Introduction
“Block Buster!” is a seminal track by the British glam rock band Sweet, released on January 5, 1973. Crafted by the prolific songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, and produced by Phil Wainman, the song epitomizes the flamboyant and energetic essence of the glam rock era. Its distinctive sound is marked by a powerful guitar riff and the unconventional use of an air-raid siren, which immediately captures the listener’s attention.
Upon its release, “Block Buster!” achieved remarkable commercial success. It ascended to the number one spot on the UK Singles Chart, maintaining its position for five consecutive weeks. The song also topped charts in several other countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, and Ireland, and reached number three in Finland, Switzerland, Denmark, and Norway. Outside Europe, it peaked at number one in New Zealand and secured the 73rd spot on the American Billboard Hot 100.
An interesting aspect of “Block Buster!” is its notable similarity to David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie,” particularly in the guitar riff. Both tracks were recorded around the same time, leading to discussions about the resemblance. However, both parties have maintained that this was purely coincidental. Guitarist Andy Scott of Sweet recounted their reaction upon hearing Bowie’s track, noting the striking similarity but ultimately acknowledging that both songs stood independently in their own right.
The song’s live performances were characterized by theatrical flair, a hallmark of Sweet’s stage presence. Notably, during a performance on the British television program “Top of the Pops” on December 25, 1973, bassist Steve Priest donned a swastika armband, a painted Hitler mustache, and a Pickelhaube, which sparked controversy and highlighted the band’s provocative approach to performance art.
“Block Buster!” remains a defining piece of Sweet’s musical legacy, encapsulating the bold and rebellious spirit of 1970s glam rock.
Video
Lyrics
Ahh Ahhh, Ahh Ahhh
You better beware, you better take care
You better watch out if you’ve got long black hair
He’ll come from behind, you’ll go out of your mind
You better not go, you never know what you’ll find
Ahh Ahh, Ahh Ahhh
Don’t look into his eyes, you’ll be surprised
If don’t know what going on behind his disguse
Nobody knows where Buster goes
He’ll steal your woman out from under your nose
Does anyone know the way, did we hear someone say
(We just haven’t got a clue what to do)
Does anyone know the way, there’s got to be a way
To Blockbuster
The cops are out, they’re running about
Don’t know if they’ll ever be able to blockbuster out
He’s gotta be caught, he’s gotta be taught
Cause he is more evil then anyone here ever thought
Does anybody know the way, did we hear someone say
(We just haven’t got a aho)
Does anybody know the way, there’s got to be a way
To Blockbuster
Does anybody know the way, did we hear someone say
(We just haven’t got a clue what to do)
Does anybody know the way, there’s got to be a way
To Blockbuster
Ahh Ahh, Ahh Ahh
Ahh Ahh, Ahh Ahh
Buster buster blockbuster