Alice Cooper’s fourth top ten hit in the UK. Number 10 in 1973.

Alice Cooper: No More Mr Nice Guy

Bonnie Tyler’s death was announced yesterday.

She was one of those artists whose voice was utterly distinctive and ideally suited to the style of her biggest hits Total Eclipse of the Heart and Holding Out For a Hero.

This, though, is her first hit, the more wistful, Lost in France. (The opening chords always remind me of those of Then He Kissed Me.)

Bonnie Tyler:  Lost in France

Gaynor Sullivan Hopkins (Bonnie Tyler): 8/6/1951 – 8/7/2026. So it goes.

Co-founder of Hot Chocolate and, along with Errol Brown, co-writer of their early hits, Tony Wilson died in April. The promotion of Brown as lead singer eventually led to Wilson leaving the group. This is one of those early hits.

Hot Chocolate: Emma

Anthony Nathaniel (Tony) Wilson: 8/10/1936 – 24/4/2026. So it goes.

One more week, another obituary. This time of the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.

The band was primarily known for its live performances and not for its singles. They had a few top 100 hits in the US, though, but never troubled the UK charts.

This was written by Weir.

The Grateful Dead: One More Saturday Night.

Robert Hall Parber (Bob Weir) 16/10/1947 – January 10/1/2026. So it goes.

Perhaps Ian Dury’s most enduring legacy, certainly his and the Blockheads biggest hit, no 1 in 1978.

Its rhyming is inspired.

Ian Dury and the Blockheads: Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick

I’ve said before that writing love songs, good love songs, is not easy but that David Gates seemed to do it effortlessly. (That last word is doing him a disservice I’m sure.)

The lyric of this song again has issues with grammar but that’s popular music for you.

Bread: Baby I’m A Want You

Clem Burke, the driving force behind Blondie’s insistent sound, died last week.

While singer Debbie Harry grabbed most of the attention it is doubtful if Blondie would have achieved the success they did without Burke’s powerful drumming propelling them along.

This was their second UK hit.

Blondie: (I’m Always Touched by) Your Presence, Dear

Clement Anthony Bozewski (Clem Burke:) 24/11/954 – April 6/4/2025. So it goes.

What promised to be Kiki Dee’s breakthrough track. Her first hit but only a no 13 in 1973. Her joint highest solo chart position.

Kiki Dee: Amoureuse

Below is a live version from the Dutch TV broadcaster AVRO’s TopPop.

Kris Kristofferson, who died last week, was a man of many parts (literally as an actor but also a Rhodes Scholar, a soldier, helicopter pilot, singer and songwriter.)

It is for his songwriting and acting he will most likely be remembered for. Classic songs like Me and Bobby McGhee, For the Good Times and this one.

Kris Kristofferson: Help Me Make It Through the Night

For a change, a TV theme from the 1970s. Follyfoot was a programme about a farm which took in horses in need of recuperation.

The tune will bring back memories for some.

The Settlers: The Lightning Tree (Theme from Follyfoot)