David Bowie "Heroes" Belew '78

[@billyjackoff]

It still baffles me how Adrian Belew is not in Rolling Stone's top 100 guitarists. It's criminal.

[@tixximmi1]

Yes especially playing with Fripp and the Legendary Zappa. You can't do much better than Zappa Bowie and Crimson.

[@Ojb_1959]

It really shouldn’t baffle you. He’s not there because it’s total BS just like the RRHoF is. A list like that can only exist in each person’s heart anyway. 😌

[@billyjackoff]

@@Ojb_1959 I just found it shocking. He's so innovative. He was handpicked by some of the greatest artists of all time. So good, in fact, that Frank Zappa didn't care that he couldn't read music and was willing to be patient.

[@evansgate]

Rolling Stone is dogshit propaganda that panders to whatever is supposedly cool at that time. I wouldn't give it too much credence.

[@billyjackoff]

@@evansgate Agreed, but it's such a glaring oversight and 100 is a LOT of guitarists.

[@noelcampbell9239]

The 1978 tour was my first ever Bowie concert. Who the fuck would have the gall to have a violin in there backing band and sing a song like this and even Ziggy Stardust. Met the man 3 times. Wonderful human being. Still miss you David. Bowie for ever and ever.

[@fakeItRight]

Adrian Belew is one of the most underrated musicians in rock history. The dude played with EVERYBODY!

[@cryan6583]

the other thing that gets horribly overlooked is the way he picked up where Les Paul left off in terms of expanding what could be done with a six string electric guitar. His advancements using analog/digital effects and synthesis with the guitar to create different sounds are extraordinary. Not to mention he plays every instrument in the rhythm section well (great drummer) and has an amazing singing voice.

[@jinhargun]

Even that French Git...Jarre

[@merces47letifer4]

I love the irony of your avatar when the other side of the spectrum is the one censoring everyone and literally burning books. Ohwell, history, who needs it?

[@devinthierault]

Why don't you like 45 what did Singles ever do to you

[@Ori0n1975]

I don’t like your avatar.

[@jkorshak]

3:20 Mr. Bowie shifts out of croon, pulls out the stops, and sings his ass off. Won't ever see the likes of him again. He made our world a better place. RIP

[@paularnold1641]

agree 100%

[@Egeris95]

❤❤❤❤

[@RastaSaiyaman]

There's such a wonderful irony about this song which has Robert Fripp's best known guitar work. Because Fripp is a player who always plays seated but to get that howling siren sound going on this song, he had his Hiwatt half stack on "Search-for-cover" volume levels so his guitar would start to howl in that A note and pace back and forth to really get those over tones going. They overdubbed it three or four times to really get that hypnotic drone going. So Fripp's best known guitar work was played with him standing and walking with his guitar rather than him playing seated. There's a really funny anecdote about when they went on tour for this album. Because Fripp couldn't be booked, Adrian Belew was brought in and had been given the setlist and instructions to "learn these." But the full extend to which Belew did his homework became apparent when the rehearsals for the tour started because when the band launched into "Heroes" Bowie and Eno culdn't stop laughing. So when Belew asked them what was so funny, they told them about the many overdubs Fripp did to get that howling siren guitar part and they found it hilarious that Belew was able to playing all of that on his own.

[@mikemurphey6361]

Ty for that❤

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

Belew joined Bowie's band and wound up replicating Fripp's playing. Then he joined The Talking Head's and replicated Fripp's playing and doubling David Byrne's vocals. I guess When Fripp restarted King Crimson he wanted another guitar player and a modern new wave sounding vocalist. Who to call? Hmmm?

[@kg6868]

love stories like this!!

[@joechill1]

@@deathmetaldouglas69 Was Belew "replicating" Fripp on Remain In Light?

[@deathmetaldouglas69]

No, even though it's not hard to see Fripp's influence. He was "replicating" Fripp on "The Name of This Band is Talking Heads" when he played "I Zimbra" onstage with the band in 1980. The studio version from 1979 has Fripp playing on the track. Belew nailed it not just note-for-note but had the tone and the right effects settings. One would have to assume if Fripp decided he wanted two guitar players and he would write parts he wanted the other guitar player to play in certain compositions. Now do you understand??

[@Bricameron]

I love the fact that Bowie allows his musicians free reign as long as they stay in time.

