🔘 Changes – Single: Apr. 2015

Released: April 18, 2015 (UK)

Label: Rhino / Parlophone Records

Catalogue Number: DBCHANGE40

Format: 7" Picture Disc

Quantity: 6000

Released as a limited edition 7-inch picture disc single for Record Store Day 2015, David Bowie’s Changes backed with Eight Line Poem continued Parlophone’s 40th anniversary picture disc series.

🔘 Overview

The A-side features the original 1971 classic Changes, while the AA-side presents a previously unreleased 1971 recording of Eight Line Poem. This AA-side version originates from a small run of promotional LPs created to secure Bowie a record deal — long known among collectors as the “GEM promo,” named after GEM Records, the independent label that pressed the original acetate.

This 2015 edition marks the first official release of the GEM promo recording, making it a significant archival addition to Bowie’s early‑’70s catalogue. Issued as an RSD-exclusive picture disc, the single was pressed in a limited run of 6000 copies.

🔘 Track List

Side A

Changes

Side AA

Eight Line Poem (GEM Promo Version – First Official Release)

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: Ken Scott & David Bowie (original sessions)

🔘 Release Details

Label: Rhino / Parlophone Records

Format: 7-inch Picture Disc, Limited Edition

Country: UK

Year: 2015

Notes:

- Record Store Day 2015 exclusive

- Limited to 6000 copies

- Continuation of the 40th anniversary picture disc series

- AA-side: first official release of the 1971 GEM promo recording

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Rhino/Parlophone – DBCHANGE40 (2015)

Format: 7" Picture Disc, Limited Edition

Notes:

- Only confirmed edition

- Standard RSD packaging

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

Changes and Eight Line Poem were recorded during the Hunky Dory sessions at Trident Studios in 1971. The GEM promo version of Eight Line Poem predates the final album mix and offers a rare glimpse into Bowie’s early studio development.

Collector Notes

As the first official release of the GEM promo material, DBCHANGE40 is one of the most historically significant entries in the 40th anniversary picture disc series.

Legacy

Changes remains one of Bowie’s most enduring singles, while the GEM promo version of Eight Line Poem adds valuable context to the Hunky Dory era.

🔘 Related Material

Previous 40th Anniversary Picture Disc

Rebel Rebel (2014)

Next 40th Anniversary Picture Disc

Fame (2015)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Changes — 1971

Eight Line Poem — 1971

Changes / Eight Line Poem (40th Anniversary Picture Disc) — 2015

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

1971 — Hunky Dory sessions

1971 — GEM promo LP pressed

2010s — Parlophone 40th anniversary picture disc series

Apr. 18, 2015 — RSD picture disc issued

🔘 Glam Flashback

A Hunky Dory treasure — the classic single paired with a long‑whispered, finally‑released rarity.

🔘 Sources

Discogs

Parlophone / Rhino Records

Bowie archival documentation