David Bowie: White Light/White Heat Single (1983)

A Raw Velvet Underground Cover

October 1983 on RCA Records (catalogue: RCA 372 / PB 13660). Backed with “Cracked Actor,” this live cover of The Velvet Underground’s 1968 classic, written by Lou Reed, was recorded during Bowie’s 1973 Ziggy Stardust tour and featured on the Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture soundtrack. Produced by Bowie, the single showcased his raw vocal energy and the Spiders from Mars’ gritty performance, entering the BBC Singles Chart on October 30, 1983 - November 5 1983 at number 65 spending three weeks on the chart.

Issued in a picture sleeve with Bowie’s iconic Ziggy-era imagery, it’s a vibrant artifact of his glam rock peak.

Single Overview

A-Side: “White Light/White Heat” (3:55, Lou Reed)

A blistering live cover of The Velvet Underground’s proto-punk classic, recorded at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, on July 3, 1973. Bowie’s intense vocals and Mick Ronson’s searing guitar give it a glam edge. Produced by David Bowie, it captures the chaotic energy of the Ziggy Stardust tour’s final show.

B-Side: “Cracked Actor” (2:51, David Bowie)

A live track from the same July 3, 1973, performance, originally from Aladdin Sane (1973). Its sleazy rock vibe complements the A-side’s rawness. Also produced by Bowie, it highlights the Spiders’ tight chemistry.

Release Details:

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

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (RCA 372 / PB 13660): “White Light/White Heat” / “Cracked Actor.” In a picture sleeve with Ziggy-era artwork.

No cassette or CD formats for this single in 1983; later included in CD reissues of Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture.

Notes: ℗ & © 1983 RCA Records. Matrix numbers (e.g., RCA 372 A-1) confirm authenticity.

The single promoted the Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture soundtrack (1983).

Country Variations

The single was released in several countries with minor variations:

UK (RCA 372 / PB 13660): Released September 1983. Standard tracklist, picture sleeve with Ziggy imagery.

US (RCA PB-13660): Released September 1983. Same tracklist, catalogue PB-13660, similar sleeve with RCA branding.

Germany (RCA PB-13660): Released 1983. Same tracklist, catalogue PB-13660, German sleeve with localized text.

Japan (RCA RPS-141): Released 1983. Same tracklist, catalogue RPS-141, with obi strip and Japanese liner notes.

Australia (RCA 104205): Released 1983. Same tracklist, catalogue 104205, company sleeve.

Canada (RCA PB-13660): Released September 1983. Same as US, catalogue PB-13660.

Production and Context

Recorded live on July 3, 1973, at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, during the final Ziggy Stardust concert, the single was produced by David Bowie. The lineup featured Bowie (vocals), Mick Ronson (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass), Woody Woodmansey (drums), and Mike Garson (piano). “White Light/White Heat” paid homage to Lou Reed, a key influence on Bowie, while “Cracked Actor” reflected his own glam mythology.

Released in 1983 to promote the Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture film and soundtrack, it rode the wave of Bowie’s Let’s Dance commercial peak, competing with new wave acts like The Police.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“White Light/White Heat” was the second single from the Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture soundtrack, following “Space Oddity”:

Legacy and Collectibility

“White Light/White Heat” is a fiery tribute to The Velvet Underground, with Bowie’s live energy and Ronson’s guitar work shining, while “Cracked Actor” captures the Ziggy era’s raw glamour. Streams on Spotify via Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture preserve the live intensity. This single is a must-have for Bowie fans and glam rock collectors.

Have you snagged this Ziggy-era gem in your vinyl collection? Does “White Light/White Heat” spark your turntable? Share in the comments!

Sources

Discogs: White Light/White Heat (1983)

Official Charts Company: David Bowie Singles

AllMusic: David Bowie Discography

Wikipedia: David Bowie Discography

Billboard Chart History: David Bowie