Lady Stardust (Alternative Version – Take 1) Digital Single: 2024

A Ziggy-Era Vault Rarity Unveiled

Released digitally worldwide on May 3, 2024, David Bowie’s “Lady Stardust (Alternative Version – Take 1) the second preview track from the box set Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! (5CD/Blu-ray, digital, and half-speed mastered LP, out June 14, 2024).

This hitherto unknown take, recorded November 12, 1971 at Trident Studios, features Bowie’s vocals in a much lower register than the released version. Original producer Ken Scott was shocked: “This was a shock when I first heard it. I pulled up the faders and suddenly, what the hell? I had no recollection of it being like that originally, but I guess it was just a guide vocal. But it sounds great, is really interesting and brings a totally different feeling to the song.”

Scott also praised Mick Ronson’s piano: “Ronno on piano is very good indeed. The Trident Studio piano was just amazing, a Bechstein grand from around 1850 and I think the hammers had been treated with varnish or something – it was the best rock and roll piano in the whole world.”

Band line-up for this take:

- David Bowie – vocals

- Mick Ronson – piano

- Trevor Bolder – bass

- Woody Woodmansey – drums

Produced by David Bowie and Ken Scott. Arranged by David Bowie and Mick Ronson.

Other unreleased highlights on *Rock ‘n’ Roll Star!* include an unheard version of the deep-cut classic ‘Shadow Man’, and an up-tempo take of The Who’s ‘I Can’t Explain’, which Bowie would later slow down and cover for the *Pin-Ups* album.

Single Overview

Release Details

Label: Parlophone / ISO Records (digital).

Format: Digital single (streaming/download).

Full Track Listing

1. Lady Stardust (Alternative Version – Take 1)

Production and Context

Recorded at Trident Studios, St Anne’s Court, London on November 12, 1971. Part of the Ziggy Stardust sessions. A previously unheard take released as a teaser for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Star! box set.

Do you have Lady Stardust (Take 1) in your digital collection? Surprised by the low register? Share in the comments!

Sources

Information is drawn from my personal knowledge and supplemented by web sources, including Prince Vault, Discogs, 45cat, AllMusic, Rate Your Music, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts Company, Billboard Chart History and YouTube

Whilst every effort is made to provide accurate information, mistakes do happen. Simply leave a comment and the post will be updated. Thank you.