Bowie's crowning achievement in sheer flummoxing remains his pioneering alter ego, who came to symbolize glam rock and redefine the boundaries between songsmith and showman. Here he brought together various influences on his life and moulded them into an alien character and accompanying album, The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars in 1972. Foreshadowing his future direction in projects such as The Man Who Fell To Earth and putting the ambiguous nature of human sexuality to the fore, it was an earth-shattering sonic experience and a calling card like no other. Bowie would go on to wear other faces - The Thin White Duke, Aladdin Sane, Nathan Adler... but Stardust kicked them all off in spectacular fashion. The distinctive red lightning bolt across his face has been oft-imitated and fans wore it in tribute to him after his untimely death. The persona summed up what the artist had done throughout his life - reach in from the outside, rather than reach out from within. Take his listeners to a different place but include them in the experience. He's expanded minds and given millions a damned good night out. At the end of the day however he is unclassifiable, and in this world of ever-increasing conformity that's not half bad. Goodbye David and thank you. Are there any surprising moments from David Bowie's career you feel have been left out? Be sure to let us know in the comments section.
I am a journalist and comedian who enjoys American movies of the 70s, Amicus horror compendiums, Doctor Who, Twin Peaks, Naomi Watts and sitting down. My short fiction has been published as part of the Iris Wildthyme range from Obverse Books.
