The Mercury Demos

The “Mercury" Demos’ are 10 early Bowie recordings captured live in one take to a Revox reel to reel tape machine in David’s flat in spring 1969, with accompaniment from John ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson on guitar and vocals.

The version of ‘Space Oddity’ from the Demos, originally released with edits on the Sound & Vision box set, is presented here in its true context for the first time. The other nine recordings on the album are all previously unreleased. In addition to Bowie originals, the session also includes the Roger Bunn composition ‘Life Is A Circus’ (which features in an earlier demo version on the ‘Clareville Grove Demos’ set) and the Lesley Duncan composition ‘Love Song’ later recorded by Elton John for his ‘Tumbleweed Connection’ album.

The Mercury Demos set will come in a replica of the original tape box and will feature 1 LP, a print, two photo contact sheets and sleeve notes by Mark Adams. The labels of the LP feature the same EMIDISC acetate styling as ‘Spying Through A Keyhole’ and ‘Clareville Grove Demos’ with the song titles in David’s own handwriting.