Hubbry Logo
Bend It!Bend It!Main
Open search
Bend It!
Community hub
Bend It!
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Bend It!
Bend It!
Bend It!
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

"Bend It!"
Dutch picture sleeve
Single by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich
from the album If Music Be the Food of Love... Prepare for Indigestion
B-side"She's So Good"
Released9 September 1966
Recorded9 August 1966[1]
StudioPhilips (London)
Genre
Length2:29
LabelFontana
Songwriters
ProducerSteve Rowland
Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich singles chronology
"Hideaway"
(1966) 		"Bend It!"
(1966) 		"Hard to Love You"
(1966)

"Bend It!" is a song by English pop band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, released as a single by Fontana on 9 September 1966. Written by the band's management team Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley, the song's Greek flavour and tempo changes garnered comparisons to Mikis Theodorakis's composition "Zorba's Dance". Though considered a departure from the "big-beat" style of the band's previous hits, "Bend It!" was a major chart success. It peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and had combined sales of over a million in the UK and Europe.[2][3]

Composition

[edit]

The song is notable for its Greek style, inspired by "Zorba's Dance" from the 1964 film Zorba the Greek, which includes a bouzouki that quickens in tempo. For "Bend It!", an electric mandolin was used, with the result coming from experimenting during rehearsals.[4] It represented a departure in sound for the band; Dave Dee told Record Mirror the band couldn't have recorded "another thump-thump thing", adding "we won't be angry if this isn't a hit because at least we'll have tried something new".[5]

Release

[edit]

"Bend It!" was released with the B-side "She's So Good", written by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich. However, in Germany it was released by Star-Club Records with the B-side "You Make It Move", which had been released the previous year as the band's third single.[6] The song peaked at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart for two weeks, ultimately spending twelve weeks on the chart.[7] It reached number 1 in Germany, New Zealand and South Africa.[8][9][10]

The song's salacious lyrics caused controversy and upon its release in America in October, numerous radio stations banned the song. This led the band to re-record "Bend It!" with altered lyrics. This version was then rush-released at the end of October and the original version was withdrawn.[11] The new release came with an open letter of apology stating that "As a pop group we have no right or wish to set ourselves up as arbiters of public taste or morals. But neither would we want to be viewed in any way as corrupters of these standards. Our two countries are so close in most things that it is always surprising to find the exceptional cases where meaning and innuendo differ between us".[12] The song was promoted with a "Bend It!" dance. The dance, created by Ready Steady Go! dancer and choreographer Patrick Kerr, was promoted in music magazines and an instruction guide inlay was included with the song's sheet music.[13]

Reception

[edit]

Reviewed in Record Mirror, "Bend It!" was described as "in many ways the best the boys have yet done. It's unusual, with a speeding-up tempo and a fine set of lyrics".[14] In the US, reviewing the original release, Billboard wrote that "this left-field rhythm novelty with fascinating arrangement should meet with equal success in the U.S." and Cash Box wrote that it "features a tricky, chugging, locomotive rhythm and an excellent sound" and that it also "stands an excellent chance to smash through Stateside".[15][16]

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1966–67) Peak
position
Australia (Go-Set)[17] 16
Australia (Kent Music Report)[18] 6
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[19] 2
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[20] 16
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[21] 22
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[22] 94
Denmark (Danmarks Radio)[23] 8
Germany (GfK)[24] 1
Ireland (IRMA)[25] 3
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[26] 4
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[27] 4
New Zealand (Listener)[28] 1
Rhodesia (Lyons Maid)[29] 1
South Africa (Springbok Radio)[30] 1
Sweden (Kvällstoppen)[31] 5
UK Singles (OCC)[2] 2
US Bubbling Under the Hot 100 (Billboard)[32] 110

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bend It!

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Bend It!" is a 1966 single by the English pop and rock band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, written by songwriting duo and Alan Blaikley and released by Fontana Records on 9 September 1966. The track features playful, innuendo-laden lyrics encouraging a , delivered with the band's characteristic energetic and theatrical style, backed by a driving beat and brass accents. It followed their earlier hits "Hold Tight!" and "Hideaway" and marked a breakthrough for the group, who formed in 1964 with members having prior connections through informal groups and police service. The song achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart and spending 12 weeks in the Top 40, with over a million combined sales across the and Europe. In other markets, it topped charts in and , reached number 3 in Ireland, while reaching number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1968 after a delayed release. Despite its international appeal, "Bend It!" faced in the United States, where dozens of radio stations banned it for lyrics deemed too suggestive, limiting its domestic impact. "Bend It!" also inspired a novelty of the same name, created by British dancer , which involved bending movements synchronized to the song's rhythm and became a minor fad in the during the mod era. As one of the band's eleven UK Top 40 hits between 1966 and 1969, it exemplified their blend of pop novelty, vaudeville influences, and catchy hooks, contributing to their reputation as a vibrant act in the British Invasion's later wave.

