DAVID BOWIE (October 15, 1977) – "Heroes" b/w "V-2 Schneider" Format: 7" Single: NLD

Oct 14, 1977

2 min read

Released in the Netherlands on October 15, 1977, "Heroes" was issued by RCA Victor under catalogue number PB-1121. The single paired the title track from Bowie's then-current "Heroes" album with the instrumental album track "V-2 Schneider" as its B-side.

Written during Bowie's celebrated late-1970s creative period, the release showcased two contrasting sides of his work. The A-side presented one of his most iconic compositions, co-written with Brian Eno, while the B-side highlighted the experimental instrumental direction that characterised much of the "Heroes" album.

According to release information published by the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40, the Dutch issue was released on October 15, 1977. The UK release preceded it on September 23, 1977 under the same catalogue number.

RECORDING

"Heroes" was written by David Bowie and Brian Eno.

"V-2 Schneider" was written by David Bowie.

Both recordings were produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti.

Both tracks originated from the "Heroes" album sessions.

STYLE & THEMES

The single presents two distinct aspects of Bowie's late-1970s musical direction.

"Heroes" combines melodic songwriting with atmospheric production and collaborative writing from Bowie and Brian Eno.

"V-2 Schneider" offers an instrumental counterpart, reflecting the experimental and European influences that were central to Bowie's work during this period.

Together, the two sides illustrate the balance between accessible songwriting and adventurous musical exploration that defined the "Heroes" era.

TRACK‑BY‑TRACK NOTES

• Heroes — Written by David Bowie and Brian Eno. Selected as the A-side and released as the principal single from the album of the same name.

• V-2 Schneider — Written solely by David Bowie. An instrumental recording chosen as the B-side for the Dutch release.

RELEASE HISTORY

The single was issued by RCA Victor in the Netherlands on October 15, 1977 under catalogue number PB-1121.

Release information published by the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40 identifies October 15, 1977 as the Dutch release date.

The same coupling of "Heroes" and "V-2 Schneider" had already been released in the United Kingdom on September 23, 1977, also on RCA Victor with catalogue number PB 1121.

PERSONNEL

David Bowie — vocals, songwriter, producer

Brian Eno — songwriter

Tony Visconti — producer

PRODUCTION

Produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti

Label: RCA Victor

NOTES

The Dutch release date was sourced from information published by the Stichting Nederlandse Top 40.

The UK issue was released on September 23, 1977.

"Heroes" was co-written by David Bowie and Brian Eno.

"V-2 Schneider" was written solely by David Bowie.

Both sides were produced by David Bowie and Tony Visconti.

RELEASE VARIANTS TABLE

Artist	Title	Label	Country	Catalogue	Date	Format
David Bowie	Heroes / V-2 Schneider	RCA Victor	UK	PB 1121	September 23, 1977	7" Single
David Bowie	Heroes / V-2 Schneider	RCA Victor	Netherlands	PB-1121	October 15, 1977	7" Single

TRACKLIST TABLE (ALL FORMATS)

Format	Catalogue	Tracklisting
7" Single	PB 1121	A. Heroes B. V-2 Schneider
7" Single	PB-1121	A. Heroes B. V-2 Schneider

SOURCES Discogs, 45 World, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.

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