About The Song
The Dave Clark Five’s “Glad All Over” (1963) is one of the most defining songs of the British Invasion, a high-energy, stomping rock anthem that helped the band become one of the biggest UK exports of the 1960s. With its thunderous beat, punchy vocals, and irresistible call-and-response chorus, the song became an instant classic, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964.
A Challenge to The Beatles
By late 1963 and early 1964, The Beatles were dominating the UK and U.S. charts, but The Dave Clark Five emerged as their biggest competitors. “Glad All Over” became the first song to knock The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” off the No. 1 spot in the UK, positioning the DC5 as serious rivals to the Fab Four. While the Beatles had a more melodic, harmony-driven sound, the Dave Clark Five brought a heavier, more rhythm-driven energy that set them apart.
A Thunderous Wall of Sound
Musically, “Glad All Over” is built around a driving beat and powerful, layered vocals, creating a stomping, almost anthemic energy that made it perfect for live performances. Unlike the smoother production style of many British Invasion bands, The Dave Clark Five leaned inraw, percussive sound, with a **thudding drumbeat and boomingthudding drumbeat and booming handclaps that gave their songs an explosive, high-energy feel
- The pounding drums, played by Dave Clark himself, set the tone from thefeel larger than life.
- The call-and-response chorus—“I’m feelin’… glad all over!”—created anelectrifying singalong effect, which became a trademark of the band.
- The sharp, punchy saxophone accents added a layer of rock ‘n’ roll swagger, making the song stand out among its contemporaries.
A British Invasion Anthem
Released in November 1963, the song quickly climbed the charts, and by January 1964, it had bNo. 1 hit in the UK, marking the Dave Clark Five as serBritish Invasion. By April 1964, the song had cracked the U.S. Top 10, setting the stage for the band’s
The band’s performance of “Glad All Over” on The Ed Sullivan Show in March 1964 played a majsuperstardom in the U.S., helping them becomethe second British band after The Beatles to appear on the show.
A Legacy of High-Energy Rock & Roll
More than half a century later, “Glad All Over” remains one of the **most exciting anmost exciting and infectious British Invasion hits. Its stomping rhythm and chant-like chorus have madesporting events, classic rock radio stations, and ‘60s nostalgia playlists. It’s particufootball anthem, with clubs like Crystal Palace F.C. adopting it as theirofficial song.
The song’s influence can still be heard in garage rock, power pop, and even punk, as its **raw, rhythm-drivenraw, rhythm-driven sound inspired countless bands. The Dave Clark Five may not have had the same lasting impact as The“Glad All Over”, they crtimeless rock anthem that contclap, stomp, and sing along with pure excitement.