David Bowie: Space Oddity Single Chart (1975)

David Bowie
Nov 2, 1975
4 min read

A Cosmic Return to Number One

David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” 7-inch vinyl single reissue, reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart on November 2 - 8 and 9 - 15, 1975, on RCA Records (catalogue: RCA 2593). Backed with “Changes” and “Velvet Goldmine,” this re-release of Bowie’s 1969 breakthrough track, written by Bowie, celebrated its sixth anniversary amid Bowie’s Young Americans era. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, the A-side’s psychedelic folk-rock tale of astronaut Major Tom charted for 11 weeks. Highlighted in an NME trade advertisement on November 15, 1975, it’s Bowie’s first UK No. 1 single.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Space Oddity” (5:15, David Bowie)

Written by David Bowie. The psychedelic folk-rock classic with acoustic guitar, Rick Wakeman’s Mellotron, and lyrics about Major Tom’s space drift. Produced by Gus Dudgeon, it was reissued to capitalize on Bowie’s US success.

B-Side 1: “Changes” (3:35, David Bowie)

Written by David Bowie. An upbeat rocker with piano and horns from Hunky Dory (1971). Produced by Ken Scott (Assisted By The Actor) it promoted the album reissue.

B-Side 2: “Velvet Goldmine” (3:10, David Bowie)

Written by David Bowie. A glam rock outtake from Ziggy Stardust sessions, with raw energy. Produced by Ken Scott (Assisted By The Actor), it was a B-side rarity.

Release Details:

UK Variations

Single 7" Vinyl Promotional issued in Picture Sleeve

Label: RCA Victor – RCA 2593

Series: MaxiMillion Series

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Promo, 4 Prong Centre in Picture Sleeve

A Space Oddity

Arranged By – David Bowie, Paul Buckmaster

Producer – Gus Dudgeon 5:15

B1 Changes

Producer – Ken Scott 3:35

B2 Velvet Goldmine

Producer – Ken Scott 3:10

Written-By – David Bowie

Push Out centre

States" Demonstration Sample Not For Sale"

Letter A appears on push out centre

David Bowie and Series 3 tracks for the price of 2 appear in red text on the sleeve as opposed to pink text on other versions

Single 7" Vinyl Four Prong Centre in Picture Sleeve

Label: RCA Victor – RCA 2593

Series: MaxiMillion Series

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, 4 Prong Centre

A Space Oddity

Arranged By – David Bowie, Paul Buckmaster

Producer – Gus Dudgeon 5:15

B1 Changes

Producer – Ken Scott 3:35

B2 Velvet Goldmine

Producer – Ken Scott 3:10

Published By – Essex Music International Ltd.

Published By – Chrysalis Music

Published By – Mainman Ltd.

Manufactured By – RCA Ltd.

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – RCA Records

Pressed By – RCA Records Pressing Plant, Washington, UK

Photography By [Uncredited] – Steve Schapiro

Written-By – David Bowie

On the labels the phonographic copyright is stated as follows:

Track A and B2 ℗ 1969

Track B1 ℗ 1974

Track B2 was actually recorded in late 1971.

Track A: Essex Music International Ltd.

Track B1 and B2: Chrysalis Music/MainMan Ltd.

Track B1 and B2: Produced by Ken Scott (Assisted by the actor) A Gem Production

Very similar matrix to Space Oddity but with wholly different sleeve/artwork.

For the U.K. solid centre version of this see Space Oddity / Changes / Velvet Goldmine.

Uncredited Steve Schapiro shot is a monochrome version of the original full colour photograph.

Single 7" Vinyl Four Prong Centre in Company Sleeve

Label: RCA Victor – RCA 2593

Series: MaxiMillion Series

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, 4-Prong Centre

A Space Oddity 5:15

B1 Changes 3:35

B2 Velvet Goldmine 3:10

Phonographic Copyright ℗ – RCA Records

Pressed By – RCA Records Pressing Plant, Washington, UK

Published By – Essex Music International Ltd.

Published By – Chrysalis Music

Published By – Mainman Ltd.

Manufactured By – RCA Ltd.

Written-By – David Bowie

Side A Ⓟ 1969

Side B (1) Ⓟ 1974

Side B (2) Ⓟ 1969

all tracks Ⓟ RCA Records

Track B2 was actually recorded in late 1971.

Note: Different to Space Oddity - "Maximillion Series" printed on the pushout center.

Very similar to Space Oddity / Changes / Velvet Goldmine - which comes in a picture sleeve and the runout "letter number letter" strings begin "A1?".

Manufactured by RCA Limited, England.

Single 7" Vinyl Solid Centre in Picture Sleeve

Label: RCA Victor – RCA 2593

Series: MaxiMillion Series

Format: Vinyl, 7", 45 RPM, Maxi-Single, Solid Centre

A Space Oddity

Arranged By – David Bowie, Paul Buckmaster

Producer – Gus Dudgeon 5:15

B1 Changes

Producer – Ken Scott 3:35

B2 Velvet Goldmine

Producer – Ken Scott 3:10

Photography [Uncredited] – Steve Schapiro

Written-By – David Bowie

Solid center, small centre hole version.

Track A originally released in 1969.

Track B2 was actually recorded in late 1971, despite 1969 credit.

Uncredited Steve Schapiro shot is a monochrome version of the original full colour photograph.

Space Oddity” is Bowie’s breakthrough hit, a cultural icon reissued to celebrate its anniversary, with “Changes” and “Velvet Goldmine” adding glam sparkle. Original UK 7-inch vinyls fetch £5–£15 on eBay/Discogs, with Japanese pressings (£10–£25) prized for obi strips. Verify catalogue RCA 259. Streams on Spotify via Space Oddity reissues preserve the mono magic. This reissue is a must-have for Bowie fans and ‘70s rock collectors.

Have you snagged this Bowie reissue in your vinyl collection? Does “Space Oddity” still launch you? Share in the comments!