s reputation as Hunter’s finest solo work

🔘 Visual Archive

A close‑up portrait of Ian Hunter wearing oversized dark sunglasses and a leather jacket, framed tightly to emphasise his curls and rock‑star presence. The title “When the Daylight Comes” appears in bold lettering.

Ian Hunter — “When the Daylight Comes” UK 7" (1979). Photographer uncredited.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Album: Overnight Angels (1977)

Next Album: Welcome to the Club (1980)

Related Artists: Mick Ronson, E Street Band, Mott the Hoople

🔘 Discography (Selected)

• You’re Never Alone With a Schizophrenic (1979)

• “Just Another Night” (1979 single)

• “Cleveland Rocks” (1979 single)

• “Ships” (1979 single)

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

1978: Track recorded at The Power Station

Mar. 1979: UK 7" single released

1979: Featured prominently in Hunter’s live shows

🔘 Glam Flashback

A nocturnal anthem delivered with swagger and melancholy — Hunter stepping into the streetlight glow of late‑’70s rock.

🔘 Closing Notes

Though not a chart hit, “When the Daylight Comes” remains one of Hunter’s most evocative recordings — a sweeping, piano‑driven highlight from his most celebrated solo era.

🔘 Sources & Copyright

• Discogs (CHS 2278 UK 7")

• 45cat (UK single entry)

• Wikipedia (album + personnel + recording context)

All artwork and text remain the property of their respective copyright holders.

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