Personal | Musical | Performances | Film | Television | Misc | Trivia

Personal

1. What is David Bowie's real name?
   
2. What date is David Bowie's birthday?
   
3. How old was David Bowie when he passed away?
   
4. How tall was David Bowie?
   
5. When did David Jones change his stage name to David Bowie?
   
6. How do you correctly pronounce the name Bowie?
   
7. Who were David Bowie's parents?
   
8. Where did David Bowie live with his parents?
   
9. Where else did David Bowie live?
   
10. Does David Bowie have any brothers or sisters?
    
11. Was David Bowie married?
    
12. How many children has David Bowie got?
    
13. Where was Iman born?
    
14. Who are Iman's parents?
    
15. Where was Iman educated?
    
16. Where did David and Iman meet?
    
17. How many children has Iman had?
    
18. Where did David propose to Iman?
    
19. Where did David Bowie live?
    
20. Why did David Bowie have odd looking eyes?
    
21. Was David Bowie left or right-handed?
    
22. Where was David Bowie educated?
    
23. What formal qualifications did David achieve at school?
    
24. What was David's first job after leaving school?
    
25. Did David have any tattoos?
    
26. Has Iman got any tattoos?
    
    
    
    

Musical

1. When is David's next album due?
   
2. Which was the first instrument owned by David Bowie?
   
3. Which musical instruments could David Bowie play?
   
4. How many songs did David Bowie write?
   
5. Which other artist albums does David Bowie appear on?
   
6. Which was the first ever song released by David Jones?
   
7. Which was the first ever song written and released by David?
   
8. Which was the first ever release under the name David Bowie?
   
9. Which was the first song written by David and released by another artist?
   
10. How many number one albums has David Bowie had in the UK?
    
11. How many number one albums has David Bowie had in the USA?
    
12. How many number one singles has David Bowie had in the UK?
    
13. How many number one singles has David Bowie had in the USA?
    
14. How many top ten hit singles has David Bowie had in the UK?
    
15. How many top forty singles has David Bowie had in the UK?
    
16. How many albums has David Bowie sold worldwide?
    
17. Which was David's biggest selling album on initial release?
    
18. Which David Bowie albums have been certified Platinum in the UK charts?
    
19. Which David Bowie albums have been certified Gold in the UK charts?
    
20. Which David Bowie albums have been certified Silver in the UK charts?
    
21. Which David Bowie songs have been certified Platinum in the UK charts?
    
22. Which David Bowie songs have been certified Gold in the UK charts?
    
23. Which David Bowie songs have been certified Silver in the UK charts?
    
24. Which record label is David Bowie signed to at present?
    
25. Which record labels has David Bowie been signed to in the past?
    
26. How many bands was David a member of?
    
27. Who were The Konrads?
    
28. Who were The Hooker Brothers?
    
29. Who were The King-Bees?
    
30. Who were The Manish Boys?
    
31. Who were The Lower Third?
    
32. Who were The Buzz?
    
33. Who were Turquoise?
    
34. Who were Feathers?
    
35. Who were The Riot Squad?
    
36. Who were Hype?
    
37. Who were Arnold Corns?
    
38. Who were The Spiders From Mars?
    
39. Who were The Astronettes?
    
40. Who were Raw Moon?
    
41. Who were Tin Machine?
    
42. Who were Tao Jones Index?
    
43. Which artists did David Bowie produce and co-produce?
    
44. Which songs have been recorded in German by David Bowie?
    
45. How many albums did Tin Machine release?
    
46. Did David sing the vocals on 'Penny Lane' and 'A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You' that both appear on the Hits '67 album?
    
47. Has David Bowie ever won an Ivor Novello Award?
    
48. Which songs on Low were originally on The Man Who Fell To Earth soundtrack?
    
49. What's the story behind David duetting with Bing Crosby?
    
50. Which make was the white guitar that David played during his A Reality Tour?
    
    
    
    

Film

1. How many films has David appeared in and what characters did he play?
   
2. Which film directors have worked with David Bowie?
   
3. Which promo video film makers have worked with David Bowie?
   
4. How many promotional videos has David Bowie made?
   
5. Which David Bowie videos have been certified in the UK charts?
   
6. What was the name of the actress who played Christiane F.?
   
7. Which songs appeared on the soundtrack for The Man Who Fell To Earth?
   
8. Which author wrote The Man Who Fell To Earth novel?
   
9. Where was The Man Who Fell To Earth filmed?
   
10. Who created David Bowie's iconic hair style for The Man Who Fell to Earth movie?
    
11. What was on the necklace that David wore in The Hunger and what does it signify?
    
12. Did David and Iman ever appear in a film together?
    
13. Who was the girl who appeared in the video for Loving The Alien?
    
14. Who were the other four people with David in the Ashes To Ashes video?
    
15. Which films has Iman appeared in?
    
16. What is the name of the girl dancing with David in the Fame 90 video?
    
17. What is the name of the girl who appeared in the China Girl video?
    
18. Who are the boy and girl that appear in the Let's Dance video?
    
19. What is the name of the girl who appeared in the Absolute Beginners video?
    
20. What is the name of the girl who appeared in the Dead Man Walking video?
    
21. What is the name of the girl who appeared in the Miracle Goodnight video dressed as cowgirl?
    
22. Which films did David audition for, but didn't get the part?
    
23. Who did David sing with on the Shrek 2 movie soundtrack?
    
24. Who are the two girls that appear in the Space Oddity part of the Love You Till Tuesday film?
    
25. What is the name of the dancer in the Real Cool World video?
    
26. Which films has David's son Duncan Jones directed?
    
27. Who is the girl in the Where Are We Now? promo video?
    
28. Who is the man who portrays David Bowie's younger self in the Thursday's Child promo video?
    
29. Which Latin American and Spanish films were David's favourites?
    
30. Who is the girl in the As The World Falls Down promo video?
    
31. Who is the woman and her boyfriend in the Day-In Day-Out promo video?
    
32. Who is the young girl in the Slow Burn promo video?
    
33. Who is the woman in the Pretty Pink Rose promo video?
    
34. What was The Linguini Incident renamed to when released in other countries?
    
35. Where was the Never Let Me Down video filmed?
    
    
    
    

Television

1. When was David Bowie's first ever television appearance?
   
2. How many times did David Bowie appear live on Top Of The Pops?
   
3. What was The 1980 Floor Show?
   
4. What was the BBC Omnibus programme that David Bowie narrated?
   
   
   
   

Performances

1. When and where was David Bowie's first performance?
   
2. Which characters/pseudonyms did David perform as on stage?
   
3. How many live concerts did David Bowie perform?
   
4. What was The Arts Lab?
   
5. Which performers appeared at David Bowie's 50th Birthday Concert?
   
6. How many plays did David Bowie appear in?
   
7. When and where was the first performance of Ziggy Stardust?
   
8. What was the full retirement speech given by David Bowie at the Hammersmith Odeon in July 1973?
   
9. Who was the boy who jumped on stage and hugged Bowie at the end of the Hammersmith Odeon concert in July 1973?
   
   
   
   

Miscellaneous

1. Does David have an official web site and other social media?
   
2. How do I get in contact with David Bowie's representative via e-mail?
   
3. How do I get in contact with David Bowie's representative by post?
   
4. How do I get in contact with Iman by post?
   
5. How many books have been written about David Bowie?
   
6. Where can I find the list of David Bowie's Top 100 Must Read Books?
   
7. Is there a current official David Bowie fan club?
   
8. When was the first official David Bowie fan club set up?
   
9. What is David Bowie's star sign?
   
10. Did David Bowie actually own or drive a vehicle?
    
11. What happened to his ex-girlfriend Hermione Farthingale?
    
12. How much is David Bowie worth?
    
13. Why did David call himself "Sailor" on the Internet?
    
14. Who was David's teacher when he first studied Buddhism?
    
15. Which famous people have been mentioned in David's songs?
    
16. Who was The Elephant Man?
    
17. Who designed the Ziggy Stardust stage costumes?
    
18. What was the classical music played at the start of The Glass Spider World Tour?
    
19. Which was David Bowie's favourite aftershave?
    
20. Who designed David Bowie's stage costumes for the Earthling World Tour?
    
21. Who have been David Bowie's managers in the music business?
    
22. How many pieces of artwork did David Bowie produce?
    
23. Who was David Bowie's art agent?
    
24. Who were David Bowie's favourite painters and who did he collect?
    
25. Why is this web site called Wonderworld and where does the name originate from?
    
26. Which brand of cigarettes did David smoke?
    
27. Who is the girl featured on the album cover of Pin Ups?
    
28. What is written on the signs by the door on the cover of the Ziggy Stardust album?
    
29. What was David's most treasured material possession?
    
30. What is the address of the Hansa Studios in Berlin where David recorded his "Heroes" album?
    
31. Did David have any pets?
    
32. When was David Bowie inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
    
33. Where is the David Bowie Mural located in London?
    
34. Where is the David Bowie statue located in Aylesbury?
    
35. Where is Rue David Bowie located in France?
    
36. Where will The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts be based in London?
    
    
    

PERSONAL


What is David Bowie's real name?

David's real name is David Robert Jones.

What date is David Bowie's birthday?

He was born on Wednesday, 8th January 1947 at 22:59hrs at 40 Stansfield Road, Brixton, London, SW9 9RZ, England. [Street View]

How old was David Bowie when he passed away?

David passed away aged sixty-nine years old. He died on Sunday 10th January 2016, peacefully surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer.

How tall was David?

5 foot 10 inches (1m 778).

When did David Jones officially change his stage name to David Bowie?

On September 16th 1965, David Jones officially changed his stage name to 'David Bowie'.

David said: "Back in 1965, I seriously wanted a name change. The first attempt of several. This one was adopted for about three weeks, I even did a photo session for it apparently. The name? Tom Jones."

During his time with The Konrads he played around with variations of the surname 'Jay' for his stage name, which was inspired by his love of the band Peter Jay and The Jaywalkers. He went the under the name of 'Luther Jay' and 'Alexis Jay', before eventually settling on 'Dave Jay'.

He later chose the name 'Bowie' because it was "the ultimate American knife. It is the medium for a conglomerate of statements and illusions."

The main reason for the change of stage name was because of the emerging fame of Davy Jones on the London theatre stage, who later became the lead singer of The Monkees.

How do you correctly pronounce the name David Bowie?

David has always pronounced his own name as "BOH-ee" (-oh as in no).

His wife's name Iman is pronounced "ee-MAN".

Who were David's parents?

David's father was Haywood Stenton Jones (known as 'John'), born at 41 St. Sepulchre Gate, Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN1 1TD, on 21st November 1912. (Originally the building was the premises of the Public Benefit Boot Company).

His parents (David's grandparents) were Robert Haywood Jones and Zilla Hannah Jones (nee Blackburn). Haywood passed away on 5th August 1969 of pneumonia.

David's mother was Margaret Mary Jones (nee Burns) (known as 'Peggy'), born at 15 Meadow Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 0HL, on 2nd October 1913. Margaret passed away on 2nd April 2001 aged 88.

Her parents (David's grandparents) were James Edwards Burns and Margaret Alice Heaton.

They first met at the Ritz Cinema in Tunbridge Wells where Peggy worked was a waitress in the restaurant. Haywood worked as a Public Relations Officer for Dr. Barnardo's Childrens' Homes at Stepney Causeway. They married on 12th September 1947 at Brixton Register Office, South London after Haywood's divorce from his first wife Hilda became absolute.

