Check out unheard 1982 David Bowie demo of “Let’s Dance” featuring Nile Rodgers

With the help of Nile Rodgers, Erdal Kizilcay, and two local musicians, Bowie recorded the unreleased demo and other tracks in Montreux, Switzerland circa 1982. 35 years on the track has seen the light of day thanks to Rodgers and Russell Graham who mixed and mastered it for the first time.

Whilst minimal in its production, the demo still retains the breathless quality of its namesake and most importantly, allows one of the most brilliant vocal tones in modern history to shine through.

Speaking about the Let’s Dance Sessions Rodgers said: “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful career but my creative partnership with David Bowie ranks very very very high on the list of my most important and rewarding collaborations. This demo gives you, the fans, a bird’s eye view of the very start of it! I woke up on my first morning in Montreux with David peering over me. He had an acoustic guitar in his hands and exclaimed, 'Nile, darling, I think this is a hit!'"

"This recording was the first indication of what we could do together as I took his 'folk song' and arranged it into something that the entire world would soon be dancing to and seemingly has not stopped dancing to for the last 35 years! It became the blue print not only for 'Let’s Dance' the song but for the entire album as well."

"If you played second guitar or drums let us know who you are! The time we spent mixing it just before Christmas was full of tears as it felt like David was in the room with us. Happy Birthday David, I love you and we all miss you!"