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75ÌýÌý|ÌýTop 100
'Heroes'
David Bowie
The title track from the middle album in Bowie’s Berlin trilogy (also comprising Low and Lodger), Heroes also marked a high point in his relationship with studio boffin Brian Eno.
The song was originally said to have been inspired byÌýa pair of lovers Bowie saw kissing by the |
 Song facts |
| Composer |
David Bowie |
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| Genre |
Rock |
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| Album |
Heroes
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| Released |
1977 |
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| UK Chart Position |
24 |
|
Berlin wall, which was overlooked by Hansa studios, where the song was recorded. Producer Tony Visconti, however, has since admitted that it was inspired by an affair he was having at the time.
Bowie’s voice was recorded using three microphones, each one further away than the last – as he sang louder, each mic would activate, eventually creating the massive vocal sound heard in the later verses. King Crimson’s Robert Fripp added the distinctive guitar line, played using an e-bow, a primitive synthesiser placed over the strings, while Eno contributed the atmospheric keyboard washes.
Edited down for a single release, the song gave Bowie a massive hit, and remains one of his best loved and most anthemic tracks.
Mick Fitzsimmons
David BowieÌý |
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David Bowie talks about creating the music for the Heroes and Low albums.
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Other versions |
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 Ìý'Heroes' was on theÌýB-side of Blondie's 1980 Number 1 UK hit 'Atomic'.
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Songwriting tips Knowing your way round a studio can have a great effect on the finished product. Find out more. |
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