Haywood's first marriage was to Hilda Louise Sullivan on 19th December 1933.

Where did David live with his parents?

40 Stansfield Road, Brixton, London, SW9 9RZ, England. [Street View]
    (8th January 1947 - January 1953).

106 Canon Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2SP, England.
    (January 1953 - February 1954).

23 Clarence Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2DD, England.
    (February 1954 - June 1955).

4 Plaistow Grove, Bromley, Kent, BR1 3PB, England.
    (June 1955 - April 1965).

Where else did David live?

39 Manchester Street, Westminster, London, W1U 7LJ, England. (June 11th 1967 - August 1968)

22 Clareville Grove, South Kensington, London, SW7 5AS, England. (August 1968 - January 1969)

Flat 1, 24 Foxgrove Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 5XU, England. (14th April 1969 - October 1969) - (now demolished).

Haddon Hall, Flat 7, 42 Southend Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 1SL, England. (October 1969 - 5th May 1973) - (now demolished).

Vale Court, Hall Road, Maida Vale, London W9 1RT, England. (May 1973 - 16th Oct 1973).

89 Oakley Street, Chelsea, London, SW3 5NP, England. (17th Oct 1973 - April 1974).

West 17th Street, New York City, USA. (April 1974).

West 20th Street, New York City, USA. (until 1975).

Glenn Hughes' house, Waverly Drive, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA - (16 March 1975 - May 1975).

Michael Lippman's villa, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. (May 1975)

637 North Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills, California 90210, USA.

1349 Stone Canyon Road, Bel Air, Los Angeles, California 90077, USA. (left 13th Feb 1976)

155 Hauptstrasse, Schöneberg, Berlin 10827, West Germany. (October 1976 - February 1978).

Manhattan, New York City. (1979).

Clos des Mésanges, Ch. de Sainte-Croix 13, 1807 Blonay, Vaud, Switzerland. (1976-1982).

Château du Signal, (Sauvabelin Maison), Route du Signal 46, Epalinges, 1018 Lausanne, Switzerland (1982-1992).

Kincoppal Apartments, 8th floor, Apartment #51, 93 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, New South Wales 2011, Australia. (1982-1992).

Granville Towers, 6th floor, 1424 N Crescent Heights Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046, USA.

Britannia Bay House, Campbell Hills, Mustique, West Indies. (December 1989-1995).

Essex House Hotel, (9th Floor Apartment) 160 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019, USA. (1992-February 2002).

Sea View, 18 Cambridge Road, Sandys Parish, Somerset, Bermuda MA 02 (rented from 1997-2000).

The Old Rectory, 43 Gilston Road, West Brompton, Kensington/Chelsea, London SW10 9SJ. (owned from 2008-2011 - only stayed there for a brief period).

285 Lafayette Street, 7DE, (SoHo/Nolita) Manhattan, New York, NY 10012 (1999-2016) and also Woodstock.

In late January 2003, David and Iman bought the 64-acre Little Tonshi Mountain, Ulster County, New York 12481, USA.

On 14th June 2021, the residence at 285 Lafayette Street was listed for sale at $16,800,000 by The Corcoran Real Estate Group and taken off the market on 11th July 2021 when it sold after 27 days.

Does David have any brothers or sisters?

Two half-sisters Annette and Myra Ann and one half-brother Terence.

Annette was Haywood's first child, born in 1941. Her mother was a nurse with whom Haywood had developed a liaison with whilst working in Birmingham for Dr. Barnardo's. His wife Hilda who was unable to have children, brought up Annette as her own.

Annette, who married an Egyptian, changed her faith to Islam and by sheer coincidence her name now is Iman.

Terence Guy Adair Burns, born 5th November 1937 at Pembury Hospital near Tunbridge Wells. Terry's father was Wolf Isaac Rosenberg known as 'Jack'. Jack worked as a barman at the Culverden Park Arms Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, where he met Margaret, who was the live-in nanny to the owners children. Terry's name was changed to Jones by deed poll by Haywood, although he changed it back to Burns in later life. Terry committed suicide on 16th January 1985.

Myra Ann was born 29th August 1943 at the Kent & Sussex Hospital in Tunbridge Wells. Myra Ann was fostered to a couple in Tunbridge Wells and then later adopted at 9 months of age.

Was David married?

David was married to Iman Mohamed Abdul Majid. They married in Switzerland on Friday, 24th April 1992 at Lausanne registry office with a civil ceremony. There were two witnesses and an interpreter on hand for their private ceremony.

They also had a wedding ceremony at Saint James Episcopal Church in Florence, Italy on Saturday, 6th June 1992. Their best man was David's son Duncan, with chief usher Alan Edwards. Iman's maid of honour was her best friend Bethann Hardison.

Besides immediate family, among the sixty-eight invited guests were Yoko Ono, Brian Eno and his wife Anthea, Bono Vox, Eric Idle and his wife Tanya, Geoff MacCormack, George Underwood, Corinne Schwab, Jennifer Ichida (Duncan's then girlfriend), Hervé Léger (who designed Iman's dress), Thierry Mugler (who designed David's suit) and hair arranged by Teddy Antolin. Teddy was a very special guest - in a way responsible for what was happening that day, because it was he who introduced David and Iman at a dinner party two years previously in Los Angeles.

During the ceremony, Geoff MacCormack read Psalm 121 during the service and David's cousin Kristina Amadeus read from Corinthians.


David's first marriage was to Mary Angela Barnett on Friday, 20th March 1970 at Bromley Register Office on Beckenham Lane, Kent. They divorced in Switzerland on 8th February 1980.

How many children has David got?

David has two children, Duncan and Alexandria, and a step-daughter, Zulekha.

David's son, Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones, was born Sunday, 30th May 1971 at Bromley Hospital weighing 8lbs. 8oz. (3.85 kilogrammes).

Duncan attended the Commonwealth American School in Lausanne, Switzerland and when aged fourteen enrolled at Gordonstoun, the famous Scottish boarding school in Elgin, Moray.

In 1995, Duncan graduated with a bachelor's degree in philosophy from The College of Wooster in Ohio, he then pursued a PhD degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee but left before completion to attend the London Film School (LFS), where he graduated as a film director.

Duncan's debut major movie was the sci-fi Moon (2009) which was nominated for seven British Independent film awards and won two. Moon was also nominated for two BAFTA 2010 Awards, winning the 'Outstanding Debut by a Director' award. There have been 19 other nominations and wins for the film, from various worldwide film festivals and societies.

Duncan announced his engagement to Rodene Ronquillo on 28th June 2012. One-hundred and thirty-one days later on 6th November 2012 they tied the knot. Duncan @ManMadeMoon tweeted: Our mate "the motorcycle minister" turned up last night and married @rodeneronquillo & I! I'm MR @rodeneronquillo!!!

On Sunday, 10th July 2016, Duncan and Rodene became parents to a baby boy, named Stenton David Jones, who was born in California, USA at 2.59 a.m. Duncan @ManMadeMoon tweeted: All my love and awe to the incredible @rodeneronquillo who made a human being in her belly. Warrior woman & every day, my hero. followed by: Stenton David Jones. Born July 10th, exactly six months after his grandad made room for him. Love you both so.

On Tuesday, 17th April 2018, Duncan and Rodene became parents to a baby girl, Zowie Tala Mabsie Jones, who was born in California, USA. Duncan @ManMadeMoon tweeted: I am thrilled to announce that the sequel to the hugely popular Stenton Jones, has finally been unleashed upon the globe! Both @rodeneronquillo and her big, beautiful baby girl are doing amazing!♥

On 28th April, Duncan @ManMadeMoon tweeted: ... our lovely little girl has a name. (We chose it a while ago). Zowie Tala Mabsie Jones. About time SOMEONE made use of my middle name, even if I wasn't ready to! ?? @rodeneronquillo
Zowie, because I'm an egomaniac. Tala, is a beautiful name & one Tagalog meaning for it is "Star". Mabsie in memory of the wonderful women Marion Skene who raised me & died last year. And Jones for this... [The Coasters - Along Came Jones]



David's daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones, was born on Tuesday, 15th August 2000 at 5:06am in New York City, weighing 7lbs 4.6oz (3.28 kilogrammes). Her Christian names were chosen for their real meanings - Alexandria means "defender of mankind" and Zahra is Arabic for "inner light". David assisted with the delivery and cut the umbilical cord.

View Alexandria photographs.



David's step-daughter, Zulekha was born on Wednesday, 5th July 1978, from Iman's second marriage to basketball player Spencer Haywood. Zulekha means "intelligent" in Arabic.

Where was Iman born?

Iman was born in Mogadishu, Somalia on Monday, 25th July 1955.

Who are Iman's parents?

Iman's father is Mohamed Abdul Majid and her mother Maryan.

Iman has two brothers Feisal and Elias and two sisters Idil and Nadia.

Where was Iman educated?

Iman attended Nairobi University and studied political science.

Where did David and Iman meet?

David and Iman met on a blind date arranged by their mutual hairdresser friend Teddy Antolin at a dinner party in Los Angeles on 14th October 1990. For David it was love at first sight.

How many children has Iman had?

Iman has two daughters Zulekha and Alexandria.

Zulekha was born 5th July 1978, from her second marriage to basketball player Spencer Haywood. Zulekha means "intelligent" in Arabic.

Alexandria Zahra Jones was born 15th August 2000 at 5:06am in New York City, weighing 7lbs 4.6oz (3.28 kilogrammes). Her Christian names were chosen for their real meanings - Alexandria means "defender of mankind" and Zahra is Arabic for "inner light". David assisted with the delivery and cut the umbilical cord.

Where did David propose to Iman?

After living together for 20 months, David proposed to Iman in Paris, France. David hired a 'rather smart boat', dinner for two and a pianist. As they cruised along the River Seine, he 'popped the question' under the Pont Neuf.

Where did David live?

David and Iman lived in New York City.

In late January 2003, David and Iman bought the 64-acre Little Tonshi Mountain, Shokan, New York.

David sold his property Britannia Bay House, in Campbell Hills, Mustique, West Indies to Felix Dennis, the publishing tycoon in 1995. Felix renamed the property 'Mandalay'.

In 2015, English businessman and entrepreneur (and David Bowie fan) Simon Dolan bought the property, which is now available to rent as a holiday vacation.

Why did David have odd looking eyes?

He had a condition called anisocoria, which is the medical term for unequal pupils. In 1962, aged 14, he got punched in the eye by his schoolfriend George Underwood, during an argument over a girl named Carol Goldsmith. On the school bus, George confronted David and ended up punching him. George's fist caught David's eye and dislodged something. Later in school, one of the teachers took David to Farnborough Hospital in Orpington, where it was found that the sphincter muscles of his left eye were badly torn. He was transferred to Moorfields Eye Hospital in London where he underwent two eye operations. He has an enlarged pupil that remains permanently open, giving them an unusual appearance.

Contrary to popular belief David DOESN'T have two different coloured eyes - they are both the same colour. The enlarged pupil only gives the "effect" of two different coloured eyes.

David and George are to this day still life-long friends. George played in early Bowie groups and eventually became a commercial artist. He was involved in the design of the album sleeves for Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars (1972) albums/posters/flyers, graphics for The 1980 Floor Show and The Man Who Fell To Earth book cover.

Was David Bowie left or right-handed?

