| "Shaddap You Face" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Joe Dolce Music Theatre | ||||
| B-side | "Ain't in No Hurry" | |||
| Released | 1980 | |||
| Format | 7" | |||
| Recorded | 1980 | |||
| Genre | Novelty | |||
| Label | Ariola Records (Europe) | |||
| Writer(s) | Joe Dolce | |||
| Joe Dolce Music Theatre singles chronology | ||||
|
||||
"Shaddap You Face" is an Australian novelty song written and performed by Joe Dolce (also known as the Joe Dolce Music Theatre) in 1980. It has set a number of sales and longevity records. The song was full of broad Italian humour and included a recognizable chorus.
Contents |
It went to Number 1 on the Australian pop charts in 1980. It reached Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart on 21 February 1981 and stayed there for three weeks until 14 March 1981, keeping the Ultravox song, Vienna, off the UK No. 1 slot.
"Shaddap You Face" was Number 1 in 11 countries. There have been over 50 different foreign language cover versions, and hundreds more published informally on YouTube with new versions being recorded and uploaded every year. The original release sold over 6 million copies and has remained the most successful Australian-produced single in Australian music history for 31 years straight, with sales of over 350,000+ copies. It was Australia's first triple platinum recording by the old count of 100,000 units equaling platinum status, which has since changed to 75,000 units. In 2002, "Shaddap You Face" also overtook country legend Slim Dusty's 22-year longevity record for 'A Pub with No Beer,' which went to Number 1 in 1957, and was Australia's first gold record and only gold 78rpm record.
In the U.S., the song peaked at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it was played non-stop on the Dr. Demento show to the point of being #6 on the year end Funny 25 that year.
The National Folk Festival in Canberra featured 'The Inspired Shaddap You Face Contest' in April 2006. Festival artists were invited to perform their interpretations of the classic song. The Cygnet Folk Festival in Tasmania featured the second 'Inspired Shaddap You Face Contest' in the following year. Joe Dolce was invited to be the MC at both events.
| Preceded by "Woman in Love" by Barbra Streisand |
Australian Kent Music Report number-one single 24 November 1980 – 12 January 1981 |
Succeeded by "(Just Like) Starting Over" by John Lennon |
| Preceded by "Woman" by John Lennon |
UK number one single 21 February 1981 – 7 March 1981 |
Succeeded by "Jealous Guy" by Roxy Music |