John's Children (May 24 1967) Desdemona - 7" Single UK
Updated: Jun 22
A raw, controversial psychedelic pop single written by a young Marc Bolan during his brief time with the band — infamous for its BBC ban and cult status in the pre-glam underground scene.
RELEASE DETAILS
Date: 24 May 1967
Catalogue: 604003
Format: 7" Single
Country: United Kingdom
Label: Track Records
A-Side: Desdemona
B-Side: Remember Thomas À Becket
PACKAGING HIGHLIGHTS
Front sleeve: Black & white band photo with a striking image of a woman in the foreground
Consistent mod/psychedelic 1967 visual style
THE STORY
Released on 24 May 1967, “Desdemona” was the third single by English mod/psychedelic band John’s Children. Written by Marc Bolan (who joined the band for a short period and played on the track), the song features provocative lyrics that led to it being banned by the BBC. Despite the controversy, it became a cult favourite and achieved minor success in parts of Europe.
WHAT THE LABEL / SLEEVE SHOWS
Front cover features a dramatic black and white photograph of the band with a woman’s face in the foreground. Track Records logo and catalogue number 604003. Labels show standard Track Records design with “Essex Music” publishing credits and 1967 date.
CONTEXT & NOTES
The single captures the wild, rebellious energy of the late 1960s London underground scene. The BBC ban was due to the suggestive line “lift up your skirt and fly.” The B-side “Remember Thomas À Becket” was written by band members Andy Ellison and Chris Hewlett. This release marked one of Bolan’s earliest major contributions before forming T. Rex.
TRACK LIST
UK 7" Single
A. Desdemona – 3:??
B. Remember Thomas À Becket – 3:??
CHART PERFORMANCE
Did not chart in the UK due to BBC ban. Minor hit in parts of Europe.
PERSONNEL
Andy Ellison – vocals
Marc Bolan – guitar, composition (A-side)
Chris Townson, Geoff McClelland – instruments
Simon Napier-Bell – production
All Variants
7" Commercial Single (UK Track – 604003)
7" Single (Australia – International Polydor NH-59094)
7" Single (Germany – Polydor 59 104)
7" Promo (Germany – Polydor 59 104)
7" Reissue (Germany – Polydor 59 104)
7" Unofficial Reissue (Germany 2005 – International (4) 59104)
7" Single (Japan – Polydor DP-1560, titled Desdemona = デスデモナ)
RELATED MATERIAL
Smashed Blocked (October 1966)
Just What You Want – Just What You'll Get (February 1967)
Next Single: Come and Play with Me in the Garden (July 1967)
SOURCES
Discogs 45cat, BBC Official Charts, Wikipedia.
All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implie
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