🔘 TVC 15 – Single: Apr. 1976

In the spring of 1976, David Bowie was riding high on the success of his groundbreaking *Station to Station* album. Deep in his “Thin White Duke” persona, he released “TVC 15” — a hypnotic, quirky, and funk-infused track that blended science fiction, paranoia, and danceable grooves.

Released on April 30, 1976, the single appeared on RCA Records under catalogue number RCA 2682. Backed with the dark, intense “We Are The Dead,” this 7-inch release showcased the experimental and theatrical side of Bowie’s mid-1970s output.

Label: RCA Records

Catalogue Number: RCA 2682

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: April 30, 1976 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA – RCA 2682 — 1976

A. TVC 15

B. We Are The Dead

Written by: David Bowie (both tracks)

Produced by: David Bowie and Harry Maslin

Recorded: 1975–1976 at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released April 30, 1976

• Funky, eccentric single from the *Station to Station* era

• Featured Bowie’s distinctive “Thin White Duke” vocal delivery and a hypnotic, repetitive groove

• Chart debut: May 8, 1976

• Peaked at No. 33 in the UK

🔘 The Story

“TVC 15” was inspired by a bizarre incident involving Bowie’s wife Angie and a television set, which he transformed into a surreal, sci-fi tale about a man obsessed with his holographic girlfriend trapped inside a TV. The track’s driving rhythm, quirky lyrics, and layered production made it one of the most unusual and danceable moments on *Station to Station*.

The B-side “We Are The Dead” was a darker, more intense piece drawing on George Orwell’s *1984*, adding a brooding contrast to the A-side’s eccentric energy. While not as commercially successful as “Golden Years,” the single further highlighted Bowie’s artistic boldness during this highly creative period.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RCA – RCA 2682 — UK — 1976

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RCA – RCA 2682 — UK — 1976

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — RCA – RCA 2682 — UK — 1976

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on May 8, 1976 and peaked at No. 33. It spent a total of 6 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 6

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “TVC 15” – quirky, funk-driven track with surreal lyrics and a hypnotic groove.

• B-side: “We Are The Dead” – dark, Orwellian piece with intense atmosphere.

• Production: David Bowie and Harry Maslin – delivering the sleek, sophisticated sound of the *Station to Station* era.

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released during Bowie’s “Thin White Duke” phase, bridging his soul-funk experiments with the more experimental and darker tones that would follow in the Berlin period.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: Features on *Station to Station* reissues and various Bowie greatest hits collections.

🔘 Related Material

• Golden Years (1975)

• Station to Station (1976 album)

• Fame (1975)

• Stay (1976)

🔘 Discography

Golden Years – Single: 1975

TVC 15 – Single: 1976

Stay – Single: 1976

Sound and Vision – Single: 1977

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ 1975–1976 — Recorded at Cherokee Studios, Los Angeles

✦ April 30, 1976 — UK single released

✦ May 8, 1976 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ June 1976 — Peaks at No. 33

✦ Mid-1976 — Completes 6-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With a thin white suit and a surreal tale of love trapped in a television, David Bowie beamed “TVC 15” onto the charts in April 1976, proving his genius for turning the bizarre into pure dancefloor gold.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #TVC15 #1976 #RCA

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: RCA Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.