Some flops turned into masterpieces many years after their release. David Bowie’s 1977 hit, “Heroes”, is a huge example of this. Among his discography are classics such as “The Jean Genie,” “Life on Mars?” and “Golden Years,” which turned into hits. The difference between those songs and “Heroes” is that “Heroes” took a long while to be appreciated.
“Heroes” was released on September 23, 1977, with Bowie anticipating the song’s success. Strangely, despite the exquisite storytelling and emotional appeal, “Heroes” did not receive the reception it truly deserved. Nowadays, it is considered one of his greatest songs, despite failing to achieve commercial success.
David Bowie’s “Heroes” Was Inspired by an Affair
“Heroes” was penned during Bowie’s residence in Berlin, where he fled after burnout from the music industry in Los Angeles. The song told the story of a German couple who refuse to be torn apart by the political climate. To continue their relationship, they met every day under a gun turret on the Berlin Wall.
According to an interview Bowie did in 2003 with Performing Songwriter, Bowie’s producer, Tony Visconti, had an affair with his backup singer, Antonia Maass. They inspired the German couple in the song, as they would kiss “by the wall” in front of Bowie. The “Under Pressure” singer detailed the context behind the song, stating, “I always said it was a couple of lovers by the Berlin Wall that prompted the idea. Actually, it was Tony Visconti and his girlfriend; Tony was married at the time. And I could never say who it was. But I can now say that the lovers were Tony and a German girl that he’d met whilst we were in Berlin.”
David Bowie’s Forgotten 1977 Song Wasn’t a Hit — Until ‘Stranger Things’ Made It Iconic
The classic that introduced a younger audience to the legend.
“I did ask his permission if I could say that,” he added. “I think possibly the marriage was in the last few months, and it was very touching because I could see that Tony was very much in love with this girl, and it was that relationship which sort of motivated the song.”
“Heroes” Failed to Achieve Commercial Success
Upon release, Bowie heavily promoted the song, which included a music video and a performance of it on two shows, such as Marc and Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas. Sadly, the hosts would soon die before the episodes aired, adding another obstacle in front of the song’s potential success. Bowie also released the French and German versions of the song.
<spanclass=cq-eyebrowClassic Rock Personality Quiz
<spanclass=cq-main-titleWho's Your Perfect
<emClassic Rock Band?
<spanclass=cq-subtitleA Personality Quiz · 10 Questions
<spanclass=cq-intro-bodyFive legendary bands. One perfect match. Answer 10 questions about your personality, attitude, and taste to find out which classic rock icon you truly belong with. Are you raw power, rolling swagger, operatic drama, thunderous riffs, or timeless melody?
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<pBegin Quiz →
<p01
<spanHow do you walk into a room?<spanChoose the answer that feels most like you.
<pA</spanLike a freight train — loud, fast, and everyone knows I've arrived.
B</spanWith a slow, cool swagger — I take my time and own every step.
C</spanHead down, focused — I'm here for a purpose and small talk isn't it.
D</spanWith total confidence and a flair for the dramatic — all eyes on me.
E</spanWarmly and curiously — genuinely excited to see what and who is here.
<p<labelclass=cq-btn-next for=cq-s2Next Question →
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<spanWhat does your ideal Friday night look like?
