Today’s video of the day is Bow Wow Wow – “C·30 C·60 C·90 Go” released in 1980.
Bow Wow Wow debuted with “C·30 C·60 C·90 Go”, a groundbreaking single released in 1980 on EMI Records. It marked a pivotal moment in music history as the world’s first cassette single (cassingle). Written by Malcolm McLaren, Matthew Ashman, Leigh Gorman, and Dave Barbarossa, the track captured the rebellious spirit of the new wave era. After recording Dirk Wears White Sox with Adam and the Ants, Ashman, Gorman, and Barbarossa joined forces under Malcolm McLaren’s management. McLaren, best known as the former Sex Pistols manager, discovered Annabella Lwin through a recommendation. Lwin, then a 14-year-old dry-cleaning worker, impressed McLaren with her unique voice and charisma. The band signed with EMI Records in July 1980 and quickly made their mark.
“C·30 C·60 C·90 Go” was initially released only on cassette, aligning with the home taping craze. The B-side, “Sun, Sea and Piracy,” appeared on side one of the tape, while side two remained blank for personal recording. EMI, however, refused to promote the track due to its controversial lyrics, which seemingly encouraged piracy: “Off the radio I get constant flow/Hit it, pause it, record and play.” Despite limited promotion, the song gained traction. It was later released as a 7-inch vinyl single, peaking at No. 34 on the UK Singles Chart. It stayed there for seven weeks, solidifying Bow Wow Wow’s entry into the music scene.
The single appeared on the band’s cassette-only mini-album Your Cassette Pet. The eight-track release was not eligible for the UK Albums Chart, but it earned critical acclaim. Both the single and the album were ranked among NME’s top tracks of 1980. Bow Wow Wow’s innovative style continued in later releases like See Jungle! See Jungle! and When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going. Their debut single set the tone for the band’s playful, provocative approach to music.
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