5000 Volts ~ I’m On Fire 1975 Disco Purrfection Version

The story of 5000 Volts starts with a British group called Airbus that released “Fly Away“ in 1974 composed of Geoff Simpson, Martin Jay and Tina Charles. The second single issued was “I’m On Fire“ but the group changed the name to Crazy People 5000 Volts and then ultimately 5000 Volts. As a studio group, vocalist Tina Charles was not tied down to them and eventually left and was replaced by Linda Kelly, who appeared on the 7 sleeves and who had nothing to do with the recording of “I’m On Fire“. Tina was hoping to carve a solo career for herself, and when Indian producer Biddu heard her voice, he approached her to record some sides with him. “I’m On Fire“ became a major hit in Europe peaking at #4 UK and #1 in Germany, going Top10 in Australia and peaking at #26 on the Hot100. It had also been covered by session singer Jim Gilstrap at the same time and it peaked at #78, stealing some of the chart thunder of the 5000 Volts version. With the loss of supercharged singer Charles, the band regrouped but was unable to maintain the momentum and broke up in 1976.