Key Highlights
- David Bowie’s “Heroes” soundtracks the series finale of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
- The song is part of a three-volume Season 5 digital soundtrack released on January 1st, 2026.
- Bowie performed at the Berlin Wall during his Glass Spider Tour in 1987, with “Heroes” being a highlight for both sides.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists and became an iconic anthem since its release in September 1977.
David Bowie’s “Heroes” Soundtracks ‘Stranger Things’ Series Finale
On New Year’s Eve, 2025, the final episode of The Stranger Things series finale was broadcast on Netflix. This emotional climax was set to a powerful and evocative piece by David Bowie: “Heroes.” The song, originally released in September 1977 as part of Bowie’s influential “Berlin Trilogy,” is now being featured prominently in the show’s soundtrack.
The Soundtrack Release
“Heroes” will be included in a three-volume Season 5 digital soundtrack. The full collection was made available on January 1st, 2026, through Sony’s Legacy Recordings. This soundtrack complements the physical releases of the series, which are set to hit stores and streaming platforms.
The Stranger Things: Soundtrack from the Netflix Series, Season 5 will be available on CD, vinyl, and red cassette configurations on Friday, January 30th, 2026. Colored vinyl formats include standard black, Amazon’s exclusive red smoke, Target’s exclusive blue smoke, Walmart’s exclusive orange marble, and the Sony Music Store’s exclusive marble-yellow colored vinyl.
A Musical Legacy
“Heroes” is not just a song; it’s an anthem that has been covered by numerous artists since its release. Artists like Oasis, Prince, Coldplay, Yungblud, Lady Gaga, Arcade Fire, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, Blondie, Neil Finn, Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Bon Jovi, Motorhead, Miley Cyrus, Aurora, Moby, David Byrne & St Vincent, and The Wallflowers all have their own renditions. It has become a staple in pop culture, often referenced in music and film.
The song’s significance is further highlighted by its performance at the Berlin Wall during Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour in 1987.
These concerts were held near the border where East German authorities attacked fans with water cannons and arrested hundreds. The shows helped change the mood around the Wall, which had stood for over a quarter of a century.
Personal Reflections
Bowie himself reflected on these performances: “We kind of heard that a few of the East Berliners might actually get the chance to hear the thing, but we didn’t realize in what numbers they would. And there were thousands on the other side that had come close to the wall. So it was like a double concert where the wall was the division.
And we would hear them cheering and singing along from the other side. God, even now I get choked up. It was breaking my heart.
I’d never done anything like that in my life, and I guess I never will again.”
These performances are a testament to Bowie’s enduring impact on music and culture. His ability to bring people together through his art is something that transcends time.
Conclusion
The use of “Heroes” in the series finale of Stranger Things is a fitting tribute to David Bowie, not only for its musical significance but also for its historical context. It serves as a reminder of Bowie’s bold innovation and enduring vision in music and how his work continues to resonate with new generations.
The release of the soundtrack marks another milestone in the legacy of both Stranger Things and David Bowie, ensuring that “Heroes” will continue to be heard for years to come. As we listen to this iconic anthem, let us remember not only its musical beauty but also the powerful message it carries about unity and hope.