[@scoremix8556]

you mean allowing the crazy bass drum work? haha

[@themagnanimous1246]

Davis' drumming for Bowie is some of my favorite drumming. The dude has is a funky genius

[@laurentdupasquier7872]

yes

[@tycumbie788]

I just watched an interview where Belew told how he was driving his car, an unknown poor musician, and heard this song on the radio. He said he loved it. Two years later he was playing it with Bowie. He’s had a charmed life and nobody seems to appreciate that more than him!

[@mikeypeterz]

Sean Mayes on keys. Dennis Davis on drums. An amazing tour. Station to Station was earthshaking.

[@samsmith4216]

No talk of the drummer...especially at 1:30. That drum roll across the kit even blew Carlos Alomars mind! Best version I've heard!

[@TheTopChannel-jn6gf]

Adrian Belew, just a kid from Covington that made it into King Crimson.

[@golfingcub02]

Managed to catch the eye and ear of Zappa, of course

[@johnosborne2989]

2024 still love Bowie, Belew is incredible. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marcusdolby1]

Belew and Bowie. Man these 2 are awesome together. RIP Bowie.

[@curtandoscar]

WHO were the lucky motherfuckers who got to be at this taping?!!???!??! Absolutely brilliant, breathtaking performance. Bowie at the peak of his powers. Fuck. It will take me another hour to come down from this.

[@JonMatt62]

Right behind him is the amazing, funky CARLOS ALAMAR, Bowies not so secret weapon for so many years--the man who brought the red headed alien to the Apollo theater for the first time in 1974 --who was the catalyst for Fame and Young Anericans. You rock, Handsome Carlos, thank you to all the magic you brought to David's finest recordings.

[@faustovalentinneumann673]

He produced Soda Stereo fourth album “Doble Vida”… Hell of a record

[@leonakita]

This is by far the best vocal performance on this song ever documented. Bowie shoots for, and hits, the high sustained note @ 3:28 that he doesn't attempt in any other filmed footage, and is engaged and emotive thru out the performance. It is also a well balanced comprehensive film study displaying all musicians relatively fairly in an engaging style with decent lighting. I have heard better instrumental performances overall ( by this same ensemble) , but all in all, this cohesively, is the best documented performance I have ever seen of 'Heroes'.

[@thirdunkle]

you are correct sir

[@stephenmarsh6159]

You so right...... that falsetto unreal !!!

[@annwhite2346]

Check out his performance on Top of the pops 1997. A fantastic vocal, though unfortunately just the shortened version, starting at 'I wish you could swim'.

[@unickDJ]

Completely...yet, its mainly tx to his musicians performances that the starman could achieve such a bright and powerfull singing!

[@ewanfraser]

My god Bowie’s voice is incredible

[@pimjcb9964]

This version of "Heroes" is amazing.

[@hihats]

Dennis Davis! I'd forgotten about him...he was great.

[@JoeWild1984]

Master Bowie and master Belew.

[@davidvawter4859]

+Magnus Roslin And let us not overlook Master Roger Powell

[@terrywatts674]

+Fernando Sotomayor Let us all agree that DB could put together a great band... And Frank is mad about Belew...

[@MarkCox21125150]

+Terry Watts Here Here!

[@MarkCox21125150]

pykkervots Fripp was great! Bowie always had amazing players all throughout his amazing career. Fripp included!

[@JoeWild1984]

pykkervots Master Fripp,of course! though he ain't playinf in this particular video?

[@donpwinston]

This has to be one of the world's greatest songs. He has song this song a zillion different ways and it is great every time.

[@bei1016]

This is a Fantastic Performance. I like the way the Musicians are Watching Each Other, instead of playing to the Camera. This is probably the best Version of Heroes I have ever heard.

[@MultiPetercool]

Can someone give my old friend Roger Powell some love? That’s him on keys. That percussive Rhodes piano and the gorgeous ARP String Ensemble obligatos are his. He’s also on backing vocals.

[@donaldlamkin1305]

Powell was always underrated in my book. Plus he had a great singing voice. I saw him a couple of times with UTOPIA

[@massimosantantonio4594]

Intro/Mr Triscuits one of my favorite Utopia pieces, penned by the great Roger Powell

[@user-ys4og2vv8k]

This guitar SINGS!!!!

[@richardg1751]

One of the best versions of the best song ever. RIP David Bowie. You are really missed.

[@marcpickles10]

Ummm Adrian Belew thank you Mr Bowie we all miss your life changing inspiration ! RIP DB I hope I am worthy enough to see you again one day legend .

[@stevelawson-blight539]

When you can perform what is perceived as ' studio music' so flawlessly live, then you are truly the best of the best. Amazing.

