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.”
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“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.
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Bowie’s promotions of “Heroes” were to no avail. While “Heroes” achieved some chart success in Europe and Australia, it failed to enter the charts on the Billboard Hot 100. It peaked at 24 on the UK Singles Chart, being shut out of the top 20. Bowie’s promotions showed that he was ready for the world to hear “Heroes.” Sadly, the world did not feel the same way, as the song did not receive the recognition and praise it deserved.
There is no real reason why the song did not perform well. Other well-known songs were originally flops too, like Radiohead’s “Creep” and Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now”. However, it could be said that “Heroes” underperformed for the same reason why “Creep” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” were overlooked; the radio stations were not ready to accept music that was so innovative, unusual, and experimental.
David Bowie’s “Heroes” Made a Breakthrough Years Later
The famous and iconic Live Aid in 1985 was the first time “Heroes” became more appreciated. Bowie reintroduces “Heroes” to the world during his Live Aid performance. After his performance, listeners and fans responded better to “Heroes”, and it soon led to it becoming one of his most covered songs. His tragic death in January 2016 was the second time, as the song would climb to 12 on the UK Singles Chart.
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After his death, fans rediscovered “Heroes” again, but through the smash-hit Netflix series Stranger Things. Peter Gabriel’s 2009 cover also received little response until it was featured in the first few seasons of the show. Following the show’s conclusion in January 2026, the streaming numbers of the song surged on Spotify, receiving an increase of 500 percent plays, according to Rolling Stone.
The revival of “Heroes” is a huge example of the timeless cultural significance Bowie has on music. Why “Heroes” remains one of Bowie’s greatest hits is due to its ability to resonate among all listeners. Not only does this prove Bowie’s musical genius, but also his long-lasting legacy.
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