TIN HORN: You didn’t really believe David...

TIN HORN: You didn’t really believe David Bowie when he said that he’d given up his solo career to devote himself to the band Tin Machine, did you? Then you won’t exactly be shocked to hear that the still-Thin White Duke is about to sign a solo record deal.

Word is that Bowie is set to ink with Savage Records, a label distributed by BMG, putting him back in the RCA family, the home of his classic ‘70s albums. He’s said to be at work recording a solo album with producer Nile Rodgers, who handled the chores on the 1982 album “Let’s Dance,” Bowie’s biggest hit. Rodgers produced “Real Cool World,” Bowie’s contribution to the new “Cool World” movie soundtrack.

Bowie’s Tin Machine mates, guitarist Reeves Gabrel and bass/drums brothers Tony and Hunt Sales, were unavailable to comment on the reports. Phil Carson, president of Tin Machine’s label Victory Music (a live Tin Machine album, “Oy Veh, Baby,” is due this month), had no comment about Bowie’s solo plans, but said that the company is “looking forward to an ongoing relationship” with Bowie and Tin Machine.