Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan

This track by Bob Dylan spent nine weeks in the UK top 40 in 1973.

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Forty years ago this week, Knockin’ on heaven’s door by Bob Dylan reached its highest position of number 14 in the UK singles chart. It had entered the top 40 four weeks previously at number 34 and broke into the top 20 two weeks later. After one week at its peak position, the song started to slide down the chart but remained in the top 40 for another four weeks.

Knockin’ on heaven’s door was released on the CBS record label and was the thirteenth of fifteen top 40 hits for Bob Dylan in the UK. It was written for the film Pat Garret & Billy The Kid and appeared on its soundtrack album, which peaked at number 29 in the UK album chart.

The song has entered the singles chart on three other occasions. In 1975, Eric Clapton recorded a cover version that peaked at number 38. Then, in 1992, Guns ‘N’ Roses took their version to number number 2. Finally, a charity recording by Dunblane, with a new verse written in memory of those killed in the Dunblane massacre, reached the top of the UK chart in 1996.

More music from Bob Dylan

 

UK singles chart for the week ending 3 November 1973

1. Daydreamer / The puppy song – David Cassidy

2. Eye level – Simon Park Orchestra

3. Sorrow – David Bowie

4. Let me in – Osmonds

5. Caroline – Status Quo

6. Goodbye yellow brick road – Elton John

7. Ghetto child – Detroit Spinners

8. My friend Stan – Slade

9. Top of the world – Carpenters

10. For the good times – Perry Como

 

14. Knockin’ on heaven’s door – Bob Dylan