Co-written by Iggy Pop and
David Bowie (written on a
ukulele), the song is known for its opening drumbeat (played by
Hunt Sales). The rhythm was based on the
Armed Forces Network call signal, The drumbeat has since been imitated in numerous songs, including "
Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by
Jet and "
Selfish Jean" by
Travis; however, Sales's use of the rhythm was not original, as it was itself derived from "
You Can't Hurry Love", released in July 1966 by
the Supremes, and "
I'm Ready for Love", released in October 1966 by
Martha and the Vandellas; both songs were penned by
Motown's
Holland–Dozier–Holland songwriting team. In October 1977, the song was released as a single in The Netherlands and Belgium, reaching No. 3 on the
Dutch Top 40. Its success was credited to a performance in the Dutch pop TV show
TopPop, where Iggy Pop, shirtless, wrecked part of the stage set (which consisted of a couple of potted plants and some cardboard scenery). Although many viewers and newspapers complained about the apparent damage, the director of
TopPop later admitted that they knew beforehand what Iggy was going to do and that the damage was minimal. ==
Trainspotting==