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"Roxy Roller" is a song originally recorded by the glam rock band Sweeney Todd in 1975 with Nick Gilder on vocals. It was written by Jim McCulloch and Nick Gilder. In total, four versions of the song were released in 1976:
the original one at London Records, cat. no. L 2590, released in Canada only,
a solo version recorded by Nick Gilder released at Chrysalis Records in various countries outside Canada in 1976,
a version by Sweeney Todd with newly recorded vocals by new lead singer Clark Perry on London Records, cat. no. 5N-240, released in various countries outside Canada.
a version by Sweeney Todd with newly recorded vocals by new lead singer Bryan Adams on London Records, cat. no. 5N-244, released in the U.S. only.
Canadian success story
The original version did chart big in Canada, entering during May 1976: the song spent three consecutive weeks at number one in Canada during June and July 1976. By that time Gilder and McCulloch both had already left the band to pursue a solo career. [1]
The song is ranked as the fifth biggest Canadian hit of 1976.[2] "Roxy Roller" won a Juno Award for the band.[3]
USA reception
At first the song didn't catch up with the American public, and Gilder took a chance recording a solo version of the song (released at Chrysalis Records) which however did have a simultaneous release date as the rush release of Sweeney Todd's newly recorded version on which new singer Clark Perry sang lead vocals. Chrysalis Records which had contracted Gilder demanded on his behalf as songwriter imported copies of the original Sweeney Todd's version as well as the newly recorded version to be withdrawn from the market in the U.S. Record stores duly took both singles released by the incarnations of Sweeney Todd from the shelves.
However, the two re-recorded versions of "Roxy Roller" did chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The first cover version with vocals by Clark Perry peaked at #90 and at #97 in the Cash Box Top 100 in late August 1976. A second re-recorded version which had vocals by Bryan Adams peaked at #99 in mid-September 1976.
Obviously these confusing conditions did prevent any of the four versions of "Roxy Roller" to get enough promotion hence attention in the U.S., at a time when glam rock sounding songs were quite popular.