Background

Band formation and early career

Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich formed in , , in 1961, initially as a group of friends connected through the local police force, with lead vocalist David Harman—known as —serving as a police cadet at the time. The band started under names like The Boppers and Dave Dee & the Bostons, performing in regional venues with a beat-oriented sound influenced by their semi-professional backgrounds and occasional military-themed elements drawn from their ties. The lineup consisted of on lead vocals, Trevor Ward-Davies (Dozy) on bass, John Dymond (Beaky) on guitar, Michael Wilson (Mick) on keyboards, and Ian Amey (Tich) on drums, all hailing from . By the mid-1960s, the group had been performing on the circuit while members balanced day jobs, including Dee's police duties, before committing fully to music. In 1964, the band attracted the interest of managers and songwriters and Alan Blaikley, who reshaped their image and repertoire, shifting away from raw beat performances toward a more theatrical pop style with catchy, humorous songs. This partnership led to their signing with Fontana Records in 1966, where their debut single "You Make It Move"—penned by and Blaikley—reached number 26 on the UK Singles Chart, signaling their breakthrough. The momentum continued with the release of their self-titled debut album in June 1966 on Fontana, which included early hits and further tracks by and Blaikley, solidifying the band's reputation for energetic, novelty-driven pop and paving the way for greater commercial success.

Context within the band's

"Bend It!" was the follow-up single to "Hideaway" and appeared on , Dozy, Beaky, & Tich's second studio , If Music Be the Food of Love... Prepare for Indigestion, released on 10 November 1966 by Fontana Records. The track followed the band's breakthrough singles "Hold Tight!", which peaked at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1966, and "Hideaway", reaching number 10 later that year, both of which solidified their position in the British pop scene with an energetic, playful style. Positioned as the closing track on side B (B6) of the album's original vinyl edition, "Bend It!" helped propel the LP to number 37 on the UK Albums Chart for one week, benefiting from the single's momentum amid the group's rising popularity. This release represented a notable evolution in the band's sound, shifting from the rock-inflected energy of their prior singles to a Greek-inspired arrangement featuring a bouzouki-like melody drawn from the Zorba the Greek film soundtrack, marking a pivotal turn toward more eclectic, thematic pop experimentation.

Composition and recording

Writing process and musical influences

The song "Bend It!" was crafted by the songwriting duo Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley in summer 1966, building on their prior successful collaborations with Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, such as the earlier hit "Hold Tight!". Drawing from Greek folk music traditions, the composers incorporated the energetic rhythmic structure of "Zorba's Dance"—the iconic theme from the 1964 film Zorba the Greek—to infuse the track with a lively, exotic pulse that lent itself to danceable pop. This ethnic inspiration was blended with contemporary British pop elements to craft a novelty song, aiming for broad appeal through its unconventional fusion and rhythmic drive. The lyrics employ playful suggesting , with references to fitting together like a and bending just a little bit, layering suggestive undertones that prompted bans on numerous U.S. radio stations for perceived indecency. Structured in verse-chorus form, the song features call-and-response dynamics in the chorus, where the lead vocal urges "bend it, bend it, just a little bit" and the backing vocals echo affirmatively with repeated phrases like "like it, like it," heightening its interactive, performative energy. To capture the song's Mediterranean flair, an was selected as the lead instrument during initial concept development, its twangy mimicking a and enhancing the ethnic-pop novelty that defined the track's demo ideas.

Studio production and personnel

The recording of "Bend It!" took place on 9 August 1966 at Studios in . The session was overseen by producer Steve Rowland, who aimed to capture the band's live energy while incorporating added overdubs to evoke a bouzouki-like inspired by Greek musical elements. The core personnel for the track included on lead vocals, Dozy on bass and backing vocals, Beaky on guitar, on keyboards, and Tich on drums, with no additional session musicians credited. The final mix was prepared in mono for the single release format, resulting in a duration of 2:35.

