Oh, That Roaring Anthem of Youthful Abandon! Revisiting Gary Glitter’s “Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 2)”
The Unforgettable Roar of “Hey! You! Get Down!” A Look Back at Gary Glitter’s Glam Rock Anthem
Gary Glitter’s Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 2), despite its simplistic instrumental nature punctuated by that infectious “Hey!”, became an undeniable sonic stamp of the early 1970s glam rock era, a moment of pure, unadulterated energy that resonated deeply within the youthful spirit of the time. Released as the B-side to Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 1) in March 1972, this instrumental powerhouse, driven by a heavy beat and those now-iconic shouts, surprisingly carved its own significant place in the pop culture landscape. While Part 1 offered a more traditional rock and roll narrative, it was the raw, almost primal energy of Part 2 that truly captured the zeitgeist. In the United Kingdom, the single, featuring both parts, climbed to number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, held off the top spot by Donny Osmond’s “Puppy Love” for three consecutive weeks – a testament to its widespread appeal even against more conventional pop fare. Across the Atlantic, in the United States, Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 2) proved to be Gary Glitter’s most significant chart success, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The story behind Rock ‘n’ Roll is rather intriguing. The song’s genesis lies in an earlier, unsuccessful recording titled “Shag Rag, That’s My Bag,” conceived by Gary Glitter’s producer and co-writer, Mike Leander. Recognizing the potential within that initial idea, Leander reworked it, eventually trimming a fifteen-minute jam session down to a more radio-friendly length. It was then divided into two parts, with Part 1 featuring vocals that reflected on the history of rock and roll, while Part 2 became the instrumental track we remember so vividly, its only “lyric” the repeated and varied exclamations of “Hey!”. This seemingly simple formula proved to be remarkably effective, launching Gary Glitter into the stratosphere of glam rock stardom. The song was a key track on his debut album, simply titled Glitter, released later in 1972.
In terms of meaning, Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 2) is less about lyrical depth and more about evoking a feeling, a pure sense of excitement and release. That driving beat, the saxophone riffs, and those energetic “Hey!” shouts all combine to create an atmosphere of youthful abandon and uninhibited joy. It’s a soundtrack to letting loose, to dancing without a care, to feeling the sheer power of the music coursing through you. Perhaps this is why, particularly in North America, the instrumental Part 2 found a second life as a ubiquitous sports anthem. From hockey arenas to football stadiums, the song became synonymous with moments of high energy, victory, and getting the crowd on its feet – often referred to simply as “The Hey Song.” It was a sound that could instantly inject a dose of adrenaline into any event.
Beyond its chart success and sporting association, Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 2) remains a fascinating artifact of its time. It perfectly encapsulates the flamboyant and energetic spirit of the glam rock era, with its emphasis on catchy hooks, simple yet powerful rhythms, and an overall sense of theatrical fun. Gary Glitter, with his larger-than-life persona and signature look, became a defining figure of this genre, and Rock ‘n’ Roll was undoubtedly one of his signature tunes. It’s a song that, for many of us, instantly transports us back to a time of youthful exuberance, brightly colored clothes, and the irresistible urge to move to the beat. It’s a reminder of a time when music was often about pure, unadulterated fun, a soundtrack to a generation that was eager to embrace the new and the exciting sounds of rock and roll. Even now, decades later, that simple “Hey!” can still evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia for those who remember its initial impact.