🔘 Let’s Dance (Full Length Demo) – Single: Apr. 2018 (UK 12" RSD Edition)

Released: April 21, 2018 (UK)

Label: Parlophone Records

Catalogue Number: DBRSD 783

Released as a limited edition 12-inch vinyl single in the UK by Parlophone Records on April 21, 2018, as part of Record Store Day, David Bowie’s Let’s Dance (Full Length Demo) — backed with Let’s Dance (Live) — was issued as an exclusive black vinyl 45 RPM release.

🔘 Archival Overview

Issued as part of Parlophone’s ongoing Bowie archival programme, this RSD-exclusive 12-inch presents the first official release of the full-length demo of Let’s Dance, recorded in 1982 during the early development of Bowie’s landmark 1983 album. The B-side features a live version of the track, offering a contrasting performance from Bowie’s later touring era.

🔘 Track List

Side A

Let’s Dance (Full Length Demo)

Side B

Let’s Dance (Live)

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: David Bowie & Nile Rodgers (original sessions)

🔘 Release Details

Label: Parlophone Records

Format: 12-inch Vinyl Single, 45 RPM, Limited Edition, Black Vinyl

Country: UK

Year: 2018

Notes:

- Record Store Day 2018 exclusive

- First release of the full-length demo

- 45 RPM audiophile cut

- Black vinyl pressing

- Part of Parlophone’s Bowie archival series

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Parlophone Records – DBRSD 783 (2018)

Format: 12" Single, 45 RPM, Black Vinyl, Limited Edition

Country: UK

Year: 2018

Notes:

- Only confirmed edition

- Standard RSD packaging

🔘 Context & Notes

Personnel (Original 1982 Demo Session)

David Bowie — vocals

Nile Rodgers — guitar, production

Session musicians — various

Recording Notes

The full-length demo captures Bowie and Nile Rodgers shaping the rhythmic and melodic foundations of Let’s Dance before the final album arrangement. The live version on the B-side showcases the song’s evolution into a concert highlight.

Press Reception

Collectors praised the release for its historical value and the rarity of the demo. The 45 RPM cut and 12-inch format were noted for enhancing audio fidelity.

Legacy

Let’s Dance remains one of Bowie’s most iconic singles. This 2018 RSD edition adds a significant archival chapter, revealing the song’s earliest form alongside a powerful live rendition.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Archival Release

Let’s Dance (1983 Original Album)

Next Archival Release

Bowie RSD titles (2019–2020)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Let’s Dance (Demo) — 1982 (recorded)

Let’s Dance (Live) — various tours

Let’s Dance (Full Length Demo) / Let’s Dance (Live) — 2018

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

1982 — Demo recorded with Nile Rodgers

1983 — Let’s Dance album released

2010s — Parlophone archival programme expands

Apr. 21, 2018 — RSD 12-inch single issued

🔘 Glam Flashback

A glimpse into Bowie’s reinvention — from raw demo spark to stadium‑sized anthem.

🔘 Closing Notes

A standout RSD release, the 2018 12-inch edition of Let’s Dance (Full Length Demo) backed with Let’s Dance (Live) offers a rare and revealing look at one of Bowie’s most transformative eras.

🔘 Sources

Discogs

Parlophone Records

Bowie archival documentation