🔘 “Heroes” – Single: Sep. 2017 (UK 40th Anniversary Picture Disc)

Released: September 22, 2017 (UK)

Label: Parlophone Records

Catalogue Number: DBHERO40

Issued to commemorate the 40th anniversary of David Bowie’s iconic 1977 single, this limited edition 7-inch picture disc pairs the original “Heroes” with the rare ’Heroes’ (Marc Show Version). Released by Parlophone on September 22, 2017, the edition marks four decades since the original RCA Victor single (PB 1121), first issued on September 23, 1977.

🔘 Archival Overview

The 40th anniversary picture disc continues Parlophone’s acclaimed Bowie reissue programme, presenting a premium collector’s edition of one of Bowie’s most celebrated singles. The A-side features the original 1977 single version of “Heroes,” while the AA-side includes the ’Heroes’ (Marc Show Version), recorded for the German TV programme *Musikladen* (formerly *Beat-Club*), offering a unique alternate performance from the same era.

The release follows earlier 40th anniversary picture discs such as Starman, John, I’m Only Dancing, Rebel Rebel, and Young Americans.

🔘 Track List

Side A

“Heroes” (Single Version)

Written by: David Bowie, Brian Eno

Produced by: David Bowie & Tony Visconti

Recorded: Hansa Tonstudio, Berlin, 1977

Side AA

’Heroes’ (Marc Show Version)

Written by: David Bowie, Brian Eno

Produced by: David Bowie & Tony Visconti

Recorded for: *Musikladen* / “Marc” TV performance, 1977

🔘 Release Details

Label: Parlophone Records

Format: 7-inch Picture Disc, Limited Edition

Country: UK

Year: 2017

Notes:

- 40th Anniversary Edition

- Features original 1977 single version

- Includes rare Marc Show performance version

- Part of Parlophone’s Bowie picture disc series

- Released one day before the original single’s 40th anniversary

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – Parlophone – DBHERO40 (2017)

Format: 7" Picture Disc, Limited Edition

Country: UK

Year: 2017

Notes:

- Only confirmed edition

- Standard Parlophone 40th anniversary packaging

🔘 Context & Notes

Personnel (1977 “Heroes” Sessions)

David Bowie — vocals

Robert Fripp — lead guitar

Carlos Alomar — rhythm guitar

George Murray — bass

Dennis Davis — drums

Brian Eno — synthesizers, treatments

Tony Visconti — production, engineering

Recording Notes

“Heroes” was recorded at Hansa Tonstudio in Berlin, with Bowie’s vocal famously captured through a multi‑microphone gating technique devised by Tony Visconti. The Marc Show version presents a distinct performance from the same promotional cycle, offering alternate phrasing and arrangement nuances.

Press Reception

The 40th anniversary picture disc was praised for its historical significance and high-quality presentation, quickly becoming a sought-after item among Bowie collectors.

Legacy

“Heroes” stands as one of Bowie’s most enduring and influential singles. This 2017 edition celebrates its legacy with a premium archival release that highlights both the original recording and a rare contemporary performance.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Archival Release

“Sound and Vision” / “A New Career in a New Town” (40th Anniversary)

Next Archival Release

“Beauty and the Beast” (40th Anniversary Picture Disc, 2018)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

“Heroes” — 1977

’Heroes’ (Marc Show Version) — 1977

“Heroes” / ’Heroes’ (Marc Show Version) — 2017

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

1977 — “Heroes” recorded and released

1977 — Marc Show performance filmed

2010s — Parlophone 40th anniversary series expands

Sep. 22, 2017 — 40th anniversary picture disc issued

🔘 Glam Flashback

Berlin walls, Fripp’s razor‑wire guitar, and Bowie at his most defiant — “Heroes” remains a masterpiece of reinvention.

🔘 Closing Notes

A standout entry in Parlophone’s Bowie picture disc series, the 2017 “Heroes” 40th anniversary edition preserves one of Bowie’s most iconic singles with a rare alternate performance and premium presentation.

🔘 Sources

Discogs

Parlophone Records

Bowie archival documentation