In Australia and New Zealand, Hunky Dory was the first of many albums that would carry the RCA Victor label (denoted in fine print about being manufactured in Sydney, Australia or Auckland, New Zealand).


Now here is an interesting tidbit of reasonable consequence ....

Delayed from the international date, Hunky Dory - from what we can tell - appears to have charted in Australia prior to any other Bowie album charting in the US or the UK!

That being the case, at least album wise, Bowie seems to have made it in Australia before other territories.

Unique to New Zealand was a 'double back' LP that repeated the usual back cover on both sides. Complete with double-sided lyric insert, this item is now worth hundreds of dollars in the UK.

NZ issue of Hunky Dory

The opening track - 'Changes' - was released as a single in Australia and New Zealand. Despite failing to chart, the song has since become one of his most famous - a staple of classic rock radio.

NZ issue of 'CHANGES' (RCA Victor 74-0605). Scans sent in by Chas.

As in England, 'Life On Mars?' was a belated single issue - appearing in New Zealand around August 1973 and more than likely Australia as well.

NZ issue of 'LIFE ON MARS' (RCA Victor 60635). Scans sent in by Chas.

The lead singer of Herman's Hermitts appears to have taken a Bowie song into the Australian chart before any other - including Bowie himself. Entering the Australian chart on October 4 1971, Peter Noone's version of 'Oh You Pretty Things' (backed by Bowie on piano) stayed on chart for just 1 week (AUS #100).