He was naturally left-handed. His writing, drawing and painting were done with his left-hand, but he learnt to play the guitar right-handed.

It was common practice in the Fifties and Sixties for children to be forced to write with their right-hand, which is what happened to David whilst at school.

Where was David educated?

Stockwell Infants School, Stockwell Road, Brixton, London SW9.
(12th November 1951 to 1953).

? small private public school, Bromley, Kent.
(Attended for a short while in 1953).

Raglan Infants School, Clarence Road, Bromley, BR1, Kent.
(5th January 1953 - 1955).

Burnt Ash Junior School, Rangefield Road, Bromley, BR1, Kent.
(20th June 1955 to 24th July 1958).

David was a member of The Burnt Ash Juniors Football Team in 1957/58, as well as a member of the school choir in 1958. Max Batten, a former classmate and football school team player recalls: "I am sorry to admit that I cannot remember where David played. I was on the left wing but... the captain who I think was called Mike Payne and myself also had a trial for the Bromley Schools' team, which he eventually captained, but I went no further. There were, I suppose about 50-60 boys in that year so he must have been a reasonable player."

"One thing I do recall though, I believe that David and Chris Britten, back row 3rd from left, were responsible for putting up and removing the climbing ropes in the playground, until Chris fell and broke his wrist. I don't think they would allow that sort of thing today!"

(Photograph from left to right: top row: Unknown, Unknown, Christopher Britten, David Springfield, Unknown, Unknown, Bill ?. 2nd row: David Jones, Barry ?, Mike Payne (captain), Simon ?, Unknown. Bottom row: Unknown, Max Batten).

On 19th May 1958, David received the results from the Kent Education Committee as to which secondary education would be best suited. David was offered a place at Grammar school or a Technical school of his choice. David preferred the Tech because of its art course, although his father felt it would be more realistic that David received a 'proper' education at Grammar school. Appointments were made to visit both the Bromley Grammar School and at Bromley Technical High School. Fortunately for David, his father hated the atmosphere of the grammar school and really liked the "modern" feel of the Tech, so David got his preferred choice of secondary education.


Bromley Technical High School, Oakley Road, Keston, South Bromley, Kent, BR2.
(8th September 1958 - 5th July 1963).

David's school reports whilst attending Bromley Tech read: (1st year) "reliable and quiet." (2nd year) "a good steady worker who should do well." (4th year) "a pleasant, friendly idler but perhaps capable of better work with maturity." (5th year) "a complete exhibitionist - if he was capable of continuous effort his ability would have been put to better use." In the 3rd year at Bromley Tech, David's art teacher was Owen Frampton, father of musician Peter Frampton. Who said David "worked well at his art - he always enjoyed his art work."

Bromley Technical High School is now Ravens Wood Technical School for Boys. Originally the school was formed in 1962 out of a merger between Bromley, Beckenham and Sidcup schools of art. Some other notable pupils over the years include: Peter Frampton, George Underwood and Hanif Kureishi.

What formal qualifications did David achieve at school?

GCE 'O' level Art.

What was David's first job after leaving school?

After leaving school at 16½, David joined an advertising agency as a Junior Visualiser/Paste Up Artist. He joined the Yorkshire based company Nevin D. Hirst (Advertising) Ltd. at their offices at 98 New Bond Street, Westminster, London W1S 1SN. He left after four or five months to pursue his musical career.

In 1968-1969 to earn extra money, David worked on a casual basis for Legastat Ltd, 57 Carey Street, London WC2A 2JB.

Did David have any tattoos?

David had one tattoo on the back of his left calf which depicts a dolphin and a Japanese variation of the Serenity prayer among the content, it portrays a man riding a dolphin with his left hand extended with a little frog, along with a personal Japanese (Kanji) inscription.

David drew the artwork himself and had a Japanese tattooist ink it for him and also translate the prayer into Katakana. David said he had the tattoo done in 1991 "as a confirmation of the love I feel for my wife and my knowledge of the power of life itself."

Has Iman got any tattoos?

Iman has two tattoos, one above her ankle which depicts a Bowie knife with the word 'David' written on the handle and around her belly button the Arabic lettering for 'David'.

---

MUSICAL


Which was the first instrument owned by David?

At 12 years of age, David's parents bought him a Selmer white cream coloured Bakelite acrylic alto saxophone with all gold keys. David at first tried to teach himself, Terry suggested that he ask for tuition and recommended lessons from top British saxophonist Ronnie Ross who they had seen play in the West End. David phoned Ross himself, and went to his home at 6 Irving Way, Orpington, Kent once a week on Saturday afternoons for the first 3 weeks and then once every fortnight thereafter. The lessons last roughly over a 16 week period and was charged £2 per lesson. David got a part time job as a butcher's delivery boy to help pay towards the costs. Then in August 1962 David told Ronnie that he was joining a band.

In 1973, Ronnie Ross played solo baritone saxophone on the Lou Reed song 'Walk On The Wild Side' from the Transformer album. Ross was surprised when he learnt that the David Bowie in the control room was the same David that he had first given lessons to when David was only 13 years of age.

At the end of the recording session David walked in and the conversation went...

    RR: "Thanks very much."
    DB: "No, thank you very much. It's the least I could do for you."
    RR: "What do you mean?"
    DB: "Well, you taught me to play saxophone."
    RR: "Did I? When was that?"
    DB: "I was that bloke who came to see you; I was about nine or ten years old."
    RR: "Good God! You said you were going to be a rock star, didn't you?"

Which musical instruments could David play?

Alto and Tenor Saxophone, Guitar, Piano, Keyboards, Harmonica, Mouth Harp, Koto, Mandolin, Recorder, Viola, Violin, Cello, and not forgetting the Stylophone.

How many songs did David write?

Somewhere in the region of 800.

Which other artist albums does David Bowie appear on?

Adrian Belew: 'Young Lions'.
Arcade Fire: 'Reflektor' (sings backing vocals on the title track).
Ava Cherry: 'People From Bad Homes', (re-released as 'The Astronettes Sessions').
Bing Crosby: 'Bing Crosby's Christmas Classics' - (vocals on 'Peace On Earth'/'Little Drummer Boy').
Dana Gillespie: 'Weren't Born A Man', 'Andy Warhol'.
Earl Slick: 'Zig Zag'.
Giorgio Moroder: 'Cat People' (Original Soundtrack) - (vocals on 'Cat People (Putting Out Fire)').
Goldie: 'Saturnz Return'.
Iggy Pop: 'Raw Power', 'The Idiot', 'Lust For Life', 'TV Eye 1977 Live', 'Soldier', 'Play It Safe', 'Blah-Blah-Blah', 'Suck On This', 'Sister Midnight', 'Iggy Pop Live In Cleveland - 1977', 'Iggy & Ziggy - Cleveland '77'.
Kashmir 'No Balance Palace' (duet on 'The Cynic').
Kristeen Young: 'Breasticles'.
Lou Reed: 'Transformer', 'The Raven'.
Lulu: 'The Man Who Sold The World'.
Mick Ronson: 'Slaughter On 10th Avenue', 'Play Don't Worry', 'Heaven And Hull', 'The Mick Ronson Memorial Concert', 'Main Man'.
Mott The Hoople: 'All The Young Dudes', 'The Anthology', 'All The Way From Stockholm To Philadelphia Live 71/72'.
Pat Metheny Group: 'The Falcon And The Snowman' (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - 'This Is Not America'.
Philip Glass: 'Low Symphony', "Heroes" Symphony', 'Symphony No. 12 "Lodger"'.
Placebo: 'Without You I'm Nothing', 'Black Market Music', 'Once More With Feeling' Singles 1996-2004'.
Queen: 'Hot Space'.
   (The track 'Cool Cat' with Bowie vocals appeared on a USA test pressing, but was removed at the request of David).
Reeves Gabrels: 'The Sacred Squall Of Now', 'Ulysses (Della Notte)'.
Ron Wood: 'I've Got My Own Album To Do'.
Rustic Overtones: 'Viva Nueva'.
Sandro Sursock: 'Aristorock', ('Zero Heroes' - same album with different artwork by Bowie is unreleased).
Scarlett Johansson: 'Anywhere I Lay My Head' - (vocals on 'Falling Down' and 'Fannin' Street').
Steeleye Span: 'Now We Are Six'.
The Riot Squad: 'The Last Chapter: Mods & Sods'.
The Rolling Stones: 'It's Only Rock 'N' Roll' (uncredited).
The Who: 'Substitute - The Songs Of The Who'.
Tina Turner: 'Live In Europe', 'Break Every Rule'.
TV On The Radio: 'Return To Cookie Mountain' (vocals on 'Province').
Various Artists: 'Songs From The Cool World' (Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture) - (vocals on 'Real Cool World').
Various Artists: 'Absolute Beginners' (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - (vocals on 'Absolute Beginners', That's Motivation', 'Volare' (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)).
Various Artists: 'When The Wind Blows' (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - (vocals on 'When The Wind Blows').
Various Artists: 'The Freddie Mercury Tribute' - (Queen, David Bowie, Annie Lennox: 'Under Pressure' / Queen, David Bowie, Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson: 'All The Young Dudes' / Queen, David Bowie: "Heroes").
Various Artists: 'Long Live Tibet' - (Gail Ann Dorsey and David Bowie: 'Planet Of Dreams').
Various Artists: 'Red Hot + Rhapsody (The Gershwin Groove)' - (David Bowie and Angelo Badalamenti on 'A Foggy Day (In London Town)').
Various Artists: 'Shrek 2' (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - Butterfly Boucher featuring David Bowie - 'Changes' (2004 rerecorded version).
Various Artists: 'The Concert For New York City' - ('America' and "Heroes").
Various Artists: 'Training Day - The Soundtrack' - (P. Diddy and The Bad Boy Family featuring David Bowie: 'American Dream').
Various Artists: 'Moulin Rouge (Music From Baz Luhrmann's Film)' - ('Nature Boy', plus David Bowie and Massive Attack: 'Nature Boy').
Various Artists: 'Substitute - The Songs Of The Who' - ('Pictures Of Lily').
Various Artists: 'Mayor Of The Sunset Strip' (Original Soundtrack to the Motion Picture) - ('All The Madmen' (Live/Studio)).
Various Artists: 'Just A Gigolo' - ('Revolutionary Song', 'Revolutionary Song (End)', David Bowie, The Rebels: 'Revolutionary Song (Chorus)').
Various Artists: 'The Turning (Kate's Diary)' - (Kristeen Young featuring David Bowie: 'American Landfill').

Which was the first ever song released by David Jones?

The first ever release by David was 'Liza Jane' / 'Louie Louie Go Home' on 5th June 1964, Vocalion Pop label (V9221) under the name of Davie Jones with The King-Bees. There were 3,500 copies pressed. The single featured seventeen year old Davie Jones (vocals and saxophone), George Underwood (guitar), Roger Bluck (guitar), Francis Howard (bass) and Robert Allen (drums).

Although credited to Leslie Conn, David's then manager who negotiated a one-single deal with Decca Records, George Underwood said the song was originally an old Negro spiritual that the band played around with and came up with this R'n'B song.

