The Crate
10cc
Bloody Tourists
Bloody Tourists is the sixth studio album by the English rock band 10cc, released September 1978 worldwide on Mercury and in North America by Polydor. It features the band as a six‑piece unit and yielded the UK No. 1 single “Dreadlock Holiday,” helping the album reach No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart. The record is noted for its globe‑trotting themes and polished, radio‑friendly production. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
Recording History
- Recorded at Strawberry Studios South in Dorking, Surrey, England. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
- Produced by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
- The lead single “Dreadlock Holiday” was recorded in 1977 at the same studio. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadlock_Holiday))
- The album marks 10cc’s first six‑piece lineup, with Tony O’Malley and Duncan Mackay among the contributors; Stewart and Gouldman share songwriting duties on multiple tracks. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
- Cover art and packaging were designed by Hipgnosis with graphics by George Hardie; the photo was by Aubrey Powell. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
- Technical personnel included engineers Keith Bessey and Tony Spath, with Melvyn Abrahams handling mastering. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
Chart Performance & Recognition
- UK Albums Chart: No. 3. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
- Lead single “Dreadlock Holiday”: UK No. 1, a signature 10cc hit; the song also charted strongly in several countries. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadlock_Holiday))
- International album/chart positions include Australia No. 3, the Netherlands No. 2, and Germany No. 12; Canada Top Albums No. 75. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
- The album was released worldwide by Mercury and in North America by Polydor; its reception at the time highlighted polished production and accessible pop‑rock direction. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
- Notable singles and press coverage cited as “lush production” and “progressive for pop” in contemporary reviews. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
Cultural Impact & Legacy
- “Dreadlock Holiday” remains 10cc’s most enduring hit, with Storm Thorgerson directing the accompanying video. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadlock_Holiday))
- The track’s ongoing cultural footprint includes use in film and television, notably in The Social Network (2010). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadlock_Holiday))
- Bloody Tourists’ artwork and six‑member lineup are often cited as key factors in its distinct era of the band. It also spawned covers and samples of “Dreadlock Holiday.” ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))
Notes: Bloody Tourists’ core facts (release date, recording location, producers, personnel) are drawn from the album’s documented liner notes and chart history; details about international singles reflect the UK‑centric and global release strategy of 1978. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody_Tourists))