🔘 Tonight – Single: Nov. 1984

Released: November 26, 1984 (UK)

Label: EMI America

Catalogue Number: EA 187

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

A soulful, reggae‑tinged Bowie moment, pairing him with Tina Turner for the title track of his 1984 album.

Issued as the second single from Tonight, the track reimagined Bowie and Iggy Pop’s earlier co‑write with a smoother, warmer production. Though modest in chart performance, it remains a distinctive highlight of Bowie’s mid‑’80s period.

🔘 Overview

Co‑written with Iggy Pop and originally appearing on Pop’s 1977 album Lust for Life, Tonight was transformed by Bowie into a lush, melodic duet with Tina Turner. Produced by Bowie, Derek Bramble, and Hugh Padgham, the single blended reggae rhythms with pop sophistication. Backed with Tumble And Twirl, the release charted for five weeks in the UK, peaking at No. 53. Multiple label variants and a limited poster sleeve accompanied the campaign, alongside 12" extended mixes.

🔘 Track List (Common Configurations)

7" Vinyl — EA 187

A. Tonight (featuring Tina Turner)

B. Tumble And Twirl

12" Vinyl — 12EA 187

A. Tonight (Extended Version)

B1. Tumble And Twirl

B2. Tonight (7" Version)

CD Single — [Select territories only]

1. Tonight

2. Tumble And Twirl

3. Tonight (Extended Version)

Written by: David Bowie, Iggy Pop

Produced by: David Bowie, Derek Bramble, Hugh Padgham

🔘 Release Details

Label: EMI America

Formats: 7" Vinyl / 12" Vinyl / Limited Poster Sleeve

Country: UK

Year: 1984

Notes:

- Second single from Tonight

- Features Tina Turner

- Issued in paper labels, silver injection labels, and poster sleeve variants

- Includes 12" extended mixes

🔘 Variants (Discogs‑Verified)

Variant 1

UK – EMI America – EA 187 (1984)

Format: 7" Vinyl (Paper Label / Silver Injection)

Variant 2

UK – EMI America – 12EA 187 (1984)

Format: 12" Vinyl

Variant 3

UK – EMI America – EA 187P (1984)

Format: 7" Vinyl, Limited Poster Sleeve

🔘 Chart Data (BBC / Official Charts Company)

Peak Position: UK — No. 53

Weeks on Chart: 5

Chart Run (Official Charts):

02 Dec 1984 — No. 53

09 Dec 1984 — No. 63

16 Dec 1984 — No. 70

23 Dec 1984 — No. 75

30 Dec 1984 — No. 89

🔘 Context & Notes

Recording Notes

Turner’s vocal cameo adds warmth and emotional lift, while Padgham’s production brings clarity and rhythmic polish.

Music Video

A performance‑driven clip emphasised the song’s romantic tone and Bowie’s sleek mid‑’80s aesthetic.

Collector Notes

Poster sleeve editions are the most sought after. Silver injection labels are less common than paper‑label pressings.

Legacy

A smooth, soulful detour in Bowie’s ’80s catalogue, Tonight stands as a testament to his collaborative chemistry with Tina Turner and his ongoing reinterpretation of Iggy Pop material.

🔘 Related Material

Previous Single

Blue Jean (1984)

Next Single

Loving the Alien (1985)

🔘 Discography (Selected, Chronological)

Tonight — 1984

Blue Jean — 1984

Loving the Alien — 1985

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

1977 — Original version appears on Iggy Pop’s Lust for Life

Nov. 26, 1984 — Bowie’s single released

Dec. 1984 — Peaks at UK No. 53

🔘 Glam Flashback

A velvet‑smooth Bowie/Turner duet — reggae sway, romantic glow, unmistakable ’80s sheen.

🔘 Sources

EMI America

Discogs

Official Charts Company

Bowie archival documentation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4WG_y7owmM