Jul 10, 20237 min read

David Bowie - The Starman Waiting In The Sky

Photo of musician David Bowie. 31 March 1975. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons).

Part 1: Unmasking the Starman: The Early Years and Extraordinary Talents In a universe where musical stardom is often fleeting, a rare celestial body exists, that continues to burn brightly even beyond its earthly departure. David Bowie, the Starman, was not merely a musician; he was a shape-shifting enigma. A pioneer of reinvention who dared to challenge the outer boundaries of artistry.

Born as David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, in the vibrant district of Brixton, South London, Bowie's meteoric rise to stardom was fueled by an extraordinary amalgamation of talent, audacity, and an unquenchable thirst for self-expression. Even in his formative years, Bowie displayed a magnetism that hinted at his future transcendence.

Trade ad for David Bowie's single "Love You Till Tuesday". 30 September 1967. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons).

As the 1960s dawned, Bowie's ascent within the music industry proved inevitable. His unparalleled abilities as a singer-songwriter and musician became evident, intertwining elements of rock, pop, and soul in a way that defied categorization. From his early recordings like "Space Oddity" (1969) and "The Man Who Sold the World" (1970), Bowie exhibited an unparalleled knack for storytelling, capturing the imagination of listeners with his raw talent and unfiltered emotions.

David Bowie, "Ground Control To Major Tom", Space Oddity poster. (Image source: courtesy of Peter Deleuran).

However, it was during the early 1970s that Bowie unleashed his most iconic creation upon the world – the androgynous alter ego known as Ziggy Stardust. Cloaked in fiery red hair and adorned with eccentric garments, Ziggy Stardust became a cultural supernova, challenging societal norms with unabashed flamboyance and captivating audiences worldwide. Bowie seamlessly melded the worlds of glam rock, science fiction, and performance art, birthing a character that transcended time and space, cementing his status as a legendary visionary.

David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust - live 1972 (rare footage / 2016 edit). Source: YouTube

Yet, Bowie's ability to transcend boundaries was not limited to his image alone. With every era, he fearlessly reinvented his sound, pushing the envelope of musical possibility. From the atmospheric soundscapes of the Berlin Trilogy ("Low," "Heroes," and "Lodger") to the infectious pop sensibilities of the 1980s, exemplified by albums like "Let's Dance" and "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)," Bowie's constant evolution showcased a musical chameleon at the height of his powers.

David Bowie and manager and impresario Tony Defries at Pork at London's Roundhouse 1971. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons).

The brilliance of David Bowie extended far beyond the confines of music and film. As a writer and painter, he possessed an innate talent for weaving tapestries of words and colors that resonated with the depths of the human soul. His lyrics and poetry served as windows into the human condition, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and spirituality. In his exploration of William S. Burroughs' Cut-Up Method, Bowie embraced an avant-garde approach, rearranging words and phrases to create new meanings that challenged conventional understanding.

David Bowie shows and explains how he made use of the cut-up technique.

To truly understand The Starman, we must also delve into the personal aspects that shaped his enigmatic being. Bowie's partnerships, both romantic and creative, were marked by intensity and profound artistic collaboration. From his marriages to Mary Angela Barnett and Iman, Bowie sought connections that would ignite his creative flame. His ever-evolving sexuality challenged societal norms, serving as a beacon of inspiration for countless artists and fans worldwide.

Intricately woven into Bowie's cosmic tapestry was his fascination with spirituality, embracing mysticism, Buddhism, and a deep connection to the cosmos. These explorations brought depth and meaning to his artistic expression, infusing his work with a sense of transcendence that defied earthly conventions. Part 2: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust: Bowie's Musical Odyssey

Emerging from the cosmic dust in 1972, Ziggy Stardust was not simply a character or a stage persona; he was a fully realized entity, an extraterrestrial rock star who crashed through the limitations of convention. Bowie, with his androgynous allure, flamboyant fashion, and electrifying stage presence, captivated audiences like never before. His songs, delivered with equal parts vulnerability and theatricality, became anthems of alienation and self-discovery.

David Bowie - Newcastle upon Tyne - City Hall - 1972. Jumpsuit designed by Freddie Burretti. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons).

The Ziggy Stardust era was characterized by a fusion of rock, glam, and futuristic elements that defied the norms of the time. Bowie, accompanied by his backing band, The Spiders from Mars, embarked on a musical odyssey that would challenge the very fabric of popular music. The album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" (1972) catapulted Bowie into the stratosphere of superstardom, showcasing his remarkable ability to blend poignant storytelling with infectious melodies.

Songs like "Starman," with its otherworldly hooks and cosmic lyrics, served as a calling to the misfits and dreamers of the world, offering them a sense of solace and belonging. "Suffragette City" and "Ziggy Stardust" provided anthems of rebellion and self-expression, their rousing choruses igniting a collective spirit of liberation. Ziggy Stardust, with his androgynous appearance and powerful charisma, became an embodiment of nonconformity and a symbol of hope for those who felt marginalized by societal norms.

David Bowie, Starman released on 28 April 1972 by RCA Records as the lead single of his fifth studio album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

However, as quickly as Ziggy Stardust ascended, his celestial light began to wane. Bowie, ever the innovator, understood the danger of artistic stagnation and sought new frontiers to explore. He bid farewell to Ziggy Stardust with a dramatic gesture at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973, signaling the end of an era that had forever changed the landscape of rock music.