Release and promotion

Single formats and distribution

"Bend It!" was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the on 9 1966 by Fontana Records, with catalogue number TF 746. The UK pressing featured "She's So Good" as the B-side, pressed in mono at 45 RPM, and was available in variations including 3-prong, solid, and 4-prong center formats. In , the single was distributed by Star-Club Records, an affiliate of the Fontana network, also in 1966 as a 7-inch vinyl at 45 RPM with catalogue number 148 568 STF. The German edition used "You Make It Move" as the B-side instead of "She's So Good." For the market, an initial version of the single was released by Fontana in 1966 under catalogue number F-1559, mirroring the UK recording and B-side. Due to concerns over suggestive lyrics leading to radio bans, a re-recorded version with sanitized lyrics was produced in late 1966 and reissued on the same label, identifiable by a block-letter "Fontana" on the red and white label. This US edition retained "She's So Good" as the B-side and was also a 7-inch vinyl single at 45 RPM. Internationally, "Bend It!" saw distribution through Fontana and its affiliates across , including releases in , , , and on Fontana labels such as 267 625 TF. In , it was issued by (a Fontana/Philips group entity) in 1966 under catalogue number BF-286 as a 7-inch single. received distribution via similar Fontana-affiliated channels in 1966, typically as a standard 7-inch vinyl pressing.

Marketing strategies and the "Bend It!" dance

The promotion of "Bend It!" heavily revolved around the creation of a novelty routine known as "The Bend," designed to capitalize on the song's rhythmic and playful structure. The was choreographed by , a performer and choreographer featured on the British television program Ready Steady Go!, who developed simple, engaging steps that mirrored the track's call-and-response and upbeat . This transformed the single into an interactive experience, encouraging listeners to participate actively rather than passively consume the music. To demonstrate the routine, Kerr appeared in short promotional films and instructional segments that were distributed through music magazines and broadcast outlets. These materials illustrated the basic movements, such as arm bends and hip sways synchronized to the song's chorus, making the dance accessible for home practice or social gatherings. Advertising efforts extended to key music publications like New Musical Express and , where full-page ads and features highlighted the dance as a must-learn trend, often alongside record sales plugs. Complementing this, editions of "Bend It!" included printed step-by-step instructions for "The Bend," published in in 1966, which boosted ancillary sales and reinforced the song's dance-floor appeal. The band showcased the routine during live television performances, most notably on in September 1966, where they mimed the track while executing the choreographed moves to engage the and home viewers. These appearances, aired on 15 September and 22 September, emphasized the group's energetic stage presence and the dance's simplicity, helping to viralize the trend among . Marketing strategies targeted the youth demographic by positioning "Bend It!" as a fun, liberating anthem for the swinging '60s scene, with the dance serving as a symbol of carefree expression and social bonding. Promotional materials stressed the song's lighthearted, infectious energy, appealing to through school dances, youth clubs, and pop culture events where the routine could be easily adopted and shared.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release in September 1966, "Bend It!" received positive attention from music publications for its fresh sound and departure from conventional , which helped solidify the band's reputation for quirky, innovative pop. Record Mirror described the track as "in many ways the best the boys have yet done. It's unusual, with a speeding-up and a fine set". In the United States, Billboard's October 1966 review praised the single for its lively instrumentation and broad appeal. Similarly, Cash Box highlighted the song's rhythmic drive and novelty value, positioning it as particularly engaging for teen audiences. The overall consensus in the press emphasized how "Bend It!" represented a bold shift from standard , enhancing the band's image as purveyors of eccentric, genre-blending hits that stood out in the mid-1960s pop landscape. The track features an to simulate a sound, contributing to its ethnic twist.

Lyrical controversy and censorship

The lyrics of "Bend It!" drew complaints for their double entendres, particularly the repeated exhortations to "bend it" and references to fitting together like puzzle pieces, which many interpreted as sexual . In the United States, this led to widespread radio bans in 1966, with dozens of stations refusing to play the original version due to its perceived risqué content. Under pressure from American broadcasters, re-recorded a toned-down version specifically for the market, retaining the same but replacing suggestive lines with innocuous references to dancing, such as "When we dance the bend like this." This altered release aimed to make the song more palatable while preserving its catchy melody. In the , was minimal, and the song faced no formal bans, though some parental concerns over its cheeky tone appeared in contemporary music press coverage. The controversy ultimately amplified the track's notoriety, contributing to its strong performance in without impeding overall success there.

