Release and Aftermath
"Heroes" was released in a variety of languages and lengths ("a collector's wet dream" in the words of NME editors Roy Carr and Charles Shaar Murray, see Other releases below). In contrast to the bewildering audio situation, the video (directed by Stanley Dorfman) was a stark and simple affair, the singer captured performing the song in what appeared to be a single take with multiple cameras, swaying in front of a spotlight that created a monotone and near-silhouette effect. Despite a large promotional push, including Bowie's first Top of the Pops appearance since 1973, "Heroes" only reached #24 in the UK charts, and failed to make the US Billboard Hot 100.
In February 1999, Q Magazine listed "Heroes" as one of the 100 greatest singles of all time as voted by the readers. In March 2005, the same magazine placed it at #56 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks. In 2004, Rolling Stone rated "Heroes" #46 in its list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was included in 2008's The Pitchfork Media 500: Our Guide to the Greatest Songs from Punk to the Present. John J. Miller of National Review rated "Heroes" #21 on a list of "the 50 greatest conservative rock songs". Uncut placed "Heroes" as #1 in its 30 greatest Bowie songs in 2008.
Moby has claimed that "Heroes" is one of his favourite songs ever written, calling it "inevitable" that his music would be influenced by the song, and Dave Gahan, lead singer for Depeche Mode, was hired into the band when band founder Vince Clarke heard him singing "Heroes" at a jam session.
Bowie has regularly performed the song in concert since its release (see Live versions below). Two years after its release, the song was used in Chris Petit's film Radio On. The song has become a mainstay of advertising in recent years, gracing efforts by Microsoft, Kodak, CGU Insurance, HBO Olé (HBO Latin America) and various sporting promoters throughout the world. It was also used as the intro to the video game NHL 99, released in 1998. "Heroes" also appears as downloadable content in the music video game series Rock Band in a 3-song pack along with other David Bowie songs Moonage Daydream and Queen Bitch. The Australian television mockumentary We Can Be Heroes: Finding The Australian of the Year (title outside Australia: The Nominees) took its title from "Heroes". A cover of the single was used as ITV's theme song for its coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The song was also featured over the closing credits in the 2009 documentary film, The Cove.
In 2012 the track was played as athletes from Great Britain entered the Olympic Stadium during the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, and after medal ceremonies during the Olympics. It was then also used as the Great Britain Paralympic team entered the stadium during the opening ceremony on 29 August 2012.
In 2012, the track was featured in the film The Perks of Being a Wallflower, when the characters heard the song on a pick-up truck radio.
Read more about this topic: Heroes (David Bowie Song)
Famous quotes containing the words release and/or aftermath:
“If I were to be taken hostage, I would not plead for release nor would I want my government to be blackmailed. I think certain government officials, industrialists and celebrated persons should make it clear they are prepared to be sacrificed if taken hostage. If that were done, what gain would there be for terrorists in taking hostages?”
—Margaret Mead (1901–1978)
“The aftermath of joy is not usually more joy.”
—Mason Cooley (b. 1927)