Leslie Conn's recollection of the events in 1997: "I can tell you that I have got a pretty retentive memory, but that is something I can't clearly recall. I used to write songs except that I don't write music and I don't play piano. When the boys were jamming to kind of come up with some ideas to make a record, they came up with some six bar blues, which everyone uses. As they were doing that, I came up with my own idea, which came from nowhere, and we improvised and the song came together. I mean, I would never take credit for something that I never did and I know David wouldn't have agreed for me to sign the contract as writer if he had wrote it himself. I would never have stolen someone else's song on principle. I know that I'm quite vague on that and I can't be absolutely sure how it all came about, but I know that I did come up with a lot of ideas. As for the production of the song that was most certainly me, I arranged and organised the whole thing and I always produced the material I was arranging with Decca at that time. George Underwood is definitely wrong on that point.

"There is a funny story while were still on the subject of 'Liza Jane'. When David and I parted company I went off to live and work in Majorca for a few years and one day I was on the phone to my mother and she said, 'what shall I do with those records I have in the garage' which were a few hundred copies of 'Liza Jane'. So I replied, 'Throw them out', and she did. The last time David came up here he said, 'Have you got any of those records we made, you know they're worth over a hundred pounds each!' I told him I got my mother to throw them all out! We had to laugh."

Backed with 'Louie Louie Go Home', written by Paul Revere and Mark Lindsay, which was incidentally pencilled in as the A-side, both songs were recorded in a seven-hour session at Decca Studios in Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead.

The single was re-released by Decca in September 1978 (catalogue number F 13807) and beware there are counterfeit Vocalion copies in circulation. Produced in the USA in 70s, the tell-tale difference between the original and the illegal pressings is the matrix number. On the original 1964 issue the matrix number is machine stamped on the vinyl and on the fake copies it is handwritten.

Which was the first ever song written and released by David?

'Take My Tip' was the first released song written by David. It appeared on the B-side of 'I Pity The Fool', released 5th March 1965 (Parlophone R5250).

Which was the first ever release under the name David Bowie

'Can't Help Thinking About Me' was the first single issued under the name David Bowie, released 14th January 1966 on Pye Records (Pye 7N17020).

Which was the first song written by David and released by another artist?

'Take My Tip' by Kenny Miller, released 15th April 1965 on the Stateside label (Cat. No. SS 405). The A-side was titled 'Restless'.

How many number one singles has David had in the UK?

Six

Space Oddity (reissue October 1975).
Ashes To Ashes (August 1980).
Under Pressure (with Queen, November 1981).
Let's Dance (March 1983).
Dancing In The Street (with Mick Jagger, September 1985).
"Heroes" (X Factor Finalists 2010) (November 2010).

How many top ten hit singles has David had in the UK?

Twenty-Six

Space Oddity (No. 5 - September 1969).
Starman (No. 10 - June 1972).
The Jean Genie (No. 2 - December 1972).
Drive In Saturday (No. 3 - April 1973).
Life On Mars? (No. 3 - June 1973).
The Laughing Gnome (No. 6 - September 1973).
Sorrow (No. 3 - October 1973).
Rebel Rebel (No. 5 - February 1974).
Knock On Wood (No. 10 - September 1974).
Space Oddity (No. 1 - October 1975).
Golden Years (No. 8 - November 1975).
Sound And Vision (No. 3 - February 1977).
Boys Keep Swinging (No. 7 - May 1979).
Ashes To Ashes (No. 1 - August 1980).
Fashion (No. 5 - November 1980).
Under Pressure (with Queen) (No. 1 - November 1981).
Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy (with Bing Crosby) (No. 3 - November 1982).
Let's Dance (No. 1 - March 1983).
China Girl (No. 2 - June 1983).
Modern Love (No. 2 - September 1983).
Blue Jean (No. 6 - September 1984).
Dancing In The Street (with Mick Jagger) (No. 1 - September 1985).
Absolute Beginners (No. 2 - March 1986).
Jump They Say (No. 9 - March 1993).
"Heroes" (X Factor Finalists 2010) (No. 1 - November 2010).
Where Are We Now? (No. 6 - January 2013).

How many number one albums has David had in the UK?

Eleven

Aladdin Sane (No. 1 - on 29th April 1973).
Pin Ups (No. 1 - on 28th October 1973).
Diamond Dogs (No. 1 - on 2nd June 1974).
Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) (No. 1 - on 21st September 1980).
Let's Dance (No. 1 - on 17th April 1983).
Tonight (No. 1 - on 30th September 1984).
ChangesBowie (No. 1 - on 25th March 1990).
Black Tie White Noise (No. 1 - on 11th April 1993).
The Next Day (No. 1 - on 17th March 2013).
★ (pronounced Blackstar) (No. 1 - on 15th January 2016).
Best Of Bowie (No. 1 on 6th February 2016).

How many number one albums has David had in the USA?

One

★ (pronounced Blackstar) (No. 1 - on 17th January 2016).

How many number one singles has David had in the USA?

Two

Fame (No. 1 - August 1975).
Let's Dance (No. 1 - March 1983).

How many albums has David sold worldwide?

Believed to be in excess over 150 million.

Which was David's biggest selling album on initial release?

Let's Dance sold in the region of 8 million.

Which David Bowie albums have been certified Platinum in the UK charts?

Best Of Bowie (Platinum 4x)
Legacy (Platinum 3x)
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars (Platinum 2x)
Aladdin Sane
The Next Day
★ (Blackstar)
The Best Of 1969/1974
The Singles Collection
Ultimate Singles Collection
ChangesBowie (Sound And Vision)
Let's Dance
Hunky Dory
Very Best Of David Bowie
Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)

Which David Bowie albums have been certified Gold in the UK charts?

'hours...'
Young Americans
Space Oddity
The Man Who Sold The World
Bowie At The Beeb
Nothing Has Changed (The Very Best Of)
Lust For Life (with Iggy Pop)
Station To Station
Diamond Dogs
"Heroes"
Low
The Best Of 1974/1979
The Platinum Collection
Reality
Heathen
Black Tie White Noise
Never Let Me Down
Tonight
Tin Machine
ChangesTwoBowie
Lodger
Stage
Pin Ups

Which David Bowie albums have been certified Silver in the UK charts?

Earthling
1.Outside
The Collection

Which David Bowie songs have been certified Platinum in the UK charts?

Starman (Platinum 2x) (31.5.24)
Under Pressure (with Queen) (Platinum 3x) (3.11.23)
Rebel Rebel (8.9.23)
Space Oddity (25.6.21)
Let's Dance (14.8.20)
Life On Mars? (5.6.20)
"Heroes" (28.2.20)
Heroes (We Could Be) (Alesso featuring Tove Lo) (17.3.17)

Which David Bowie songs have been certified Gold in the UK charts?

The Man Who Sold The World (Nirvana) (1.12.23)
Modern Love (18.8.23)
Changes (29.4.22)
Dancing In The Street (with Mick Jagger) (1.9.85)
21 Guns (Green Day) (15.1.21)

Which David Bowie songs have been certified Silver in the UK charts?

Oh! You Pretty Things (25.10.24)
Golden Years (1.9.23)
Young Americans (7.7.23)
The Man Who Sold The World (9.12.22)
The Jean Genie (4.2.22)
All The Young Dudes (14.1.22)
Sound And Vision (17.9.21)
Ziggy Stardust (24.7.20)
Moonage Daydream (26.6.20)
Absolute Beginners (1.4.86)
China Girl (1.7.83)
Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy (with Bing Crosby) (1.12.82)
Fashion (1.11.80)
Ashes To Ashes (1.8.80)
The Laughing Gnome (1.12.73)
Sorrow (1.11.73)

Lust For Life (with Iggy Pop) (26.7.19)
"Heroes" (X Factor Finalists 2010) (22.7.13)
The Man Who Sold The World (Lulu) (1.2.74)

How many top forty singles has David Bowie had in the UK?

Sixty-three

'Space Oddity' on 21st January 2016 was David's 45th 'Top 40' UK hit single.

Which record label is David signed to at present?

ISO Records (Columbia Records/Sony/Parlophone/Warner Music/RCA).

Which record labels has David been signed to in the past?

Vocalion Pop, Parlophone, Pye, Decca, Mercury, Philips, Deram, RCA, EMI, Victory, Savage Records, JVC Victory, Virgin, Rykodisc.

How many bands was David a member of?

Ten

The Konrads.
The Hooker Brothers (also performed under the name Dave's Reds and Blues).
The King Bees.
The Manish Boys.
The Lower Third.
The Buzz.
The Riot Squad.
Hype (also performed under the name Harry and The Butcher).
Tin Machine.
Tao Jones Index.

Backing bands: The Buzz, Junior's Eyes, The Spiders From Mars, The Astronettes, Raw Moon.

Who were The Konrads?

The Konrads were David's first professional band. The group consisted of: David Jones (vocals, tenor saxophone), Neville Wills (guitar), Alan Dodds (guitar), Dave Crook (drums), George Underwood (vocals).

George Underwood left after a short time. Apparently the name Kon-rads came about whilst they were appearing with Jess Conrad, who introduced them as "my Conrads". The hyphen was removed at David's insistence.

By the end of 1962 David Hadfield had replaced Dave Crook on drums. Also joining the band were Rocky Shahan (real name Shahan Chowdhury) on bass guitar and on vocals were Roger Ferris, and two sisters Christine and Stella Patton (now Gall). David changed his surname to 'Dave Jay' because he was inspired by Peter Jay And The Jaywalkers, who according to David were only one of two British bands that 'knew anything about saxophones'.

On Friday, August 30th, The Konrads entered Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens in West Hampstead for the first time and cut their only recorded record titled: 'I Never Dreamed'. The song was written by David, Roger Ferris and Alan Dodds, the main vocals are by Roger Ferris, with David taking the harmonies. Several acetates were cut by Decca. Drummer David Hadfield said another song concerning an 'air crash' was demo'd. Soon after this recording, David left the band, though the band stayed together playing the club circuit and even toured as the opening act with The Rolling Stones.

David said he became dissatisfied with The Konrads because of their choice of song repertoire. He wanted to play more blues numbers instead of the pop standards they chose to cover.

Who were The Hooker Brothers?

The Hooker Brothers consisted of: David Jones (vocals, tenor saxophone), George Underwood (rhythm guitar, vocals, harmonica) and Viv Andrews (drums). They had a regular booking at the Bromel Club inside the Bromley Court Hotel, although it lasted only for a few weeks. They also performed as 'Dave's Reds And Blues' in order to get more gigs. One of the songs included in their set was the classic ballad 'Blues In The Night'. They only performed three or four times in total. If David never had somewhere to play he would travel around, listening to music, carrying his saxophone, just in case a group invited him to join them on stage.

Who were The King Bees?

The King Bees consisted of: Davie Jones (vocals, tenor saxophone), Richard George Underwood (rhythm guitar, vocals, harmonica), Roger Beresford Bluck (lead guitar), Francis David Howard (bass guitar) and Robert (Bobby) Allen (drums).

Their name originated from a song title by the Louisiana blues singer Slim Harpo titled 'I'm A King Bee'. They rehearsed at Ronnie Pressman's flat in Albion Street, near Marble Arch, for manager-to-be Leslie Conn. At their debut gig at the Jack Of Clubs in aid of John Bloom's wedding anniversary party, they performed two songs, 'Got My Mojo Working' and 'Hoochie Coochie Man'. The vast majority of shows performed were in clubs and colleges in Bromley, Kent.

Who were The Manish Boys?

The Manish Boys originally formed from Group Seven.

