Which song did David Bowie write for Mott the Hoople?

David Bowie wrote “All the Young Dudes” for Mott the Hoople. The band released it as a single in 1972, with Bowie producing the recording and helping rescue Mott the Hoople from breaking up.

Mott the Hoople had struggled commercially despite a loyal following, and the group was close to disbanding. Bowie first offered them “Suffragette City,” but the band decided it did not suit them. After learning they might split, Bowie wrote “All the Young Dudes” specifically for them. Their recording became a breakthrough hit and a defining anthem of glam rock.

The single was released in the United Kingdom on 28 July 1972 and reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. It was led by Ian Hunter’s vocal, while Bowie’s production helped shape the song’s theatrical sound. Bowie later recorded his own version, but Mott the Hoople’s release is the famous original associated with the question.

“Virginia Plain” was by Roxy Music, while “Walk on the Wild Side” was written and recorded by Lou Reed.