David Bowie: "Heroes" Single (1977)

David Bowie’s "Heroes" backed with "V-2 Schneider", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by RCA Victor (catalog number PB 1121) on September 23, 1977, featuring the title track from the Heroes album, the second in his Berlin Trilogy.

This iconic single features the title track from Bowie’s 'Heroes' album, the second in his Berlin Trilogy, paired with the instrumental B-side “V-2 Schneider.”

The A-side, “Heroes,” is one of Bowie’s most enduring anthems, co-written with Brian Eno and produced by Tony Visconti, while “V-2 Schneider” showcases his experimental side. Released during Bowie’s influential Berlin period, this single captures a pivotal moment in his career, blending emotional depth with avant-garde innovation.

Historical Context

In 1977, David Bowie was in the midst of his Berlin Trilogy (Low, Heroes, Lodger), a creative peak marked by collaboration with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti. After moving to Berlin to escape the excesses of Los Angeles and his Station to Station era, Bowie embraced a more experimental sound, influenced by Krautrock, ambient music, and the city’s divided atmosphere. 'Heroes', recorded at Hansa Studios near the Berlin Wall, was

inspired by the Cold War’s tension and Bowie’s personal reinvention. The title track, “Heroes,” became a cultural touchstone, its lyrics reflecting love and resilience in the face of adversity.

Released as the lead single from the Heroes album (also October 1977), it initially peaked at No. 24 in the UK charts but grew in stature over time, becoming one of Bowie’s signature songs. The B-side, “V-2 Schneider,” pays homage to Kraftwerk’s Florian Schneider, reflecting Bowie’s admiration for the German electronic pioneers.

Track Analysis

A-Side: Heroes (3:35, single edit)

Lyrics and Theme:

Written by Bowie and Eno, “Heroes” was inspired by a moment Bowie observed near the Berlin Wall, where two lovers met in its shadow (later revealed to be Tony Visconti and backup singer Antonia Maass). The lyrics, with their iconic line “We can be heroes, just for one day,” evoke fleeting hope and defiance against the backdrop of a divided city. The quotation marks in the title emphasize its ironic, bittersweet tone.

Music and Production:

Produced by Tony Visconti, the track features Robert Fripp’s distinctive guitar work, recorded in one take, and Eno’s ambient synth textures. Bowie’s layered vocals, building to an emotive crescendo, are enhanced by Visconti’s innovative production, including a gated reverb effect on the vocals. The single edit trims the album’s 6:07 version to 3:35 for radio play, maintaining its emotional intensity.

Netherlands - RCA Victor - 1977

Cultural Impact:

Though not an immediate chart-topper, “Heroes” became a timeless anthem, covered by artists like The Wallflowers and used in films, TV shows, and events like the 2012 Olympics. Its bilingual versions (English/German and English/French) for European markets added to its global resonance.

B-Side:

V-2 Schneider (3:10)

Composition and Theme:

An instrumental track named after Kraftwerk’s Florian Schneider, “V-2 Schneider” reflects Bowie’s fascination with German electronic music. The title also nods to the V-2 rocket, tying into the Cold War imagery of the Heroes album. The track blends motorik rhythms with jazzy saxophone and synth layers, showcasing Bowie’s experimental side.

Music and Production:

Featuring Bowie on saxophone, Carlos Alomar on guitar, and Eno’s synth contributions, the track is a nod to Krautrock’s hypnotic pulse. Its minimalist structure contrasts with the A-side’s emotional weight, offering a playful yet cerebral counterpoint.

Significance:

As a B-side, it’s a fan favorite for its quirky energy and connection to Bowie’s Krautrock influences, often cited as a precursor to his later instrumental experiments.

Production and Credits

Producers: David Bowie and Tony Visconti.

Songwriters: David Bowie and Brian Eno (“Heroes”); David Bowie (“V-2 Schneider”).

Musicians: David Bowie (vocals, saxophone), Robert Fripp (guitar), Carlos Alomar (guitar), George Murray (bass), Dennis Davis (drums), Brian Eno (synthesizers).

Studio: Hansa Tonstudio, Berlin.

Label: RCA Victor UK (PB 1121).

Spain - RCA Victor - 1977

Critical Reception

Upon release, “Heroes” received mixed commercial success but critical acclaim. Its anthemic quality and innovative production were praised, though some UK critics found its art-rock leanings less accessible than Bowie’s earlier glam hits. Over time, it’s been hailed as one of Bowie’s greatest works, with Rolling Stone, NME, and Pitchfork ranking it among the top songs of all time.

The 7" single’s B-side, “V-2 Schneider,” was less reviewed but appreciated by fans for its experimental edge.

The Heroes / V-2 Schneider 7" single is a cornerstone of Bowie’s discography and a cultural artifact of the Berlin Trilogy. Its release during Bowie’s most experimental phase, combined with its recording near the Berlin Wall, gives it historical weight. The single’s enduring popularity is evident in its use in media, from Moulin Rouge! to Stranger Things, and its performance by Bowie at Live Aid (1985) and the Concert for Berlin (1987). For collectors, the 1977 UK pressing (PB 1121) is prized, especially with the original RCA sleeve or rare picture sleeves from markets like Germany or France.

40th Anniversary Edition:

The Heroes / Heroes (‘Marc’ Show Version) 40th Anniversary 7" Picture Disc was released by Parlophone Records on September 22, 2017, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of David Bowie’s iconic single “Heroes,” originally released on September 23, 1977, by RCA Victor (PB 1121). Cataloged as DBHERO 40 (UK) and 5601-7-R (US), this limited-edition picture disc was part of Record Store Day 2017 and Bowie’s posthumous reissue campaign following his death in January 2016.

The A-side features the 2017 remastered single edit of “Heroes” (3:35), while the AA-side (a double A-side designation) contains a previously unreleased live version of “Heroes” from Marc Bolan’s ITV show Marc, recorded on September 7, 1977, and broadcast on September 28, 1977, after Bolan’s tragic passing in a car accident on September 16, 1977.

Music and Production:

AA-Side:

Heroes (‘Marc’ Show Version, 3:35, Previously Unreleased)

This live version, recorded on September 7, 1977, for Marc Bolan’s Marc TV show, marks the first televised performance of “Heroes” in the UK. Performed in a studio setting for ITV, it captures Bowie’s raw energy and emotional delivery, though in mono audio, as noted in reviews.

Significance:

The Marc show version is a collector’s gem, previously unreleased until this picture disc. Its historical context—Bowie performing on Bolan’s show just days before Bolan’s fatal accident—makes it a poignant snapshot of their friendship and the glam rock era’s twilight. The performance’s mono audio is a noted drawback but doesn’t diminish its archival value.