David Bowie White Light White Heat – Cracked Actor (1983) estimated value € 12,00

The song was regularly performed live by David Bowie. A version he recorded in 1973 was released as a single in 1983 to promote the album Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture.

Bowie, a long-time Velvets fan, had been performing "White Light/White Heat" since 1971. (His album Hunky Dory features a credit to the song for having inspired Bowie's "Queen Bitch"). It featured throughout the Ziggy Stardust Tour (including a performance with Lou Reed on 8 July 1972), was recorded by Bowie for two BBC sessions, and was originally slated for inclusion on Pin Ups. Despite this, Ziggy Stardust – The Motion Picture marked the first time the song appeared on a Bowie record.

Tracklist

Side A – White Light/White Heat

Written-By – Lou Reed

Side B – Cracked Actor

Written-By – David Bowie

Description

Media & Sleeve Condition

Media: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Ring wear: Light
All three seams looking perfect: Yes
Picture sleeve looks near mint: Yes
Creases or folds: No
Stamps or writing: No

Key Details

Single Release: Although Bowie had been performing the song live since 1971, the live version from the famous “retirement” concert at the Hammersmith Odeon on 3 July 1973 was released as a single on 24 October 1983 to promote Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture.

The Spiders from Mars: Mick Ronson (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass), Mick Woodmansey (drums).

Scrapped Studio Version: Bowie recorded a studio version for Pin Ups in 1973 but never completed it. The backing track was later used by Mick Ronson for his own version on Play Don’t Worry (1975).

Inspiration: Bowie's admiration for The Velvet Underground was long-standing; his song "Queen Bitch" was written as a direct homage to Lou Reed and the band.