🔘 Wig-Wam Bam – Single: Sep. 1972

In the late summer of 1972, The Sweet were hitting their stride as one of Britain’s most colourful and successful glam rock bands. With their platform boots, glitter, and catchy pop hooks, the quartet delivered another stomping hit with “Wig-Wam Bam.” The track mixed a driving beat, infectious chorus and playful Native American-inspired lyrics into a perfect slice of glam escapism.

Released on September 1, 1972, the single appeared on RCA Victor under catalogue number RCA 2260. Backed with “New York Connection” in the UK, this 7-inch release became The Sweet’s third consecutive Top 5 hit. In Italy and Japan, the B-side was swapped for “Little Willy.”

Label: RCA Victor

Catalogue Number: RCA 2260

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

Released: September 1, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA – RCA 2260 — 1972

A. Wig-Wam Bam

B. New York Connection

Written by:

- Wig-Wam Bam: Nicky Chinn / Mike Chapman

- New York Connection: Brian Connolly / Steve Priest / Andy Scott / Mick Tucker

Produced by: Phil Wainman

Recorded: 1972

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released September 1, 1972

• The Sweet’s third consecutive UK Top 5 single

• Classic glam stomper with a catchy, singalong chorus

• Chart debut: September 9, 1972

• Peaked at No. 4 in the UK

🔘 The Story

By September 1972 The Sweet had already scored major success with “Little Willy” and “Wig-Wam Bam” continued their hot streak under the guidance of songwriters Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman. The song’s bouncy rhythm and fun, slightly cheeky lyrics made it an instant favourite with fans and a staple of glam rock radio. Brian Connolly’s strong lead vocal sat perfectly over the tight, energetic backing from the rest of the band.

In the UK the B-side was “New York Connection,” a solid rocker written by the band themselves. In Italy and Japan, however, “Little Willy” was used as the B-side instead. The single helped maintain The Sweet’s momentum during the golden year of glam and kept them firmly among the top chart acts of the era.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RCA – RCA 2260 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RCA – RCA 2260 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — RCA – RCA 2260 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on September 9, 1972 and peaked at No. 4. It spent a total of 12 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 12

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Wig-Wam Bam” – upbeat glam rocker with a driving beat and playful lyrics.

• B-side: “New York Connection” (UK) / “Little Willy” (Italy & Japan) – strong band-written rocker or previous hit depending on territory.

• Production: Phil Wainman – delivering the polished, punchy sound that defined The Sweet’s biggest hits.

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the height of the glam rock explosion, sitting comfortably alongside hits from Slade, T. Rex and David Bowie.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on virtually every Sweet greatest hits collection and glam rock compilations.

🔘 Related Material

• Little Willy (1972)

• Block Buster! (1973)

• Hell Raiser (1973)

• The Sweet (1973 album)

🔘 Discography

Little Willy – Single: 1972

Wig-Wam Bam – Single: 1972

Block Buster! – Single: 1973

Hell Raiser – Single: 1973

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1972 — Recorded with producer Phil Wainman

✦ September 1, 1972 — UK single released

✦ September 9, 1972 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ September 1972 — Peaks at No. 4

✦ Late 1972 — Completes 12-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With glitter on their faces and a stomping beat, The Sweet invited everyone to the Wig-Wam Bam in September 1972 and kept the glam party firmly on the charts.

#ReleaseChronicle #TheSweet #WigWamBam #1972 #RCA

🔘 Sources

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