The Manish Boys consisted of: Davie Jones (vocals, saxophone), Johnny Flux (lead guitar), John Watson (guitar, vocals), Bob Solly (organ), Paul Rodriguez (bass guitar, tenor saxophone, trumpet), Woolf Byrne (baritone saxophone, harmonica) and Mike White (drums).

The name of the band was taken from a Muddy Water's song 'Manish Boy'. The majority of their performances were in towns and resorts in and around Southern England. Davie joins the band in August 1964.

Who were The Lower Third?

The Lower Third held their auditions at La Discotheque in Soho, London and Davie Jones along with his alto saxophone gets the position. David also performed with various bands on a casual basis. Some of which included The High Numbers (aka The Who), The T-Bones and Sonny Boy Williamson. The majority of these performances took place at The Marquee, in London.

They formed in Margate, Kent in 1963, they were originally known as 'Oliver Twist And The Lower Third'. The original line-up consisted of Denis Taylor (lead guitar), Les Mighall (drums) and Graham Rivens (bass guitar).

David joined the band in April 1965 and the new line up became: Davie Jones (vocals, tenor & alto saxophone), Denis 'Tea-Cup' Taylor (lead guitar), Graham Rivens (bass guitar), Les Mighall (drums) along with Neil Anderson who performed occasional vocals). Two months later Phil Lancaster replaced Les Mighall on drums in July. The band get a residency at The Bournemouth Pavilion every Friday and Sunday throughout the summer, along with the Ventnor Winter Gardens, Isle Of Wight every Saturday.

An audition for Ralph Horton was arranged at The Roebuck Public House on the Tottenham Court Road, London with the view of him becoming their manager.

Who were The Buzz?

David Bowie and The Buzz were formed in February 1966, auditions for David's new band were held at the Marquee and at Ralph Horton's flat. The name 'Buzz' was suggested to them by DJ Earl Richmond. The Buzz members were: David Bowie (vocals, guitar, saxophone), John 'Hutch' Hutchinson (guitar), Derek 'Dek' Fearnley (bass guitar), John 'Ego' Eager (drums) and Derrick 'Chow' Boyes (keyboards).

Starting on the 10th April through to 12th June, David and The Buzz appear at The Marquee Club, Soho, London for a series of six Sunday afternoon shows (3.00pm - 6.00pm) titled 'The Bowie Showboat'. The show was sponsored by Radio London.

John Hutchinson leaves the band and Billy Gray ('Haggis') replaces him on the 27th June, his first gig being The Red Lion Hotel, Warrington on 2nd July 1966. Then on 19th November Billy Gray leaves The Buzz and they continue as a trio.

Note: Incidentally, another band named The Buzz who hailed from Scotland are a totally different group. This band recorded 'You're Holding Me Down' backed by 'I've Gotta Buzz' in 1966. This band is nothing whatsoever to do with David Bowie's backing band.

Who were Turquoise?

Turquoise were a mixed media trio who consisted of: David Bowie (vocals, guitar, mime), Hermione Farthingale (vocals, guitar, mime) and Tony Hill (acoustic guitar, vocals) from the group 'The Misunderstood'. David placed an advertisement in the International Times way back in June. It stated 'David Bowie needs acoustic guitarist singing/speaking for exciting project, must be alive'.

The name Turquoise lasted for only a small number of appearances before Tony Hill's final performance on 16th September 1968. Tony left to join 'High Tide', a group that David was later to support. His replacement was ex Buzz member John Hutchinson. The name changed to Feathers.

Who were Feathers?

Feathers were a mixed media trio who performed music and dance. They consisted of David Bowie (vocals, guitar, mime), Hermione Farthingale (vocals, guitar, mime) and John 'Hutch' Hutchinson (acoustic guitar).

In 1969 Hermione Farthingale (aka Hermione Dennis) left Feathers in early February leaving David and John Hutchinson to continue as a duo for three more gigs.

Who were The Riot Squad?

During the Spring of 1967, David played over twenty gigs throughout the United Kingdom with a group named 'The Riot Squad'. The band which consisted of six members included David Bowie (lead vocalist, mouth harp, guitar), Rod Davies (guitar), Brian 'Croke' Prebble (vocals, bass), Bob Evans (tenor saxophone, vocals, flute), George 'Butch' Davis (keyboards) and Derek 'Del' Roll (drums).

During March at The Swan in Tottenham, the band rehearse with David, performing 'Little Toy Soldier, 'Silly Boy Blue' and 'Silver Tree Top School For Boys'. The band were known for their flamboyant use of face paint and theatrical stage show.

The band were originally assembled by producer Larry Page in 1964, whose line-up included future luminary Mitch Mitchell on drums. The sextet, assembled from the ranks of the best players from a brace of lesser known acts, was a hard-playing rhythm 'n' blues based band that went through several line-ups, leaving behind fourteen songs and half as many singles. The original members included lead guitarist Ron Ryan and Mark Stevens on organ, with Mitch Mitchell playing percussion. As they were put together under an outsider's guidance, however, the band was never an entirely natural fit for its members. It is, thus, no surprise to learn that lead singer Graham Bonney left, and lead guitarist Ron Ryan and bassist Mike Martin followed him out, while Mitchell jumped ship to Georgie Fame's Blue Flames in 1966, before hooking up with Jimi Hendrix. The band carried on, even after Larry Page dumped them, instead hooking up with the even more talented and unstable producer personality of Joe Meek.

Who were Hype?

Hype were: David Bowie (vocals, guitar, electric piano), Mick Ronson (lead guitar), Tony Visconti (bass guitar) and John Cambridge (drums).

Their debut performance took place at The Roundhouse Spring Festival in Camden, London on Sunday 22nd February 1970 (billed as David Bowie).

This performance is regarded as the 'first-ever glam rock performance' as the band dressed up in superhero costumes: David as 'Rainbowman', Ronson ('Gangsterman'), Visconti ('Hyperman') and Cambridge ('Cowboyman'). This performance was filmed and recorded. Also performing on the bill that day were: Bachdenkel, Groundhog and Caravan.

Their second gig took place the following day at the Streatham Arms in London under the pseudonym of 'David Bowie with Harry The Butcher'.

They performed on 28th February at the Basildon Arts Lab experimental music club at the Basildon Arts Centre in Essex. Billed as 'David Bowie's New Electric Band' so new they haven't got a name yet! Also on the bill were High Tide, Overson and Iron Maiden. Strawbs were due to perform but were replaced by David Bowie's New Electric Band.

Mick 'Woody' Woodmansey would eventually replace John Cambridge on drums on 30th March 1970.

Who were Arnold Corns?

Arnold Corns were the band that pre-started the Ziggy Stardust character. In 1971 the band consisted of David Bowie on guitar and vocals, his costume designer Freddie Burretti (stage name Rudi Valentino) (real name Frederick Burrett) as lead vocalist, Mick Ronson on guitar, Trevor Bolder on bass, Mick Woodmansey on drums and Mark Carr Pritchard (real name Mark Pritchett) on guitar. This collaboration released three tracks: early versions of 'Moonage Daydream' and 'Hang Onto Yourself' and 'Man In The Middle', (which was actually written by Mark Pritchett), whilst a fourth track 'Looking For A Friend' went unreleased. Although Burretti was credited as lead vocalist, it was Bowie's vocals that dominated on all tracks.

An earlier version also had another two of Burretti's friends from Dulwich College who played in a college band called Rungk (which means 'wank' in Swedish), Polak De Somogyl (bass), Mark Carr-Pritchard, (guitar) and St Laurent Ralph Broadbent (drums).

The name Arnold Corns was inspired by Bowie's favourite Pink Floyd song 'Arnold Layne'. The band were formed primarily because David was under contract to Mercury Records during this period. At one stage there was an album planned titled 'Looking For Rudi'.

Who were The Spiders From Mars?

Ziggy Stardust's backing band were The Spiders From Mars who consisted of Mick Ronson (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass) and Mick 'Woody' Woodmansey (drums).

Other musicians also used in live performances were: Mathew Fisher (piano) in 20th April 1972, replaced by Robin Lumley from 2nd June 1972. Nicky Graham joins rehearsals for the 1st US leg on piano in August 1972.

Mike Garson joins the touring band on piano after being auditioned by Mick Ronson in January 1973. Brian Wilshaw (saxophone, flute), Ken Fordham (saxophone) and Geoffrey MacCormack (percussion, backing vocals) were also added to the backing band for the second US leg of the tour. For the Japanese leg of the tour John Hutchinson (rhythm/12-string acoustic guitar) and additional drummer Aynsley Dunbar were added to the line-up.

Who were The Astronettes?

The Astronettes were first mentioned in the song 'Drive-In Saturday'. The trio of backing singers were used in The 1980 Floor Show. Ava Cherry, Geoff MacCormack and Jason Guess (aka Jason Carter).

The sessions that David produced in 1973 for The Astronettes at the Olympic Sounds in London eventually were released in 1995 under the title Ava Cherry and the Astronettes: People From Bad Homes. Musicians on the album are: Ava Cherry (vocals), Geoff MacCormack (vocals), Jason Guess (vocals), David Bowie (vocals, producer), Mike Garson (keyboards), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), Herbie Flowers (bass), Mark Pritchard (guitar) and Luis Ramirez.

Who were Raw Moon?

David's backing band for his 1976 World Tour were named Raw Moon in March 1976. The backing band consisted of: Carlos Alomar (rhythm guitar), Stacy Heydon (lead guitar), Dennis Davis (drums, percussion), George Murray (bass) and Tony Kaye (keyboards, synthesizers).

Who were Tin Machine?

Tin Machine were formed in 1989 and consisted of David Bowie, Reeves Gabrels, Tony Sales, Hunt Sales.

They recorded two studio albums 'Tin Machine' and 'Tin Machine II', as well as releasing 'Tin Machine Live: Oy Vey, Baby'.

David had first worked with the Sales brothers on Iggy Pop's 'The Idiot' tour in 1977 when David played extended piano and backing vocals in the band.

For their first set of live dates the band included Kevin Armstrong on rhythm guitar. For their 'It's My Life' world tour Eric Schermerhorn joined the touring band on rhythm guitar and backing vocals.

Who were Tao Jones Index?

The Tao Jones Index was the name chosen by David and his band for two secret gigs. The first one at The Factory Studios in Ringsend, Dublin on May 17th 1997, which served as the warm up / rehearsal for his 1997 Earthling World Tour.

The second performance billed as the Tao Jones Index was held at The Phoenix Festival, Stratford-upon-Avon, England on 19th July 1997, held in the Radio One dance tent. The show was a complete drum 'n' bass set.

Which artists did David produce and co-produce?

Himself, Arnold Corns, Dana Gillespie, Ava Cherry And The Astronettes, Lulu, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Mott The Hoople.

David said he was asked by Freddie Mercury to produce the first Queen album in 1972, but turned the offer down due to his own work commitments.

Which songs did David record in German?

David recorded German versions of 'When I Live My Dream', 'Love You Till Tuesday', and 'Let Me Sleep Beside You' at Trident Studios, Soho, London on 29th June 1969. He also recorded a spoken version of his mime 'The Mask'.

"Helden" is the German version of "Heroes" recorded later in August 1977 at Mountain Studios, Montreux, Switzerland. At the same time he also recorded the French version "Héros" His language coaches were Antonia Maas for German and Corinne Schwab for French.

Did David sing the vocals on 'Penny Lane' and 'A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You' that both appear on the Hits '67 album?

