David Bowie (June 17, 1977) “Be My Wife” / “Speed Of Life” – Single 7" UK

David Bowie released “Be My Wife” as the second single from his groundbreaking album Low. A more conventional and emotionally direct rock track compared to the album’s experimental electronic side, it showcased Bowie’s ragtime piano and heartfelt lyrics during his innovative “Berlin period.”

Artist: David Bowie

Label: RCA Victor

Date: June 17, 1977

Catalogue: PB 1017 / PB 11017

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: UK

A-Side: “Be My Wife”

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: David Bowie, Tony Visconti

B-Side: “Speed Of Life”

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: David Bowie, Tony Visconti

TRACK LIST UK 7" Commercial Single (PB

1017)

A. Be My Wife

B. Speed Of Life

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

Main Commercial – PB 1017 (Stereo, Push-out Centre / Solid Centre) Promo copies exist

PERSONNEL

• David Bowie — lead vocals, lead guitar, pump bass

• Carlos Alomar — rhythm guitar

• George Murray — bass

• Dennis Davis — drums

• Roy Young — piano

• Brian Eno — synthesizers

• Tony Visconti — producer

THE STORY “Be My Wife” / “Speed Of Life” was released on June 17, 1977 on RCA Victor as the second single from David Bowie’s eleventh studio album Low. Recorded at Château d’Hérouville in France, the A-side features a distinctive ragtime piano opening and more traditional rock structure, standing out from the album’s fragmented and electronic elements.

Though it only reached No.57 on the UK chart (appearing on the Breakers list), it became a fan favourite and was frequently performed live.

CONTEXT & NOTES

 This was the first new Bowie single since “Changes” not to break into the official UK Top 50. The song was often introduced by Bowie in concert as “one of my favourites.” The UK pressing includes variants with push-out and solid centres.

INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS 

Australia

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Australia · 1977

Belgium

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Belgium · 1977

Canada

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Canada · 1977

France

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — France · 1977

Germany

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Germany · 1977

Netherlands

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Netherlands · 1977

Portugal

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Portugal · 1977

Spain

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Spain · 1977

USA

• Be My Wife — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA — US · 1977

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RELATED MATERIAL 

David Bowie (1977) Low

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES 

Discogs,

45cat,

Official Charts,

Wikipedia

All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.