[@JanetEsq]

Focusing on the lyrics and instruments, it's easy to forget what a beautiful, beautiful voice Bowie has.

[@sandygrungerson1177]

+Janet Steinman the thin white Duke kicks it up on this version....he has to to keep on top of that monster drummer lol

[@Katy-ye1zr]

+Janet Steinman and terrific bass. great live performance of this song.

[@voiceofexperience]

+Sandy Grungerson ...and that mad genius guitarist Adrian Belew!

[@joethomas4690]

+Sandy Grungerson drums and that glorious bass!

[@JanetEsq]

TY

[@silverguilver6697]

Belew my mind and my socks off. THANK YOU

[@jesserothbeind950]

Goosebumps.

[@hauntedhose]

+Jesse Rothbeind you said it

[@blahdeblah1975]

Tears. Shivers.

[@jamesm.4683]

*"Beware your in for a scare.."*

[@planetbizzaro1839]

Bc of Adrian....

[@guitarzan2626]

Bowie and Belew!

[@jimhernandez7712]

Who could not like this version's performance the best?

[@JacobBen94]

There's too many good versions of this song to have one favourite lol

[@thebreathalyzer]

Carlos seems to be having a great time, they must have loved jamming this! Adrian's got a little of that Belew bounce going too, see him do that a lot like when he played with Talking Heads.

[@mstupak9366]

I gotta tell you, I allways liked this song, But I didnt understand untill looked in my young sons eyes . I can be a hero ...just for one day.

[@craigmaggard3202]

I've been doing a little tour on utube of Mr David Bowie remembering and appreciating his massive talent. So far , not one bad performance. Awesome singer , performer( such a mesmerizing stage presence !) his songwriting impeccable , innovator , trail blazer, and in his interviews so interesting yet humble and down to earth. He truly seems like a really nice guy. I highly recommend Wild is the wind , live at the BBC amazing !!

[@sidDkid87]

WOW - stood in front of my computer and applauded at the end of this performance - - - 35 years after the fact . . .

[@63gak]

This is what Rock music is all about..All in one song! And this performance stand alone among all others!

[@kevinwelsh9921]

1:34.......incredible fill by Dennis Davis, Bowie appreciates with big smile. He thunders through this entire song bringing it to a higher level. The whole band triumphed!!!

[@joaquinvargas3915]

This lineup and Talking Head lineup from the same period (both with Belew) were the best live bands probably since.

[@stephanemignot100]

Zappa with Belew, Bozzio, Peter Wolf etc...in 77 was not too shabby too!

[@staceyeliuk4951]

Bowie at the top of his vocal game!

[@italosouza2011]

Bowie as a God in the top of the world. How we miss you. But your music is forever.

[@annijoe8558]

the best version/performance of the best song ever written. period.

[@ersway]

I completely agree Anni Joe..

[@colinpetersen4413]

We will always have this beautiful, beautiful music

[@justinfreeman3473]

way better than the studio version, this is sick!

[@Asymmatrix]

Really nice variation w Belew's form of sustained feedback.

[@michaelwtapp]

Belew destroys on this performance!

[@cl8804]

Fripperfuck has taught him well.

[@metalmickey07]

I was also 19 years old when I caught the "Low/Heroes" tour at Stafford Bingley Hall on Sunday the 25th of June 1978, and I totally get what you mean!

[@paulhoughton5164]

I was at the same gig. On way home my mates girlfriend drove the car as we were a little worse for wear only we fell asleep before we got to the motorway and she wasn’t sure where she was going so went north on the m6 instead of south and we only woke up at Preston. Oooops! But what a gig. The master in full enigmatic flight

[@bigbadchang]

Easily the best live version of this I've ever heard. Incredible.

[@FabioFerriCiccio]

Adrian the Hero. David the Duke… only that.

[@NJcruiser]

Wow, I think I could listen to live versions of 'Heroes' all day and what a voice Bowie had at this time. Really beautiful and powerful.

[@soremongs]

what did Adrian do to piss off the cameraman?

[@unickDJ]

I am tempted to say "who gives a fuck!" But I won't, just responding instead that's totaly anecdotic, given his play and guitar lead on this monumental rendition of this song absolute masterpiece! DB had never been better surrended by a group of musicians that brought his music to such a skyline, never been reached before or after dimension . SIMPLY MONUMENTAL!!!

[@michaelrfisher]

I think Carlos Alomar paid him off. Lion's share of screen time for Carlos, playing much less interesting structural rhythm parts...

