Hallo Spaceboy Single (Worldwide) (1996)

David Bowie
Feb 19, 1996
2 min read

Updated: Sep 12

David Bowie released "Hallo Spaceboy," backed with "The Hearts Filthy Lesson," along with live versions of "Under Pressure" and "Moonage Daydream," on February 19, 1996. These tracks were taken from his 20th studio album, "Outside" (1995).

It began as an instrumental piece by Reeves Gabrels titled "Moondust", which Bowie and Brian Eno reworked into the final version. The song is an industrial rock and electronica piece, drawing influence from the Pixies and Nine Inch Nails, and features a hypnotic sound with synthesizers, loops, and distorted guitar lines. Lyrically inspired by Brion Gysin, it presents apocalyptic imagery and continues the androgynous themes found in earlier Bowie songs like "Rebel Rebel".

For its release as the third and final single from "Outside" in February 1996, "Hallo Spaceboy" was remixed by the Pet Shop Boys, who infused it with a disco vibe and added lyrics referencing Major Tom from Bowie's "Space Oddity." The single reached number 12 in the UK and charted in other parts of Europe. Its music video, directed by David Mallet, combines shots of Bowie and the Pet Shop Boys with clips of science fiction, atomic bomb tests, and television advertisements. Both versions of "Hallo Spaceboy" have been well-received and featured on lists of Bowie's best songs. Bowie frequently performed "Hallo Spaceboy" on his concert tours, with recordings appearing on live albums.

Chart performance for "Hallo Spaceboy"

Chart (1996) Peak position

Australia (ARIA) 36

Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40) 37

Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders) 48

Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia) 30

Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) 8

Germany (GfK) 59

Ireland (IRMA) 21

Netherlands (Dutch Top 40) 24

Netherlands (Single Top 100) 33

Scotland (OCC) 10