No

David has always stated that he NEVER recorded the vocals for 'Penny Lane' (The Beatles) and 'A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You' (The Monkees) that both appear on the Hits '67 (Cat No. MFP 1089) cover versions budget album issued on the Music For Pleasure label, but the rumour still persists.

The actual session vocalist who performed these songs was Tony Steven, formerly with The Johnny Howard Band.

How many albums did Tin Machine release?

Three

Tin Machine (1989).
Tin Machine II (1991).
Tin Machine Live: Oy Vey, Baby (1991).

Has David Bowie ever won an Ivor Novello Award?

David was awarded an Ivor Novello Award from the Songwriters' Guild of Great Britain for Best Original Song 'Space Oddity', on the 10th May 1970, which he performed that night accompanied by the Les Reed Orchestra. The 15th Annual Ivor Novello Awards event was transmitted live via satellite to over 60 closed-circuit outlets in America, including New York's Carnegie Hall. It was also seen in France, Spain, Australia, Holland and Venezuela, but not Britain, where it was broadcast live on Radio 1 and 2 at 10pm-11.30pm.

On 2nd April 1990 David was also honoured with the 'Outstanding Contribution To British Music' trophy at the 35th Annual Ivor Novello awards.

Which songs on Low were originally on The Man Who Fell To Earth soundtrack?

The ONLY part used from David's unreleased soundtrack for The Man Who Fell To Earth was the reverse bass part in the song 'Subterraneans'. Every song on 'Low' was written specifically for that album.

When is David's next album due?

David's last studio album was titled ★ (pronounced Blackstar) which was released on his 69th birthday, 8th January 2016.

Tracklisting: Blackstar / 'Tis A Pity She Was A Whore / Lazarus / Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime) / Girl Loves Me / Dollar Days / I Can't Give Everything Away.

David's previous studio album was The Next Day released on 8th March through to 15th March 2013.

Tracklisting: The Next Day / Dirty Boys / The Stars (Are Out Tonight) / Love Is Lost / Where Are We Now? / Valentine's Day / If You Can See Me / I'd Rather Be High / Boss Of Me / Dancing Out In Space / How Does The Grass Grow? / (You Will) Set The World On Fire / You Feel So Lonely You Could Die / Heat / So She (Bonus Track) / I'll Take You There (Bonus Track) / Plan (Bonus Track) / God Bless The Girl (Bonus track: Japanese release only).

What's the story behind David duetting with Bing Crosby?

One of the more surreal moments in pop music history took place September 11th, 1977, when the leading American pop star of the first half of the Twentieth Century met and performed with one of the more innovative rock 'n' rollers of the last half of the Century. Bing Crosby was in London on a concert tour and to tape his yearly TV Christmas special. It was Bing's idea that he should have as a guest on his TV show a young star. Someone suggested David Bowie. Bing had never heard of David, but his kids had, and so an invitation was sent to the rock star. David, as it turned out, was a secret fan and jumped at the chance to perform with him.

Bing's idea was that he and David would perform 'The Little Drummer Boy' as a duet. Bowie felt the song did not showcase his voice very well, so the writers added 'Peace On Earth', which suited Bowie's voice quite well. The two musical spokesmen of different generations met for the first time on the morning of the taping, rehearsed for an hour and finished their duet in only three takes. Bing was impressed with David, and gave him his phone number at the end of the taping. Bing told an interviewer four days later that he considered Bowie "a clean cut kid and a real fine asset to the show. He sings well, has a great voice and reads lines well. He could be a good actor if he wanted."

Bing died a month later, and the public did not see their performance until after his death. The duet generated much interest, and was excerpted to become a perennial TV music video, a best-selling 45-rpm single and, eventually, a computer CD-ROM. Some viewed the joint performance of Bing and Bowie as a symbol of the end of the intergenerational wars of the '60s and '70s. In 1999 TV Guide chose the duet as one of the 25 best musical television moments of the century (June 5 issue).

[Read the transcription of the show]

Which make was the white guitar that David played during his A Reality Tour?

It is an original 1956 Supro Dual Tone, with a couple of unique modifications. Namely a Bigsby vibrato (placed in an incorrect position) and a rosewood bridge. David actually bought this particular guitar and amp off eBay.

---

FILM


How many films did David appear in and what characters did he play?

Twenty Eight

The Image - (The Boy).
The Virgin Soldiers - (Private soldier).
Love You Till Tuesday - (as himself).
Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars - (as himself).
The Man Who Fell To Earth - (Thomas Jerome Newton).
Just A Gigolo (aka Schöner Gigolo, Armer Gigolo) - (Paul Ambrosius von Przygodsky).
Christiane F. Wir Kinder Vom Bahnhof Zoo - (as himself).
The Hunger - (John Blaylock).
Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence (aka Furyo) - (Major Jack 'Strafer' Celliers).
Yellowbeard - (Henson / The Shark).
Into The Night - (Colin Morris).
Jazzin' For Blue Jean - (Vic and Screamin' Lord Byron).
Labyrinth - (Jareth - The Goblin King).
Absolute Beginners - (Vendice Partners).
The Last Temptation Of Christ - (Pontius Pilate).
The Linguini Incident - (Monte).
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me - (Phillip Jeffreys).
Basquiat - (Andy Warhol).
Everybody Loves Sunshine (aka B.U.S.T.E.D., aka G-Men) - (Bernie).
Il Mio West (aka Gunslinger's Revenge) - (Jack Sikora).
The Hunger (TV Series) - (Julian Priest).
Mr. Rice's Secret (formerly Exhuming Mr. Rice) - (William Rice).
Zoolander - (as himself).
Mayor Of Sunset Strip - (as himself).
Can't Buy Me Lunch - (as himself).
Arthur and The Minimoys (aka Arthur and The Invisibles) (Character voice of Maltazard).
The Prestige (Nikola Tesla).
August - (Cyrus Ogilvie).
Bandslam (himself).

Which film directors worked with David?

Michael Armstrong - (The Image) 1967.
John Dexter - (The Virgin Soldiers) 1969.
Malcolm J. Thomson - (Love You Till Tuesday) 1969/1984/2005.
D.A. Pennebaker - (Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars) 1973/1983.
Nicolas Roeg - (The Man Who Fell To Earth) 1976.
David Hemmings - (Just A Gigolo, aka Schöner Gigolo, Armer Gigolo) 1979.
Ulrich Edel - (Christiane F. Wir Kinder Vom Bahnhof Zoo) 1981.
Tony Scott - (The Hunger) 1983.
Nagisa Oshima - (Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, aka Furyo) 1983.
Mel Damski - (Yellowbeard) 1983.
Julien Temple - (Jazzin' For Blue Jean) 1984, (Absolute Beginners) 1986.
John Landis - (Into The Night) 1985.
Jim Henson - (Labyrinth) 1986.
Martin Scorsese - (The Last Temptation Of Christ) 1988.
Richard Shepard - (The Linguini Incident) 1991.
David Lynch - (Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me) 1992.
Julian Schnabel - (Basquiat) 1996.
Giovanni Veronesi - (Il Mio West aka Gunslinger's Revenge) 1998.
Andrew Goth - (Everybody Loves Sunshine, aka B.U.S.T.E.D., aka G-Men) 1998.
Nick Kendall - (Mr. Rice's Secret, formerly Exhuming Mr. Rice) 2000.
Ben Stiller - (Zoolander) 2002.
George Hickenlooper - (Mayor Of Sunset Strip) 2001 (Released 2004).
Eric Idle - (Can't Buy Me Lunch) 2001. (Released 2005).
Luc Besson - (Arthur and The Minimoys, aka Arthur and The Invisibles) 2006 (Released 2007).
Christopher Nolan - (The Prestige) 2006.
Austin Chick - (August) 2007 (Released 2008).
Todd Graff - (Bandslam) 2008 (Released 2009).

Which promo video film makers worked with David?

David Mallet: Loving The Alien, DJ, The Drowned Girl, Wild Is The Wind, Fashion, Dancing In The Street, Boys Keep Swinging, Hallo Spaceboy, Miracle Goodnight (version 2), I Know It's Gonna Happen Someday, You've Been Around, Look Back In Anger, China Girl, Let's Dance, Ashes To Ashes, Boys Keep Swinging, Space Oddity (acoustic version), Arnold Layne (David Gilmour with David Bowie live).

Julien Temple: You Belong In Rock N' Roll, Blue Jean, Jazzin' For Blue Jean, Day-In Day-Out, Absolute Beginners, Tin Machine medley Pretty Thing / Tin Machine / Prisoner Of Love / Crack City / Bus Stop / Video Crime / I Can't Read / Working Class Hero / Under The God / Heaven's In Here.

Mick Rock: Moonage Daydream (unreleased), John I'm Only Dancing, The Jean Genie, Space Oddity (remake Dec 1972), Life On Mars?, Rock 'N' Roll Suicide (edited in 80s).

Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher (The Torpedo Twins): I Can't Read, Baby Universal, Seven Years In Tibet, Under Pressure 'Rah Mix'.

Dominic Hawley and Nick Goffey (Dom and Nic): I'm Afraid Of Americans, The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell (unreleased).

Ralph Bakshi: Real Cool World - (animation).
Steve Barron: Underground, As The World Falls Down.
Samuel Bayer: Strangers When We Meet, The Hearts Filthy Lesson.
Brumby Boylston: New Killer Star.
Marc Coker: Ziggy Stardust (live).
Stanley Dorfman: Be My Wife.
Kasper Eistrup and Andreas Bødker: The Cynic (with Danish band Kashmir).
Nick Ferguson: "Heroes", (Blackout / Sense Of Doubt / Beauty And The Beast).
Dwight Hemion: Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy (taken from Bing Crosby's Merrie Olde Christmas TV show).
Tom Hingston: I'd Rather Be High - The Venetian Mix (Wasted Edit), No Plan.
Tom Hingston and Jimmy King: Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime).
Markus Klinko and Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri: Valentine's Day.
Gary Koepke: Slow Burn.
Roger Michell: Buddha Of Suburbia.
Jimmy T. Murakami: When The Wind Blows - (animation).
Jean-Baptiste Mondino: Never Let Me Down.
Carlo Nataloni: Survive (live).
Tony Oursler: Where Are We Now?
Tim Pope: Time Will Crawl, Pretty Pink Rose (Adrian Belew featuring David Bowie), Repetition '97, I Can't Read '97, Space Oddity (2019 mix).
Johan Renck: Blackstar, Lazarus.
Matthew Rolston: Miracle Goodnight.
Mark Romanek: Black Tie White Noise, Jump They Say.
Barnaby Roper: Love Is Lost.
Gus Van Sant: Fame '90.
Dominic Sena: One Shot.
Floria Sigismondi: Little Wonder, Dead Man Walking, The Stars (Are Out Tonight), The Next Day.
Walter Stern: Thursday's Child, Survive.
Russell Thomas: Without You I'm Nothing (Placebo and David Bowie).
Jim Yukich: Modern Love.

Full length video films.

Malcolm J. Thomson: Love You Till Tuesday (1969/1984/2005).
Original movie filmed in 1969, includes promotional films for: Love You Till Tuesday, Sell Me A Coat, When I'm Five, Rubber Band, The Mask (A Mime), Let Me Sleep Beside You, Ching-a-Ling, Space Oddity, When I Live My Dream.

