David Bowie (June 22, 1973 Release) “Life on Mars?” / “The Man Who Sold the World” – Single 7" United Kingdom

A timeless glam rock masterpiece and one of David Bowie’s most iconic and beloved singles. Taken from the landmark album Hunky Dory, “Life on Mars?” stands as a cinematic, emotionally charged classic that perfectly captures Bowie’s genius for blending grand theatricality, profound introspection, and vivid storytelling. With its sweeping orchestration, unforgettable melody, and one of Bowie’s most powerful vocal performances, the song has become a cornerstone of his entire catalogue and a defining moment of the glam rock era.

RELEASE DETAILS

Artist: David Bowie

Label: RCA

Date: June 22, 1973

Catalogue: RCA 2316

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: United Kingdom

A-Side: “Life on Mars?”

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: David Bowie, Ken Scott

B-Side: “The Man Who Sold the World” Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: Tony Visconti

TRACK LIST

UK 7" Commercial Single (RCA 2316)

A. Life on Mars?

B. The Man Who Sold the World

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

Main Commercial – RCA 2316 (Stereo) Promo copies exist (white label) Later reissues on various RCA and EMI labels

PERSONNEL

David Bowie — vocals, guitar, piano, mellotron

Mick Ronson — guitar, string arrangement

Trevor Bolder — bass

Woody Woodmansey — drums

Rick Wakeman — piano

Ken Scott — producer, engineer

INTERNATIONAL VARIANTS

• France – RCA Victor – 1973

• Germany – RCA Victor – 1973

• Ireland – RCA Victor – 1973

• New Zealand – RCA Victor – 1973

• South Africa – RCA Victor – 1973

• UK – RCA – 1982

• Ireland – RCA – 1983

• UK – RCA – 1983 (opposite)

THE STORY

From the album Hunky Dory, “Life on Mars?” was written by David Bowie and produced by David Bowie and Ken Scott. Recorded on 6 August 1971 at Trident Studios in London, the track is a sweeping glam rock epic with rich orchestration and one of Bowie’s most memorable vocal performances. It was released as a single with “The Man Who Sold the World” as the B-side.

CONTEXT & NOTES

UK CHART PERFORMANCE

Peak position: No. 3

First Chart Date: 30/06/1973

Total Weeks on Chart: 13 (plus 2 weeks in 2007 re-entry)

Chart Run 13 weeks - 30/06/1973 to 22/09/1973 Peak: No. 3 (held for 3 weeks)

The song has grown in stature over the decades and is now considered a masterpiece.

RELATED MATERIAL 

• Hunky Dory Album (1971)

• The Man Who Sold the World – Single (1970/1971)

• David Bowie - Glam Slam Guide

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

SOURCES Discogs, 45cat, 45worlds, 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.David Bowie,