[@tixximmi1]

The camera person was a Capt. Beefheart fan. Wasn't crazy about Zappa.

[@tixximmi1]

@@michaelrfisher Most of the parts aren't really that exciting.

[@denisschizoidkewes2938]

Hi! Just see my french post above. The movie-staff seems not aware that this was Bowie. Understand poor Belew ! Once again : I prefer radio !!!

[@leesher1845]

Favorite Bowie tune. Great band.

[@TheMrturn1]

Nice live take of a song that can never be as melancholy as the album version. Bowies best song. Carlos Alomar killing it behind Bowtie.

[@chuckdubdubdub]

Love the sound of Heroes, which reminds me so much how Brian Eno influenced this.

[@temdendam]

The sound of this guitar made this music the excellent piece of music. At this time, Belew has already mastered a part of sound of the Flipp.

[@davidhartz8902]

1978 was my first time seeing David Bowie live. I was in high school at the time. I was a fan already but yet unaware of how absolutely genius he was.

[@jimghivizzani5883]

Saw this version of the band in '78. Great concert! My friend and I actually got to see the sound check.

[@irishterp3256]

Nothing like this man.....not before, and not after. a genius, a positive soul, complicated and interesting and just perfect. RIP David Bowie! Eternal Peace to you!

[@magistrumartium]

Great performance. Best version of the song, I think. Thanks for posting this!

[@djonibigoudben]

I just love the bass !!!

[@djonibigoudben]

+Djonibigoud ben the best version of that wonderfull song

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

Adrian played with three of my favorite musicians/composers: Zappa, Fripp, & Bowie. Makes perfect sense he would play with all three. Only guitarist Zappa hired who couldn't read music. Genius musician!

[@melizmatea]

This is one of my favorite time periods for Bowie...I think my favorite performance of this song is one he did in Berlin 2002. It's amazing that this man could do the same song 25 years apart and be just as fantastic in both, and the song just as great.

[@alissagabriel6292]

Bowie perfection right here. I wish KZbin had existed when I was a kid so I could have seen stuff like this and known how great he was.

[@BrainPie42]

Belew is extremely underrated, Nelson is just underknown. There are times when you can legitimately question who King Crimson's better guitarist is. Interesting to note that here Belew is playing the part that Fripp played on the album, 4 years before KC's rebirth.

[@just3nerds]

3:28 is fucking amazing. R.I.P

[@PNL_King]

Adrian's guitar sound POWERS this performance.

[@tomryannova]

Like him more w/Talking Heads. They're a weird band, he's a weird guy, it's a feeding frenzy when they play on stage.

[@fintanoclery2698]

@@tomryannovaMe too. Live in Rome 1980 is potentially the greatest video I've ever watched on KZbin......

[@shcaskey]

Wow! a superb live performance!

[@ianrichter3765]

Belew... Zappa Bowie Talking Heads Tom Tom club King Crimson... Genius.

[@fakeItRight]

Laurie Anderson too!

[@tixximmi1]

He's not a genius but a decent guitar player. Zappa is genius. Belew is not.

[@aidangallagher8703]

tixximmi1 I agree zappa was exceptional, but I think belew deserves some credit. He did a lot of innovative things on guitar spanning many different bands. Maybe playing to instructions with zappa, but the performance is still transformed by each individual playing and their way of playing. So belew may not be in the same category of ‘genius’ as you think zappa is (who’s solo discography is immense compared to belew, as I don’t rate belews solo stuff as much) but he is a very impressive guitarist who new how to play to the best of each song. Which is an incredible talent

[@dennisapplegate7553]

@@tixximmi1 and we hear from another shit talker afraid to use their own name and what's your claim to fame sunshine?

[@tjallingdejong9645]

RIP , my Heroe forever !

[@cliveappleby4175]

Right on!! I love this song and mostly because of the guitar work and Bowie's voice.

[@juan3524]

es la mejor interpretacion y la banda lo maximo en acompañamiento a la cancion HEROES de DAVID BOWIE .......extraordinarios musicos y buen video, GRACIAS ....izbro.

[@hollandoates961]

god damn it i miss you, david. we lost prince today. 1999 and Aladdin sane got me through the toughest part of my life. im here now without both of you. i miss both of you.

[@doubleotwentyone]

Belew is amazing for sure.

[@jperryfan]

RIP You Slinky Vagabond. I hope you meet the Starman Waiting in the Sky. Thanks For all the incredible music!

[@sergiosozi]

Who's the genius-madman on drums? He modifies everything on his own.