D.A. Pennebaker: Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (1983).
Hammersmith Odeon, London, 3rd July 1973.
Tracks: Hang On To Yourself, Ziggy Stardust, Watch That Man, Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud / All The Young Dudes / Oh! You Pretty Things (Medley), Moonage Daydream, Changes, Space Oddity, My Death, Cracked Actor, Time, The Width Of A Circle, Let's Spend The Night Together, Suffragette City, White Light White Heat, Rock 'N' Roll Suicide. (Filmed not broadcast were: The Jean Genie/Love Me Do and Round and Round).

David Bowie: Diamond Dogs (unseen, shot at home in NYC 1974).

David Mallet: Serious Moonlight Tour (1983).
Pacific National Exhibition Coliseum, Vancouver, 12th September 1983.
Tracks: Look Back In Anger, "Heroes", What In The World, Golden Years, Fashion, Let's Dance, Breaking Glass, Life On Mars?, Sorrow, Cat People, China Girl, Scary Monsters, Rebel Rebel, White Light White Heat, Station To Station, Cracked Actor, Ashes To Ashes, Space Oddity, Young Americans, Fame.

Gerry Troyna: Ricochet (1983).
Documentary of Far East leg of the Serious Moonlight Tour.
Live excerpts of Fame, "Heroes", Look Back In Anger from Hong Kong Coliseum, 8th December 1983.

Julien Temple: Jazzin' For Blue Jean (1984).
The complete 26 minute film for Blue Jean.

David Mallet: The Glass Spider Tour: Part One (1987).
Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia, 7th and 9th November 1987.
Tracks: Glass Spider, Day-In Day-Out, Bang Bang, Absolute Beginners, Loving The Alien, China Girl, Rebel Rebel, Fashion, Never Let Me Down, "Heroes".

David Mallet: The Glass Spider Tour: Part Two (1987).
Entertainment Centre, Sydney, Australia, 7th and 9th November 1987.
Tracks: Sons Of The Silent Age, Young Americans, The Jean Genie, Let's Dance, Time, Fame, Blue Jean, I Wanna Be Your Dog, White Light White Heat, Modern Love.

Rudi Dolezal and Hannes Rossacher: Tin Machine: Oy Vey, Baby (1992).
Hamburg Docks, 24th October 1991.
Tracks: Bus Stop, Sacrifice Yourself, Goodbye Mr. Ed, I Can't Read, Baby Universal, You Can't Talk, Go Now, Under The God, Betty Wrong, Stateside, I've Been Waiting For You, You Belong In Rock N' Roll, One Shot, If There Is Something, Heaven's In Here, Amlapura, Crack City.

Tim Pope: 50th Birthday Concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City, USA on 9th January 1997. (Never officially released).
Little Wonder, The Hearts Filthy Lesson, Scary Monsters, Fashion, Telling Lies, Hallo Spaceboy, Seven Years In Tibet, The Man Who Sold The World, The Last Thing You Should Do, Quicksand, Battle For Britain (The Letter), The Voyeur Of Utter Destruction (As Beauty), I'm Afraid Of Americans, Looking For Satellites, Under Pressure, "Heroes", Queen Bitch, I'm Waiting For The Man, Dirty Boulevard, White Light White Heat, Moonage Daydream, Happy Birthday to Bowie, All The Young Dudes, The Jean Genie, Space Oddity, I Can't Read (Hartford rehearsal), Repetition (Hartford rehearsal).

Carlo Nataloni: Live at Élysée Montmartre, Paris, France on 14th October 1999. (Never officially released).
Life On Mars?, Thursday's Child, Something In The Air, Word On A Wing, Can't Help Thinking About Me, China Girl, Always Crashing In The Same Car, Survive, Drive In Saturday, Changes, Seven, Repetition, I Can't Read, The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell, Rebel Rebel.

David Mallet: Remember That Night: David Gilmour Live At The Royal Albert Hall (2007).
David Bowie appears as lead vocalist on two tracks: Arnold Layne and Comfortably Numb. His guest appearance was filmed and recorded on 29th May 2006.

How many promotional videos did David make?

Ninety-one.

Which David Bowie videos have been certified in the UK charts?

Moonage Daydream (Gold - 28.7.23)
A Reality Tour (Platinum - 22.1.16)
Best of Bowie (Platinum 3x - 22.7.13)
Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars (Gold - 22.7.13)

What was the name of the actress who played Christiane F.?

Natja Brunckhorst.

Which songs appeared on the soundtrack for The Man Who Fell To Earth?

Poker Dice - (Yamashta), performed by Stomu Yamashta.
Thirty Three And A Third - (Yamashta), performed by Stomu Yamashta.
Mandala - (Yamashta), performed by Stomu Yamashta.
Wind Words - (Yamashta), performed by Stomu Yamashta.
One Way - (Yamashta), performed by Stomu Yamashta.
Memory Of Hiroshima - (Yamashta), performed by Stomu Yamashta.
Songs of The Humpback Whale - (Recorded by Frank Watlington).
Boys From The South - (Phillips), performed by John Phillips.
Hello, Mary Lou - (Pitney), performed by John Phillips and Mick Taylor.
Rhumba Boogie - (Phillips), performed by John Phillips.
Bluegrass Breakdown - (Phillips), performed by John Phillips.
Planets Suite (excerpts) - (Holst), performed by The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Blueberry Hill - (Rose, Stick, Lewis), performed by Louis Armstrong.
Enfantillages Pittoresques, performed by Frank Glazer.
A Fool Such As I - (Trader), performed by Hank Snow.
Make The World Go Away - (Cochran), performed by Jim Reeves.
Try To Remember - (Schmidt, Jones), performed by The Kingston Trio.
Blue Bayou - (Orbison, Melson), performed by Roy Orbison.
Silent Night - (Mohr, Gruber), performed by Robert Farnon.
True Love - (Porter), performed by Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly.
Love Is Coming Back - (Phillips), performed by Genevieve Waite.
Stardust - (Carmichael, Parrish), performed by Artie Shaw.

Which author wrote The Man Who Fell to Earth novel?

Walter Tevis.

Where was The Man Who Fell To Earth filmed?

The movie was filmed during the summer of 1975 on location in New York and New Mexico. Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, USA; Madrid, New Mexico, USA; Fenton Lake, Jemez Springs, New Mexico, USA; Roswell, Chaves County, New Mexico, USA; White Sands Missile Range, Alamogordo, Otero County, New Mexico, USA.

The Man Who Fell To Earth holds the distinction of being the first British film to be made entirely in America.

Who created David Bowie's iconic hair style for The Man Who Fell to Earth movie?

Martin Samuel.

In 1975 Martin got a call from make-up artist Linda De Vetta in New Mexico asking him if he would be interested in doing a film with Nic Roeg and David Bowie. He was sent the script and then Nic Roeg called him. They talked about the different looks, and they discussed David's look and colour and what he would need to bring. They also discussed the looks for Candy Clark, as there were a lot of changes for her as her character transitioned.

David had a strong idea and so did Nic Roeg. David's hair was much longer at the time and Martin created the cut and intensified the colour. The colour David wanted was very specific and Martin brought it with him from London.

The make-up and hair for the film in his alien form was very intense and they worked a whole week on those scenes. It took about three hours to get everything done. He had three make-up artists working on his body. Martin had to do his hair so they could fit it under the bald cap, and Linda De Vetta would complete his face at the end. His call would be for 4am, and he would just lie there and sleep while they worked on him. They would wake him up so he could go to the bathroom before the final pieces were added to his body covering his genitals.

After the movie, Martin was asked to carry on working with David, becoming his personal hairstylist on the 1976 On Stage! World tour. David wanted to keep the look they created for the movie. Martin travelled all over US and Europe with him, maintaining the colour and cutting his hair.

What was on the necklace that David and Myriam both wore in The Hunger and what does it signify?

It was an Ankh, a symbol from ancient Egypt meaning eternal life, from the Egyptian for soul, life.

Did David and Iman ever appear in a film together?

The Linguini Incident.

Iman had a cameo role in the film as a Dali guest. She was sat at a table in the restaurant, along with Tin Machine drummer Hunt Sales.

Who was the girl who appeared in the video for Loving The Alien?

Penny Ray (aka Penny Walker).

She was a 17-year-old model when David picked her from a photograph. She later went on to form a musical career fronting a band called Penny Ray and The Pop Foundation, who were to be signed to the British independent record label Dedicated Records, founded by Doug D'Arcy after he left Chrysalis Records. Penny ended up employed as Doug's PA.

Who were the other four people with David in the 'Ashes To Ashes' video?

Steve Strange, (aka Steve Harrington), later of music act Visage.

Darla-Jane Gilroy, who went on open her own fashion shop in the King's Road in London. Darla-Jane is a graduate of St Martin's School of Art and is a freelance fashion and footwear designer. She is currently a Tutor at the Royal College of Art in Accessories in the School of Fashion and Textiles, and has her own practice as a consultant designer and trend predictor.

Judith Frankland, studied fashion and textiles at the Ravensbourne College of Art in London. Judith designed the black wedding dress worn by Steve Strange, went on to designing in Vancouver, Los Angeles and Paris with Marc Jacobs, and setting up wild club nights in Milan with drag queen Ru Paul. In Milan she set up a night spot Pussy Galore's with her now ex-husband Luciano Maurizio. She moved to Hollywood and set up a fashion company with friend Amy Dresner. The company closed in 2006 and she now lives in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside.

Elise Brazier is the girl wearing the blue top and tutu skirt.

Which films has Iman appeared in?

Iman has appeared in:

The Deli (1997) 'Avocado Lady'.
Exit To Eden (1994) 'Nina Blackstone'.
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) as 'Martia'.
The Linguini Incident (1991) 'Dali guest'.
House Party 2 (1991) 'Sheila Landreaux'.
L.A. Story (1991) 'Cynthia'.
Surrender (1987) 'Hedy'.
No Way Out (1987) 'Nina Beka'.
Out Of Africa (1985) 'Mariammo'.
Exposed (1983) 'Model'.
The Human Factor (1979) 'Sarah'.
The Wiz (1978) 'Emerald City Citizen' (uncredited).

TV shows:
Heart Of Darkness (1994 TV Movie) 'Black Beauty'.
Dream On: Oral Sex, Lies and Videotape 'Reporter' (1993).
Lies Of The Twins (1991 TV Movie) 'Cat'.
227: Knock It Off (1990) 'Eartha Kitten'.
In The Heat Of The Night: 'Don't Look Back: Part 1 and Part 2 (1988) 'Marie Babineaux'.
Miami Vice: Love At First Sight (1988) 'Lois Blyth'.
Miami Vice: Back In The World (1985) 'Dakotah'.
The Cosby Show: Theo and The Joint (1985) 'Mrs. Montgomery'.

Miscellaneous: Omikron: The Nomad Soul (1999) (Video Game) (voice) 'Iman 631'.
Appeared in promotional videos for Michael Jackson: 'Remember The Time', Jermaine Jackson: 'Do What You Do' and Bobby Brown: 'On Our Own'.

What is the name of the girl dancing with David in the Fame 90 video?

Louise Lecavalier from the Canadian dance troupe La La La Human Steps.

What is the name of the girl who appeared in the China Girl video?

Geeling Ng, an actress and model from New Zealand. She also starred in the movies Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Desperate Remedies and Illustrious Energy. She currently appears on New Zealand TVONE show 'Asia Down Under' in the cooking segment. She also currently works at top Auckland restaurant Soul Bar and Bistro, located at the Viaduct Harbour.