David Bowie, shooting his video for Rebel Rebel in AVRO's TopPop (Dutch television show) in February 1974. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons). Licence.

But Bowie's musical journey did not end with Ziggy Stardust. He embarked on a series of sonic explorations, defying expectations and reshaping his sound with each passing era. The mid-1970s brought the enigmatic and introspective "Young Americans" (1975), a soul-infused album that showcased Bowie's ability to adapt and master new musical territories.

The subsequent years witnessed the birth of the Thin White Duke persona, characterized by sleek suits, detached elegance, and a mesmerizing aura of mystery. Albums like "Station to Station" (1976) and "Low" (1977) showcased Bowie's experimentation with electronic music, pushing boundaries and challenging the very notion of what a rock star could be.

Photo of David Bowie and Cher from her solo variety television program Cher. This was his US TV debut. 14 October 1975. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons).

Throughout his musical odyssey, Bowie remained a tireless innovator, embracing new wave, post-punk, and dance music with albums like "Heroes" (1977) and "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)" (1980). He effortlessly adapted to the changing musical landscape, continuously reinventing himself and remaining at the forefront of artistic evolution.

Bowie's fearless exploration of new horizons was not limited to music alone; his artistic endeavors encompassed multiple disciplines. He seamlessly transitioned into acting, captivating audiences on the silver screen with memorable performances in films such as "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976) and "Labyrinth" (1986). His mesmerizing stage presence and ability to embody diverse characters further solidified his status as a true artistic polymath.

Labyrinth (1986) Official Trailer - David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly/ Source: YouTube.

The spirit of David Bowie continued to flourish, extending beyond his musical and acting endeavors. He immersed himself in the world of literature, with his voracious appetite for books inspiring him to pen his own creations. Bowie's writings, often introspective and poetic, revealed his profound introspection and provided a glimpse into the depths of his enigmatic mind.

In November 2003, Bowie performed at his final concert tour. Bowie was the featured performer on June 13, 2004, the final night of the Isle of Wight Festival. He was performing at the Hurricane Festival in Scheeßel, Germany, on June 25 when he felt pain in his chest. When the pain in his shoulder was first suspected to be caused by a pinched nerve, it was later shown to be an acutely occluded coronary artery, necessitating an urgent angioplasty in Hamburg. The tour's last fourteen dates were postponed.

Bowie performing in Dublin, Ireland, in November 2003 during the A Reality Tour—his final concert tour. (Photo source: Wikimedia Commons). Photographer: Roger Woolman, Source.

Part 3: Lazarus Rising: Bowie's Triumphant Return and Enduring Legacy

After a decade-long hiatus from recording and performing, Bowie emerged from the shadows in 2013 with a resounding proclamation. His comeback album, "The Next Day," delivered an artistic tour de force, showcasing a matured Bowie who seamlessly blended elements from his illustrious past while venturing into uncharted musical territories. The album was hailed as a return to form, reminding the world that the Starman had lost none of his celestial brilliance.

David Bowie - The Next Day (Explicit). Source: YouTube.

But it was Bowie's final act that would solidify his status as a visionary until the very end. In 2016, Bowie released his twenty-fifth studio album, "Blackstar", just two days before his untimely departure from this mortal realm. Little did the world know that this haunting and introspective masterpiece would serve as his swansong, a poignant farewell from a star that burned brighter than any other.

Something happened on the day he died

Spirit rose a metre then stepped aside

Somebody else took his place, and bravely cried

(I'm a blackstar, I'm a blackstar)

Lyrics from Blackstar, by David Bowie.

"Blackstar" was an audacious work of art that defied categorization, weaving elements of jazz, electronic, and experimental music into a haunting tapestry of sound. The album's enigmatic lyrics, shrouded in a veil of introspection and mortality, took on new meaning in the wake of Bowie's passing, leaving fans and critics alike awestruck by its depth and prophetic nature.

Throughout his final years, Bowie's creative genius remained undimmed. In addition to his musical triumphs, he embarked on yet another artistic endeavor, co-writing the stage musical "Lazarus." This theatrical production, infused with themes of existentialism and spiritual exploration, showcased Bowie's multidimensional talents as a songwriter and storyteller.

David Bowie performs at Tweeter Center outside Chicago in Tinley Park,IL, USA on August 8, 2002. Photo by Adam Bielawski. 8 August 2002. (Image source: Wikimedia Commons).

Bowie's profound impact extended beyond the realms of music, acting and fashion; he used his platform to make powerful political statements. Throughout his career, he fearlessly expressed his views on social justice, racial equality, and political issues. From his public support of the LGBT+ community to his criticism of oppressive regimes, Bowie used his voice to champion causes close to his heart, solidifying his status as not just an artist, but also an advocate for change.

In the wake of his departure, Bowie's influence continues to reverberate throughout the cosmos of popular culture. His songs remain timeless anthems, his personas a source of inspiration, and his artistic fearlessness a beacon for aspiring creators. Bowie's ability to reinvent himself, to constantly push the boundaries of creativity, and to embrace the unknown with unwavering audacity, serves as a guiding light for all who dare to defy conventions and pursue their artistic visions.

David Bowie, The Starman waiting in the sky. the shape-shifting enigma, the musical chameleon, and the unyielding force of artistic exploration.