"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.
Background
The song, which was written and recorded in
Berlin,[1][5] features David Bowie on piano with the aid of a
Rolanddrum 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 song's riff has been perceived as a mischievous quote of
Gary Glitter's "
Rock and Roll".[6]: 242–250
The drum loop from "Nightclubbing" was used by
Oasis in their song "Force of Nature", a track written for the soundtrack of
Love, Honor and Obey, and recorded for their 2002 album Heathen Chemistry.[14][12]
The song was featured in the 1996 film, Trainspotting, along with another Iggy Pop track, "Lust for Life".[4][15]
DeCurtis, Anthony; James Henke; Holly George-Warren (1992). The Rolling stone album guide: completely new reviews : every essential album, every essential artist. Random House.
ISBN0679737294.