A rare alternative version of David Bowie’s popular song Kooks will get its first official airplay next week, more than 45 years after it was recorded.
Rick Wakeman, who played piano on the original version of the track, will debut the song on his BBC Radio 2 Keys To Keys programme on Easter Monday.
Kooks originally featured on Bowie’s 1971 album Hunky Dory and is a favoured track among fans.
The alternative and scarcely-heard recording of the song – on which Rick also appears – is taken from a rare promotional album, entitled BOWPROMO1.
The album is being released on April 22 on limited edition vinyl to mark the 10th anniversary of Record Store Day.
The promo record had a very limited release back in 1971, with fewer than 500 believed to have gone into production.
It also includes different versions of other songs that were later used on Hunky Dory.
Musician and radio host Rick tells his listeners that this is the first time he has heard this version of Kooks since it was recorded over four decades ago, while also sharing memories of his sessions with Bowie.
Rick says: “I must have played on 200 sessions and I can recall some of them.
“I remember the ones that were just so special and Hunky Dory is definitely among them. I played on Quicksand and Kooks.
“Here is an alternative version of Kooks and believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve heard it too.”
:: Rick Wakeman’s Key To Keys is broadcast on BBC Radio on Easter Monday April 17 from 9pm – 10pm.
