I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)
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"I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)" | ||||
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Single by Gary Glitter | ||||
B-side | "Just Fancy That" | |||
Released | 1973 | |||
Genre | Glam rock | |||
Length | 3:25 | |||
Label | Bell | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Mike Leander | |||
Gary Glitter singles chronology | ||||
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"I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am!)" is a song by English glam rock singer Gary Glitter, written by Glitter with Mike Leander and produced by Mike Leander. It was Glitter's first number-one single on the UK Singles Chart, spending four weeks at the top of the chart in July 1973.[1]
Description[]
The song "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)" was a top hit for Gary Glitter; the song reached number-one in the UK Singles Chart in July and August 1973.[1] It was written by Gary Glitter and Mike Leander and produced by Mike Leander.[1] As a result of its popularity, Glitter's nickname became "The Leader".[citation needed]
The song is a glam rock anthem typical of Glitter's early 1970s output, based on a simple mid-tempo rhythm (the so-called "Glitter Stomp") and loud chanted backing vocals such as "Hey!" and "Come on, come on!". Glitter had a backing band, the Glitter Band, but with the exception of saxophonists Harvey Ellison and John Rossall, they did not participate in his recording sessions, and precisely who else, if anyone, helped Glitter and producer/co-writer Mike Leander in the studio remains unknown. Glitter said in interviews that he and Leander preferred to play everything themselves, since it allowed them to record the songs as they were being written.[citation needed]
The song became a concert favourite with the crowd chanting the "Come on, come on!" refrain before Glitter took to the stage. Although Glitter's version failed to chart in the U.S., the following year a version by Brownsville Station made the Top 30 on the Cashbox Top 100[2] and reached No. 48 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1986, still a popular live act, Glitter re-recorded the song with Girlschool. This version missed the UK charts but reached No.8 on the indie chart Show Heavy Metal charts. In 1997, girl group Spice Girls covered the song for their musical comedy film Spice World. Glitter originally made a cameo appearance in the film, but his scene was deleted after he was arrested for possession of child pornography.[3]
The song was used in the 1997 movie The Full Monty where it is credited in the trailer section.
Track listing[]
- "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)" – 3:25
- "Just Fancy That" – 2:36
Peter and the Test Tube Babies cover[]
In 1982, the Peacehaven's punk band Peter and the Test Tube Babies covered the song on their album Pissed and Proud.
Green Jellÿ cover[]
"I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)" | ||||
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Single by Green Jellÿ featuring Hulk Hogan | ||||
Released | 1993 | |||
Genre | ||||
Label | Zoo Entertainment | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Green Jellÿ featuring Hulk Hogan singles chronology | ||||
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In 1993, comedy rock band Green Jellÿ released "I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)", with professional wrestler Hulk Hogan singing lead vocals. The release scored them a third Top 40 hit in the United Kingdom.
Track listing[]
- "I'm the Leader of the Gang"
- "I'm the Leader of the Gang" (12" Remix)
- "Thing-a-Ma-Bob"
- "Hulkamaniac"
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 289. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ The Truth Behind The Deleted Gary Glitter Cameo In The Spice Girls Movie
External links[]
- 1973 singles
- 1993 singles
- Gary Glitter songs
- UK Singles Chart number-one singles
- Songs written by Mike Leander
- Song recordings produced by Mike Leander
- Comedy rock songs
- Songs written by Gary Glitter
- Green Jellÿ songs
- 1973 songs