Introduction: A Glam Rock Landmark
In the golden era of glam rock, Sweet stood tall among icons like David Bowie, T. Rex, and Slade. Their 1975 hit “Fox on the Run” wasn’t just a chart success — it was a cultural statement.
Packed with crunchy guitar riffs, shimmering synths, and a chorus made for arenas, the song remains one of Sweet’s most enduring tracks. Whether you’re a classic rock aficionado or a casual listener, “Fox on the Run” is a must-hear slice of ‘70s rock perfection.
Quick Facts
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Artist: Sweet (also known as The Sweet)
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Song: Fox on the Run
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Album: Desolation Boulevard
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Released: 1975 (single version), 1974 (album version)
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Genre: Glam Rock / Hard Rock / Pop Rock
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Writers: Andy Scott, Steve Priest, Brian Connolly, Mick Tucker
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Producer: Sweet (single version), Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn (album version)
Two Versions, One Hit
Interestingly, there are two versions of “Fox on the Run”:
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Album Version (1974) – featured on the UK version of Desolation Boulevard, produced by Chinn & Chapman, with a more traditional glam-rock structure.
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Single Version (1975) – self-produced by the band, more polished, pop-friendly, and the version that became a global hit.
The single version is the one most people know today — a bold move that marked the first time Sweet took control of their sound, proving they weren’t just a product of hitmakers Chinn and Chapman.
What’s “Fox on the Run” About?
At first listen, it sounds like a catchy glam-rock banger — and it is — but lyrically, the song has depth. “Fox” is slang for an attractive woman, and the song describes a woman who uses her beauty to manipulate those around her.
“I don’t wanna know your name / ‘Cause you don’t look the same…”
It’s about image, fame, and artificiality, themes that mirrored the band’s own struggle with the music industry and public perception.
Musical Style: Pop Meets Power Rock
With its driving beat, layered harmonies, and infectious chorus, “Fox on the Run” was built for radio. It features:
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A massive hook that sticks in your head instantly
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Slick guitar work by Andy Scott
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Glam-pop sheen with just enough hard rock edge
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Synth flourishes that added a futuristic feel in 1975
It’s the kind of song you can sing, dance, or headbang to — sometimes all at once.
Chart Performance
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🇬🇧 #2 on the UK Singles Chart
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🇺🇸 #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
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🇩🇪 #1 in Germany
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Top 10 across Europe, Australia, and Canada
The track became Sweet’s biggest international hit and helped them break into the American market in a major way.
Legacy: Still Chasing the Fox
More than 40 years later, “Fox on the Run” is still widely loved — featured in movies (like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2), TV shows, video games, and commercials. It continues to draw new fans thanks to its timeless energy and massive singalong chorus.
It also proved that Sweet were more than just a glam rock band — they were songwriters and producers in their own right.
Why It Still Matters
“Fox on the Run” captures everything great about the glam rock era:
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Flashy style
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Stadium-sized sound
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Hooks you can’t forget
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A touch of rebellion
But it also shows artistic growth — Sweet stepping out from behind their producers and proving their musical chops to the world.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re discovering Sweet for the first time or reliving your glam rock glory days, “Fox on the Run” is essential listening. It’s a track that roars with energy, glitters with style, and refuses to slow down — just like the era that birthed it.
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