Commercial performance

Chart achievements

"Bend It!" enjoyed considerable international chart success following its September 1966 release, particularly in and select markets, though it received limited in the United States. The song's upbeat, novelty-driven style resonated strongly outside the , where it narrowly missed the top spot, leading to number-one positions in multiple countries and underscoring the band's growing global appeal during the mid-1960s era. The track's performance is summarized in the following table of peak positions:
Country/ChartPeak PositionDate/Details
UK Singles Chart (OCC)220 October 1966; 12 weeks on chart
(IRMA)1December 1966 (4 weeks at #1)
(Official German Charts)17 weeks at #1 starting mid-November 1966
(Lever Hit Parade)1Early 1967
(Springbok Radio)1Late 1966 (2 weeks at #1)
(Kent Music Report)61967
US 1101967 due to limited airplay
In the UK, "Bend It!" climbed to number 2, blocked from the summit by ' "," and maintained strong visibility for over three months. Its European breakthrough was most pronounced in , where it topped the charts for 7 weeks starting in mid-November 1966, reflecting the band's popularity in Continental markets built through touring and Fontana Records' promotion. Similarly, the song reached number 1 in during early 1967, capitalizing on the wave of British pop exports to . In , it also hit number 1 in late 1966 for two weeks, aligning with the track's rhythmic appeal in diverse international audiences. Further afield, "Bend It!" peaked at number 6 on Australia's in 1967, a respectable showing amid competition from local and American acts, though it fared lower on contemporaneous Go-Set charts at number 16. In the , despite Fontana's efforts, the single bubbled under at number 110 due to conservative radio play amid concerns over its suggestive , limiting its crossover potential. This pattern of strong non-US performance highlighted "Bend It!"'s role in establishing , Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich as an export-friendly act.

Sales and certifications

"Bend It!" achieved combined sales exceeding one million copies in the UK and by the end of 1966. In the UK, the single sold over 250,000 copies, earning a silver disc award from DISC magazine in its 30 December 1967 issue based on authenticated sales figures submitted by the record company. Although formal BPI certifications for singles were not established until later, this threshold aligned with the era's recognition standards for silver status. The track's robust performance across , particularly its number-one position on the German charts for 7 weeks starting in mid-November 1966, was a key driver of these figures and underscored Fontana Records' growing prowess in exporting British pop acts internationally. Global sales estimates place the total around 1.5 million units, bolstered by top-ten placements in markets such as (peaking at number six) and (reaching number one).

Legacy

Cultural references and impact

"Bend It!" exemplifies the novelty pop style that characterized part of the 1960s , blending whimsical instrumentation with theatrical flair to distinguish the band from more straightforward rock acts. This approach, featuring exotic elements like the bouzouki-inspired riff, contributed to the song's role in the band's career peak, bridging their 1966 breakthrough to subsequent top-five hits such as "Okay!" in 1967. The track has appeared in various media, underscoring its retro appeal. It features in the 2010 episode "The Mutants Are Revolting" of the animated series , where it plays during a climactic sequence. Similarly, "Bend It!" is included on the soundtrack for the 2021 film , evoking the mod-era atmosphere of swinging . In modern contexts, the song maintains recognition through its inclusion in 1960s compilation albums like The '60s Hits Collection and on streaming platforms such as , where it appears in playlists dedicated to mod culture and tracks. This enduring presence highlights its status as a quirky emblem of 1960s pop novelty.

Cover versions and reinterpretations

One of the earliest covers of "Bend It!" was recorded by American singer in November 1966, shortly after the original's release, featuring a soul-inflected arrangement that retained the song's playful rhythm but emphasized her vocal style. Released as a single on , it did not achieve commercial success or chart placement, marking a brief attempt to adapt the track for the U.S. market. In March 1967, actress and singer included a version on her debut album Miss Barbara Eden, arranged and conducted by with a light pop-orchestral approach suitable for her television persona from . The recording, produced for , showcased a more polished, lounge-like interpretation but similarly failed to chart, serving primarily as an album track rather than a standalone single. The Hungarian rock band released a cover in June 1967 as the A-side of a single paired with "I Put a Spell on You," delivering a raw, garage-rock rendition that aligned with their emerging psychedelic sound during the Eastern European beat scene. Issued by Hungaroton, this version captured the song's energetic bounce while incorporating local rock influences, contributing to Omega's early before their international . German beat groups also adapted the track promptly, with The Ravers recording a version in 1966 that mirrored the original's upbeat pop style for the domestic market, released amid the height of the British Invasion's influence in . Similarly, The German Outlaws issued their take in 1967, reflecting the era's widespread enthusiasm for Anglo-pop covers among Continental acts, though neither achieved significant chart impact. Later reinterpretations included a 1970 medley-style version by Jo Ment's Happy Sound and The Jo Ment-Singers, which blended "Bend It!" into a broader pop format for , emphasizing and choral elements in a light-entertainment vein typical of European variety recordings. These adaptations highlight the song's versatility across genres and regions, from and lounge to rock and , without major commercial revivals in subsequent decades.

