Recorded 1976–1977 Label RCA Producer(s) David Bowie | Length 4:14 Writer(s) Iggy Pop, David Bowie | |
Released March 18, 1977 (1977-03-18) | ||
"Nightclubbing" is a song written by David Bowie and Iggy Pop, first released by Iggy Pop on his debut solo studio album, The Idiot in 1977. It has been since considered as "a career highlight", along with "Lust for Life" and has been covered by many artists. It is also extensively featured on other media.
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Background
The song, which was written and recorded in Berlin, features David Bowie on piano with an aid of the drum machine. The drum sound was kept in spite of Bowie's desire for a real drummer. The lyrics were immediately written just after the instrumental recording, after Bowie's suggestion that he write about "walking through the night like ghosts." The song's riff has been perceived as a mischievous quote of Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll."
Cover versions and use in media
The song has been covered by many artists, including Grace Jones, The Jolly Boys, Bluvertigo and The Human League. Grace Jones' version achieved mainstream success and was included on her album of the same name. Trent Reznor, Peter Murphy, Atticus Ross and Jeordie White also collaboratively covered the song live for a radio station in 2006.
The song was featured in the 1996 film, Trainspotting, along with another Iggy Pop track, "Lust for Life".
Nine Inch Nails' hit song, "Closer", features a modified sample of the bass drum from the song. Trent Reznor also covered the song with Peter Murphy during a live radio session. The drum loop of "Nightclubbing" was replicated by Oasis for "Force of Nature", a track recorded for their 2002 album Heathen Chemistry.