Dirty Boys

Album: The Next Day (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This bump 'n' grinder finds Bowie heading off to "Finchley Fair" in search of excitement. "When the sun goes down and the die is cast," he croons, "and you have no chance. We will run with the dirty boys." Producer Tony Visconti told NME: "That's probably looking back at glam rock. Not him - the other dirty boys!"

    The Finchley Fair is a large fun fair that has been held every year in Victoria Park, Finchley each July, dating back to 1905.
  • The song features Steve Elson's sleazy baritone sax. Visconti told Rolling Stone: "It's dark and it's sexy. There's a fantastic sax solo. You know, David plays baritone sax, but he invited his friend Steve Elson to do the baritone on this album. I think Steve was in the Saturday Night Live band. He's a little guy, and he's got a huge baritone sax, and he plays this dirty solo in it that sounds like stripper music from the 1950s. Old bump-and-grind stripper music . . . It wouldn't be out of place on Young Americans."

    Veteran saxophonist Steve Elson joined Bowie's band on his 1983 Serious Moonlight Tour and also appeared on his Let's Dance, Tonight, Never Let Me Down and Heathen albums.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Jon Oliva of Trans-Siberian OrchestraSongwriter Interviews

Writing great prog metal isn't easy, especially when it's for 60 musicians.

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top Proverb

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top ProverbSong Writing

How a country weeper and a blues number made "rolling stone" the most popular phrase in rock.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.