AUDIO: Steve Miller Band Releases Rare, Live Version of 'Space Cowboy'

Steve Miller Band just dusted off a rarely heard, nearly 50-year-old version of one of its songs.

To commemorate its upcoming compilation effort “Ultimate Hits,” the recently enshrined Rock and Roll Hall of Fame act released a live version of “Space Cowboy,” recorded in 1969.

Not to be confused with “The Joker”—which includes lyrics about a space cowboy—the song “Space Cowboy” hails from the band’s third album “Brave New World” and heavily features an iconic guitar riff reminiscent of The Beatles’ classic “Lady Madonna.” Check out the live version (above).

Due out in September from Capitol Records, “Ultimate Hits” is available in both standard and deluxe edition varieties. Both include well-known hits, unreleased live recordings, and a previously unissued studio cut of Steve Miller performing “Seasons,” but the deluxe edition will also include several other tracks (like a “Take the Money and Run” demo).

“Selecting material to include in these two collections and revisiting the creation of these recordings, I’m reminded of how I learned to make multi-track recordings from Les Paul and play lead guitar from T-Bone Walker,” Miller said in a statement obtained by Rolling Stone. “I’ve been blessed to work with so many wonderful musicians and engineers and friends over the years. Mostly I want to thank you our fans who come out to our shows and listen to our records. I hope you enjoy this as much I did putting this together for you.”

When Steve Miller joined the Stern Show in 2016, he spoke to Howard all about his decades-long career and early musical influences. The legendary recording artist also performed a medley of several hits, including “The Joker” and “Rock’n Me.” Watch his performance (below).