This pop/rock gem was originally penned by songwriters Phil Wainman and Richard Myhill, and first recorded by British glam band HELLO. The song was soon picked up and recorded by a number of other varied acts, particularly in just a few year span. A single for many, though I don’t see that it was a huge hit for anyone after Hello.

“Hello was the first, they were rehearsing it within days of us writing it.”, recalls Wainman. “Richard Myhill and I wrote together over a couple of years, he was great fun to work with.”

Asked about his biggest hit as a writer, Wainman replies – “Probably “Give A Little Love”, Bay City Rollers, number one in the UK. I would not call myself a prolific writer there are so many real writers… I’m more of a producer that writes and can fix other people’s songs, that’s what I enjoyed most.”

Phil had produced a lot of early Sweet recordings, but by the time “Love Stealer” came about, Sweet had largely moved on to recording their own material. – “I never thought of offering it to Sweet as they started to write their own songs.” Richard Myhill had a career as a singer as well, releasing a few solo albums, as well as work on various soundtracks.

Richard Myhill (demo)

I found this on Youtube, according to Phil Wainman – “That sounds like the demo Richard Myhill sung, not me! That’s an EMI label, it was never released like that.”

Hello – 1976

Back in the days of of British Glan scene, HELLO released a few albums, and a number of singles, including their version of Russ Ballard’s “New York Groove”.

Cliff Richard – 1983

the last track on Cliff Richard’s Silver album. Not bad at all! Kinda loud and heavy (musically), and very 80s.

Ian Lloyd – 1979

From Ian Lloyd’s (Stories) 1979 solo LP Goose Bumps A very likeable poppy version. Goose Bumps featured songs by a number of writers (Rod Argent, Russ Ballard, Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance, Ric Ocasek…), as well as an impressive list of players and guests. Also, this version was a single.

Brownsville Station – 1978

Perhaps my favorite version of this song, American band Brownsville Station recorded it for their 1978 album Air Special, their last. The band had recorded another Wainman song on their previous album (self-titled, red album) – “Lady (Put The Light On Me)”. Both Brownsville covers were issued as singles.

Ray Burgess Band – 1978

Australian musician Ray Burgess, from the lone Ray Burgess Band album, Final Mix. A lighter, but very good version of this song..

Uriah Heep – 1980

Somewhat of a controversial choice for Heep (being as it was recorded not long after their Conquest album). Although it’s not a bad version, it was an odd move at the time. Singer John Sloman was not happy about recording it, and it would be the last recording to feature keyboardist Ken Hensley, who left soon after.

Richard T Bear – 1979

American singer (pianist, writer, producer) who released a few albums in the late 70s and 80s. This is from his 2nd album Bear, which included a number of name players such as Bob Kulick, Ian Thomas, Mark Clarke. Co-produced by Jack Richardson. A bit of rock, pop, funk, blues….

The Scooters – 1981

From The Scooters 2nd LP Blue Eyes, produced by Phil Wainman. This was also released as a single. The Scooters, a power-pop band, based in England included American Larry Lee, who went on to play and produce several acts, notably the late Joey Molland (Badfinger, the 80s) Mr Big (produce), and Roger Daltrey.

BoysVoice – 1990

German hard-rock/metal band that released 3 albums. This is from their self-titled debut album; also released as a single.