I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am)

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I'm the Leader of the Gang (I Am) was a top hit for British rock singer Gary Glitter. This song reached #1 in the UK Top 40 in 1973. As a result of its popularity, Glitter's nickname became "The Leader Of The Gang", often shortened to "The Leader".

Written by Gary Glitter and Mike Leander and produced by Mike Leander, I'm The Leader Of The Gang was Glitter's first number one single in the UK, spending four weeks at the top of the chart in July 1973.

The song is a glam rock anthem typical of Glitter's early seventies output, based on a simple mid-tempo rhythm (the so-called "Glitter Stomp") and loud chanted backing vocals (sample lyrics: "Hey!", "Come on, come on!").

Gary Glitter had a backing band, The Glitter Band, but they did not participate in his recording sessions, and precisely who, if anyone, helped Glitter and producer/co-writer Mike Leander in the studio remains unknown. Glitter has said in interviews that he and Leander preferred to play everything themselves, since it allowed them to record the songs as they were being written.

The song became a concert favourite with the crowd chanting the Come On, Come On refrain before Glitter took to the stage.

Although Glitter's version failed to chart in the USA, the following year a version by Brownsville Station reached number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100.

[edit] Cover Versions

It was covered by electronic band Heavens on the vinyl edition of their album Patent Pending (album).

Peter and the Test Tube Babies covered the song on their 1982 live album, Pissed and Proud.

The Spice Girls performed this song in their debut film, Spice World.

Green Jellÿ released a single, a duet with Hulk Hogan, performing this song, which scored them a third Top 40 hit in England.

Suburban Legends sometimes open their shows with a shortened version of the song.

Preceded by "Welcome Home" by Peters and Lee

UK number one single July 24, 1973

Succeeded by "Young Love" by Donny Osmond