David Bowie: "When The Wind Blows" Single (1986)

Bowie's Apocalyptic Ballad

David Bowie’s “When The Wind Blows” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 27, 1986, on Virgin Records (catalogue: VS 906). Backed with an instrumental version, this poignant ballad, written by Bowie and Erdal Kızılçay, was the title track from the animated film based on Raymond Briggs' graphic novel about a nuclear apocalypse. Produced by Bowie and David Richards, the song's ethereal synths and Bowie's vulnerable vocals captured the film's melancholic tone, peaking at No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart for 3 weeks. Issued in a limited-edition picture disc sleeve with film artwork, it's a poignant artifact of Bowie's mid-80s introspection.

Single Overview

A-Side: “When The Wind Blows” (3:33, David Bowie/Erdal Kızılçay)

A haunting synth-pop ballad with soaring vocals, orchestral swells, and lyrics evoking impending doom. Produced by David Bowie and David Richards, it was the theme for the 1986 animated film When The Wind Blows.

B-Side: “When The Wind Blows (Instrumental)” (3:33, David Bowie/Erdal Kızılçay)

The instrumental version, featuring ambient synths and strings, providing a stark, atmospheric backdrop. Produced by Bowie and Richards, it was included as the B-side.

Release Details:

Label: Virgin Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (VS 906): “When The Wind Blows” / “When The Wind Blows (Instrumental).” In a limited-edition picture disc sleeve with film artwork.

No cassette or CD formats for this single in 1986; later included in CD reissues of Never Let Me Down (1987) and Loving The Alien (1983-1988) box set (2018).

Notes: ℗ & © 1986 Virgin Records Ltd. Recorded at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, September-November 1986. Matrix numbers (e.g., VS 906 A-1) confirm authenticity. The single promoted the When The Wind Blows film soundtrack.

Production and Context

Recorded in September-November 1986 at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland, the single was produced by David Bowie and David Richards. The lineup included Bowie (vocals), Erdal Kızılçay (guitar, bass, keyboards, synthesizer, drums, congas, strings, horns), and Richards (production). The track was Bowie's contribution to the soundtrack for the animated film When the Wind Blows, based on Raymond Briggs' graphic novel about an elderly couple facing nuclear war. Initially, Bowie planned to write the full soundtrack, but time constraints limited him to the title song. Released amid the Cold War's waning years, it followed Tonight (1984) and preceded Never Let Me Down (1987), competing with synth-pop acts like Duran Duran and Pet Shop Boys.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“When The Wind Blows” was the sole single from the When The Wind Blows soundtrack:

Country Variations

The single was released in several countries with minor variations:

UK (Virgin VS 906): Released October 27, 1986. Standard tracklist, limited-edition picture disc sleeve.

US (EMI America EA 155): Released November 1986. Same tracklist, catalogue EA 155, standard sleeve.

Germany (Virgin 108 613): Released 1986. Same tracklist, catalogue 108 613, German sleeve with localized text.

Japan (Virgin 7V 2001): Released 1986. Same tracklist, catalogue 7V 2001, with obi strip and Japanese liner notes.

Australia (Virgin VS 906): Released 1986. Same tracklist, catalogue VS 906, company sleeve.

Canada (EMI America EA 155): Released November 1986. Same as US, catalogue EA 155.

Chart Performance:

UK: No. 44 (Official Singles Chart), charting for 3 weeks.

US: Did not chart (Billboard Hot 100).

Australia: No chart entry.

Netherlands: No chart entry (Single Top 100).

Germany: No chart entry (GfK).

Ireland: No chart entry.

Belgium: No chart entry (Ultratop Flanders).

New Zealand: No chart entry (RMNZ).

Canada: No chart entry (RPM).

Other Countries: No chart entries in France, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Italy, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, or South Africa due to limited promotion.

UK Chart Data:

Entry Date: November 1, 1986.

Peak: No. 44 (November 15, 1986).

Weeks on Chart: 3 (Nov 1–Nov 22, 1986).

Chart Run: No. 44 (Nov 1), No. 44 (Nov 8), No. 44 (Nov 15), No. 50 (Nov 22).

Note: The single’s modest performance was overshadowed by Bowie’s Never Let Me Down (1987) and the film’s limited commercial success.

Single Chart Performance

“When The Wind Blows” peaked at No. 44 in the UK, charting for 3 weeks, and did not chart internationally, reflecting its niche tie-in status during Bowie’s transitional period.

Legacy and Collectibility

“When The Wind Blows” is a poignant Bowie track, its orchestral drama and lyrics evoking nuclear dread, featured in the film's soundtrack. The instrumental B-side adds atmospheric depth. Original UK 7-inch picture discs fetch £5–£20 on eBay/Discogs, with German (108 613, £8–£25) and Japanese (7V 2001, £15–£35) variants rarer due to obi strips. Verify catalogue VS 906.

Streams on Spotify via Loving The Alien (1983-1988) box set preserve the synth warmth. This single is a must-have for Bowie fans and soundtrack collectors.

Have you snagged this Bowie rarity in your vinyl collection? Does “When The Wind Blows” evoke the Cold War chills? Share in the comments!