Roxy Music – Love Is The Drug

“Love Is the Drug” began as a loose instrumental idea by saxophonist Andy Mackay, but when Roxy Music entered the studio, it transformed into one of their most defining singles. Bryan Ferry added lyrics that captured the thrill of nightlife, likening romance to intoxication: “Love is the drug I’m thinking of.”

Producer Chris Thomas helped shape the track’s dance-driven structure. Its distinctive bassline, played by session bassist John Gustafson, anchored a groove that fused glam rock with funk. Around it, Mackay’s sax, Phil Manzanera’s guitar, Eddie Jobson’s keyboards, and Paul Thompson’s precise drumming built a sound that was both sleek and propulsive .

At the time, Roxy Music’s lineup featured Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe), Paul Thompson (drums), and Eddie Jobson (keyboards, violin). Gustafson, though not an official member, provided the bassline that became central to the song’s identity .

Released in September 1975 as the lead single from the band’s fifth album Siren, the song became a major hit. It climbed to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, and in the United States it broke the Top 40, reaching No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100—Roxy Music’s highest-charting American single .

Critics have since described Love Is the Drug as a bridge between glam rock and disco-influenced pop. Its bassline was especially influential; Nile Rodgers later cited the track’s timing as a direct inspiration for Chic’s classic groove “Good Times” . The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has also included the song in its list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll .

Though the single pre-dated the music-video era, Roxy Music promoted it with televised performances—most memorably with Ferry donning an eyepatch during one mimed broadcast. Over the years, the track has endured through covers and remixes: Grace Jones recorded her own version in 1980 (later remixed in 1986 and charting at UK No. 35), and in 2012 Norwegian producer Todd Terje gave it new life with a “Disco Dub” remix .

Today, “Love Is the Drug” remains central to Roxy Music’s legacy—an art-rock band proving they could command the dance floor without losing their sophistication.

Key Facts

Writers: Bryan Ferry, Andy Mackay
Producer: Chris Thomas
Album: Siren (1975)
Release: September 1975
Label: E.G. Records
Length: 4:11
Genre: Glam rock / Funk / Disco-rock
UK Chart Peak: No. 2
US Chart Peak: No. 30 (Billboard Hot 100)
Band lineup (1975): Bryan Ferry (vocals, keyboards), Phil Manzanera (guitar), Andy Mackay (saxophone, oboe), Paul Thompson (drums), Eddie Jobson (keyboards, violin), John Gustafson (bass, session)