David Bowie: "Absolute Beginners" Single (1986)

David Bowie’s "Absolute Beginners" backed with "Absolute Beginners (Dub Mix)", was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the UK by Virgin Records (catalog number VS 838) on March 3, 1986.

Recorded in August of 1985, it was the theme song to the 1986 film of the same name (itself an adaptation of the book Absolute Beginners). Although the film was not a commercial success, the song was a big hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK singles chart. It also reached the top 10 on the main singles charts in ten other countries. In the US, it peaked at No. 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Bowie performed "Absolute Beginners" live on his 1987 Glass Spider Tour, his 2000 "Mini" Tour, and his 2002 Heathen Tour. The song has been included on a number of Bowie's compilation and "Best-of" releases, and was included as a bonus track on the 1995 re-release of Tonight (1984).