References

  1. https://genius.com/Dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-and-tich-bend-it-lyrics
  2. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-and-tich-bend-it/
  3. https://tsort.info/music/n820uq.htm
  4. http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=title&placement=Bend%2BIt
  5. https://www.45cat.com/record/f1559
  6. https://www.libraryofdance.org/dances/bend/
  7. https://www.musicvf.com/Dave%2BDee%252C%2BDozy%252C%2BBeaky%252C%2BMick%2B%252526%2BTich.songs
  8. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jan/09/sixties-star-dave-dee-dies
  9. https://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/artists/d/dee_dave/located/page1.shtml
  10. http://www.makingtime.co.uk/artists/dddbmt.html
  11. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2909129/bio/
  12. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/871437/John-Dymond-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich-where-are-they-now-DDDBMT
  13. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/21/ken-howard-obituary
  14. https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/factbox-dave-dee-idUSTRE5084F1/
  15. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-and-tich-you-make-it-move/
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/1269208-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich
  17. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-tich/288878206
  18. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-and-tich/if-music-be-the-food-of-love-prepare-for-indigestion/
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/1323936-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich-If-Music-Be-The-Food-Of-Love--Prepare-For-Indigestion
  20. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/5189/dave-dee%2C-dozy%2C-beaky%2C-mick-and-tich/
  21. https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/ian-tich-amey-obituary-sixties-pop-guitarist-sb6vcqf76
  22. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/186112/all
  23. https://toptwentyclub.co.uk/the-artists-1966
  24. https://www.discogs.com/master/1743586-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich
  25. https://vancouversignaturesounds.com/hits/bend-dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-tich/
  26. https://www.discogs.com/artist/254135-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich
  27. https://www.discogs.com/master/123269-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich-Bend-It-
  28. https://www.rateyourmusic.com/release/single/dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-and-tich/bend-it-shes-so-good/
  29. https://www.discogs.com/release/1647367-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich-Bend-It
  30. https://www.discogs.com/release/8466117-Dave-Dee-Dozy-Beaky-Mick-Tich-Bend-It
  31. https://totparchive.co.uk/artist.php?name=dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-and-tich
  32. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/66/Record-Mirror-1966-09-24.pdf
  33. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1966/Billboard-1966-10-29.pdf
  34. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1966/CB-1966-10-15.pdf
  35. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/66/Record-Mirror-1966-10-15.pdf
  36. http://www.dddbmt.com/eng/bio-band2.htm
  37. https://atagong.com/iggy/archives/2013/01/bend-it-2013.html
  38. http://www.somanyrecordssolittletime.com/?p=195
  39. https://www.offiziellecharts.de/charts/titel-details-349501
  40. https://sarockmusic.com/number-one-hits-on-the-south-african-charts-1965-1989/
  41. https://top40weekly.com/bubbling-under/
  42. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/artist-chart-analysis/26393-the-beatles-charts-sales-history/page381
  43. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/chart-analysis/89456-silver-and-gold-disc-awards-1959-to-1973/page3
  44. https://www.audio-music.info/htm/d/Dave_Dee_Dozy_Beaky_Mick_and_Tich.htm
  45. https://jazzrocksoul.com/articles/genres/uk-beat-bands/
  46. https://www.swindonweb.com/index.asp?m=8&s=121&ss=1136
  47. https://www.tunefind.com/song/dave-dee-dozy-beaky-mick-tich/bend-it
  48. https://www.nme.com/features/film-features/the-sound-of-soho-edgar-wright-soundtrack-last-night-in-soho-3081657
  49. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3tKmZgJAXrog8SnYpzWSbe
  50. http://www.columbia.edu/~brennan/beatles/britpop.html
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.