Nightclubbing (song)

"Nightclubbing" is a song written by David Bowie and Iggy Pop,[1][2][3] first released by Iggy Pop on his debut solo studio album, The Idiot in 1977. It has been since considered "a career highlight", along with "Lust for Life"[4] and has been covered by many artists. It is also extensively featured on other media.

"Nightclubbing"
Song by Iggy Pop
from the album The Idiot
ReleasedMarch 18, 1977 (1977-03-18)
Recorded1976–1977
GenreIndustrial
Length4:14
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)David Bowie

Background

The song, which was written and recorded in Berlin,[1][5] features David Bowie on piano with the aid of a Roland drum machine.[6][7] When Pop pronounced himself happy with the result, Bowie protested that they needed real drums to finish it off.[8] Pop insisted on keeping the rhythm machine, saying "it kicks ass, it's better than a drummer". Pop largely wrote the lyrics on the spot "in ten minutes", Bowie suggesting that he write about "walking through the night like ghosts".[8] The lyrics were immediately written just after the instrumental recording, after Bowie's suggestion that he write about "walking through the night like ghosts".[9] The song's riff has been perceived as a mischievous quote of Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll".[10]

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.[5][11][12] Trent Reznor, Peter Murphy, Atticus Ross and Jeordie White also collaboratively covered the song live for a radio station in 2006.[13]

The song was featured in the 1996 film, Trainspotting, along with another Iggy Pop track, "Lust for Life".[4][14]

Nine Inch Nails' hit song, "Closer", features a modified sample of the Roland bass drum from the song.[7] 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.

Personnel

References
  1. Easby and Oliver (2007)
  2. Pegg (2006), p.154
  3. Bianco (1998)
  4. Wolk, Douglas (September 1996). "Various artists - Soundtracks (Trainspotting)". CMJ (37): 39. ISSN 1074-6978.
  5. Ehrlich (1997), p.96
  6. Paul Trynka (2011), Iggy Pop: Open Up and Bleed: The Biography, p. 145, Hachette
  7. Rule, Greg (April 1994). "Trent Reznor". Keyboard.
  8. Pegg 2000, pp. 152–153.
  9. Pegg (2000), p.152-153
  10. Trynka (2011), p.242-250
  11. DeCurtis, Anthony and James Henke and Holly George-Warren (1992), p. 378
  12. Jennings and Gardner (2012)
  13. ""Nightclubbing" live 6.23.06. Trent Reznor, Peter Murphy, Atticus Ross, Jeordie White". Youtube. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  14. Powrie, Phil and Robynn Jeananne Stilwell (2006), p.134

Sources

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