[@tristanavakian]

+sergio sozi i believe its dennis davis

[@sergiosozi]

So. Thanx a lot.

[@harrodsongs]

+tristan avakian yes, Dennis Davis, R.I.P.

[@Trev0r98]

I would agree 100%. Bill Nelson was one of the most underrated guitarists of all time. Check out his playing in "Live! In the Air Age" (1977). Mind-boggling.

[@helusay]

I saw Belew play with Bowie during the Sound + Vision tour at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles. I was completely blown away by his guitar playing. I never knew how good he was until that night.

[@WesFanMan]

I really really really grew up on this song. Thanks David.

[@cadhaineach]

Forever and ever...

[@mackreed2097]

God that man could sing

[@mindspringers2447]

Alomar, Belew, Davis, Murray, Powell and Jobson + David. Wow.

[@davidcarswell8112]

Mindspringers That's not Eddie Jobson - It's Simon House on violin.....

[@erikjonez]

@@davidcarswell8112 Simon House of Hawkwind, that is! (in case anyone was unaware)

[@floppyd0g]

I remember this tour clearly - particularly his shirt. Opening with Warzawa in the dark and then the lights came on - bam.

[@adrianfitch9863]

THANK YOU for uploading! My most favorited Bowie tune.

[@neilmac991]

i love this song this is 5 version i've listened too

[@jimmiekarbinwaglind8491]

R.I.P. David Bowie!

[@walterbianco3664]

What a WONDERFUL performance.

[@rickydicky100]

What a performance from the Best Artist ever

[@chrissibbald3754]

RIP MY Old Friend Davy Jones alias David Bowie God Bless Your Soul!2018 We Where close Friends goodbye see Yeah The Saint C.F.W Sibbald Genius 01-2-2019

[@miked4377]

one of the best videos of bowie ever ....in my opinion...great line up of top notch artists belew was incredible..

[@justakfii1]

Maybe this would help: Tour band 1978 Adrian Belew - lead guitar, backing vocals Carlos Alomar - rhythm guitar, backing vocals George Murray - bass guitar, backing vocals Dennis Davis - drums, percussion Roger Powell - keyboards, synthesizer, backing vocals (except 11-14 November 1978) Dennis Garcia - keyboards, synthesizer (11-14 November 1978 only) Sean Mayes - piano, string ensemble, backing vocals Simon House - electric violin

[@marknick9686]

this is a GREAT version of Heroes. Thanks so much for posting it

[@brianslartibartfastlindsey4545]

I'd forgotten about Belew's stint with Bowie. :)

[@Herminator72]

First time ever I seen a good live version of Heroes.

[@accidentalfilms]

It was Bowie who introduced Belew to Fripp at a Steve Reich concert in NYC. Put that all together in your mind. The implications....

[@drk321]

Amazing. This song takes on a life of its own with this group of musicians. Is anyone today performing with this kind of dedication?

[@drumrrroll]

I was just lucky enough to see this tour (stage) with this same lineup in Adelaide South Australia in '78or9. Smack down the front. Didn't know who Adrian Belew was at the time, but holy fuck ...what a night. Made this 19 yr olds life.

[@knightlove1000]

David's voice is amazing in this version

[@treeservicesfarnorthnz5222]

Adrian Belew got into the car behind the steering wheel. Bowie got in & sat down beside him. The rest of the band cramped into the back seat. Somebody said drive, we need to play "Heroes" tonight. The rest is history.

[@codyhollis3677]

BOWIE IS IN A CLASSSS OF HIS OWN......

[@dave21286]

This may be the definitive version....

[@rikk7041]

+dave21286 I do like live 'Heroes' much better than the studio original, at least vocally. On the studio one, the vocals are too histrionic and OTT. On the other hand, Fripp is on the studio one...

[@annijoe8558]

+Rik K same here, vocally this was his ultimate performance of this masterpiece

[@DerekTorvalar]

+Rik K The vocal on the original studio album was a supreme bit of engineering. I suggest you read Brian Eno's account of how they achieved that unique vocal sound. It is that vocal recording that makes the song what it is.

[@rikk7041]

+Derek Torvalar Interesting to learn that the studio vocal was engineered to sound as it does. This gives me hope that there might one day be a remix issued, with the vocal sounding more natural & warm as the live versions do.

[@martianshoes]

+dave21286 I thought his cover for Live Aid with Thomas Dolby was excellent though...and for giggles...look up King Crimson (with Belew) covering this song live in 2000.