Who are the boy and girl that appear in the Let's Dance video?

Terry Roberts and Joelene King are the young Aboriginal couple that appear throughout the Let's Dance promotional video. They were both students at The Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre (AIDT), based at St James Church Hall, Glebe, Sydney when David visited in February 1983.

Terry and Joelene each received $1000 for five days' work. Later in November, they were given VIP access when David returned to Sydney during his Serious Moonlight Tour '83. David also donated $10,000 to the dance school.

What is the name of the girl who appeared in the Absolute Beginners video?

The "zebra girl" who appeared in the Absolute Beginners promo video was Vanessa Walker.

What is the name of the girl who appeared in the Dead Man Walking video?

Justine Chambers, who is a Vancouver-based contemporary dance artist, and was a principal dancer and rehearsal director for Desrosiers Dance Theatre in Los Angeles. She has also been on the faculty at Ryerson University, Dance Teq, The Quinte Ballet School, and the Teacher's Collective in Toronto.

What is the name of the girl who appeared in the Miracle Goodnight video dressed as cowgirl?

Wendi McLendon-Covey, a former topless showgirl-magician's assistant, once crowned Miss Teen Whiskey Pete's. McLendon-Covey's acting starting in her early 20s. Her initial jobs were modelling assignments in print catalogues and a variety of music videos from the likes of Cracker, David Bowie and Limp Bizkit. After quitting modelling, she enrolled in acting classes at South Coast Repertory and shortly thereafter the well-known Los Angeles-based improvisational company the Groundlings. In 2002, she became a main company member of TV show 'Reno 911' as Deputy Clementine Johnson. She was also was a cast member on the improv-comedy series 'Lovespring International', about a matchmaking service marketed to customers as an 'elite Beverly Hills company'.

She has appeared in several movies including What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012), The Single Moms Club (2014), Blended (2014), Think Like a Man Too (2014), and Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015).

In 2013, she began starring as Beverly Goldberg, in the ABC comedy series The Goldbergs, for which she was nominated for a Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series in 2014.

Which films did David audition for, but didn't get the part?

Sunday Bloody Sunday

David auditioned for the character Bob Elkin in Sunday Bloody Sunday released July 1971, directed by John Schlesinger. The part eventually went to actor/singer Murray Head.

Glenda Jackson and Peter Finch star, along with an uncredited Daniel Day-Lewis who made his film debut at the age of fourteen as a vandal. The movie also starred June Brown aka Dot Cotton from BBC TV soap opera EastEnders.

Synopsis: Divorced working woman Alex and well-to-do Jewish family doctor Daniel Hirsh share not only the same answering service but also the favours of young Bob Elkin who bed-hops between them as the mood takes him. Both Alex and Dr Hirsh are aware of the other's existence but prefer to live with the situation rather than risk losing Elkin completely. But a wet winter weekend in London can be difficult.


The Triple Echo

David auditioned for the role as Barton in The Triple Echo released in 1972, directed by Michael Apted. The part was eventually given to Brian Deacon and also stars Glenda Jackson and Oliver Reed in the other leading roles.

Synopsis: Barton is a deserting soldier who meets Alice and stays on her farm. To avoid capture he dresses as a woman and poses as her sister. Unfortunately the amorous sergeant takes Barton to the local dance and discovers his secret!

Michael Apted eventually got to work with David in 1997 for his Inspirations documentary.

Who did David sing with on the Shrek 2 movie soundtrack?

Australian singer-songwriter Butterfly Boucher recorded her version of 'Changes' for Shrek 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).

In July 2004 Bowie said: "A little background - Butterfly Boucher, a very good up-and-comer from Oz, sent her recording of Changes over to me at the Paradise Island gig. She had already been commissioned by Shrek 2 to provide a song."

"They then asked me if I would be willing to sing it with her. I went into the local studio there at the end of December 2003, (the famous Compass Point where I incidentally recorded once with Tin Machine) with Tony Visconti and I put down a vocal harmony against Boucher's vocal."

The original motion picture soundtrack album was released on 11th May 2004.

Who are the two girls that appear in the Space Oddity part of the Love You Till Tuesday film?

Suzanne Mercer and Samantha Bond. [View still]

What is the name of the dancer in the Real Cool World video?

The male dancer was Kevin Alexander Stea. He also appeared in the Miracle Goodnight promotional video.

Which films has David's son Duncan Jones directed?

Whistle (2002)
Moon (2009)
Source Code (2011)
Warcraft: The Beginning (2016)
Mute (2018)
Rogue Trooper (Pre-Production)

Who is the girl in the Where Are We Now? promo video?

The lady alongside David in the video is artist Jacqueline Humphries. She is the wife of the director Tony Oursler.

Who is the man who portrays David Bowie's younger self in the Thursday's Child promo video?

The actor / model is named Owen Beasley.

In 1999, Owen was a nineteen-year-old living in New York who went to a casting call for Thursday's Child directed by Walter Stern. They were looking for someone who looked similar to David in his 20s.

Owen said David told him the resemblance to his younger self was eerie. There were a few adjustments made to look even more like David, with Owen wearing eye contacts to make his pupil look permanently dilated, as well as a mask. Shooting took place over 4 days at Broadway Stages Studio, Queens, New York, and was completed on 7th August 1999.

Owen stopped modelling in 2003 and decided to return home to Illinois. He now works at the Will County Public Defender's Office as an investigator.

Which Latin American and Spanish films were David's favourites?

When David curated The H&M High Line Festival in New York back in May 2007, one of the film events that he collaborated on with Cinema Tropical was 'David Bowie Presents 10 Latin American and Spanish Films from the Last 100 Years'.

He chose one film from each decade, and his ten favourites were shown at the Quad Cinema, in New York City - (there were actually eleven films chosen).

El Automóvil Gris (The Grey Automobile) - (Director: Enrique Rosas Priego, Mexico, 1919).
Limite - (Director: Mário Peixoto, Brazil, 1931).
El Prisionero 13 - (Director: Fernando de Fuentes, Mexico, 1933).
Dos Monjes - (Director: Juan Bustillo Oro, Mexico, 1934).
Aventurera - (Director: Alberto Gout, Mexico, 1949).
Le Avventure Di Robinson Crusoe - (Director: Luis Buñuel, Mexico, 1954).
Memorias del Subdesarrollo (Memories of Underdevelopment) - (Director: Tomás Gutiérrez Alea, Cuba, 1968).
El Espíritu de la Colmena (The Spirit of the Beehive) - (Director: Víctor Erice, Spain, 1973).
Oriana - (Director: Fina Torres, Venezuela/France, 1985).
Los Amantes del Círculo Polar (Lovers of the Arctic Circle) - (Director: Julio Medem, Spain, 1998).
Machuca - (Director: Andrés Wood, Chile, 2004).

For the full breakdown of all these 11 movies view David Bowie's Top 10 Latin American and Spanish Films in the BW Special Features section.

Who is the girl in the As The World Falls Down promo video?

French actress Charlotte Valandrey (real name Anne-Charlotte Pascal).

David first spotted her in the 1985 movie Red Kiss (Rouge Baiser). The video was shot over two days in London.

Who is the woman and her boyfriend in the Day-In Day-Out promo video?

The female actress is Kathy Foy (now Kathy Foy-Asaro).

She also appeared in videos for Robbie Nevil (C'est la Vie), The Cars (Strap Me In), 'Weird Al' Yankovic (UHF), Cabaret Voltaire (Don't Argue), George Michael (Father Figure), L.A. Guns (Kiss My Love Goodbye), as well as videos for Simon F., House of Lords, Litfiba and The Pooh. In 1990, she appeared in the movie Small White House as 'Aphrodite', directed by Richard Newton.

Kathy now works for the L.A. County as a Public Health Nursing Supervisor.

The actor playing the boyfriend was Rick Burks (Richard Allen Burks) who tragically passed away on 19th February 1989, aged 28, when he was involved in a car accident on Wilshire and Beverly in Hollywood, Los Angeles, which also claimed the life of his friend and movie producer Jimmy Maslon.

Rick also starred as 'Michael Tutman' in the 1987 horror/comedy film Blood Diner directed by Jackie Kong and produced by Jimmy Maslon.

Who is the young girl in the Slow Burn promo video?

The child actress in the Slow Burn promotional video is Hayley Nicholas.

In January 2016, Hayley said: "I'll never forget that when the video shoot was finally done, I asked him for his autograph. Smiling, he knelt down at my level and asked for my signature instead because 'it was important to him'. A very self-effacing guy for such a legend. He will be truly missed."

Who is the woman in the Pretty Pink Rose promo video?

The video features actress Julie T. Wallace, who four years earlier found fame in her debut TV title role as 'Ruth' in the BBC drama serial 'The Life and Loves of a She-Devil' in 1986.

Pretty Pink Rose was released by Belew "featuring Bowie" in May 1990. This was the first single taken from Belew's upcoming album Young Lions, which also featured the Belew/Bowie track Gunman.

The video was directed by Tim Pope and produced by Lisa Bryer. It was filmed on 29th March 1990 in the Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh, Scotland, inbetween gigs in London and Rotterdam during the Sound+Vision Tour 1990.

What was The Linguini Incident renamed to when released in other countries?

The Linguini Incident, directed by Richard Shepard, when released on VHS and DVD in various countries had at least twelve different titles including: 'Romance By Interest' (Brazil), 'Emergency Robbery' (Bulgaria), 'Houdini & Company' (Germany), 'Erotic Combinas' (Greece), 'The Linguini Set' (Hungary), 'New York Love Thief' (Japan), 'The Robbery' (The Netherlands), 'Robbery Story' (Russia), 'Chained Yours' (Spain), 'A Robbery Story' (Ukraine) and 'Shag-O-Rama' (US).

This American bizarre crime comedy movie, written by Richard Shepard and Tamar Brott, was initially released on 30th October 1991 in France, and the following year in the United States on 1st May 1992.

The movie also contains brief cameo roles from Iman (Dali guest), Hunt Sales (drummer) and Julian Lennon (uncredited).

The movie was co-funded by Bowie's production company Isolar, with filming beginning in October 1990 after Bowie had completed his Sound+Vision World Tour. Filming locations included Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York City, New York and Los Angeles.

Where was the Never Let Me Down video filmed?

The video was filmed inside the Grand Olympic Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles at 1801 South Grand Avenue, CA 90015, USA.

---

TELEVISION


When was David's first ever performing television appearance?

His first performing TV appearance as Davy Jones and The King Bees was on ITV 'Ready, Steady, Go!' (episode #47), which was filmed on 19th June 1964 and then broadcast on 21st June. Also performing on the show were: The Animals, The Crickets, Troy Dante and The Infernos.

His second performing TV appearance was on BBC Two 'The Beat Room' performing 'Liza Jane' as Davy Jones and The King Bees. This episode #4 aired on 27th July 1964. Also appearing were Elkie Brooks, Georgie Fame, Wayne Gibson with The Dynamic Sounds and Kenny Lynch & The Echoes.

Four months later on 12th November, David appeared on the BBC TV programme 'Tonight'. Hosed by Cliff Michelmore, David along with several members of The Manish Boys told of their latest society. 'The Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Long-Haired Men'. David was the president of the International League For The Preservation Of Animal Filament.

The 'long-haired society' angle was used again when they were to perform on another BBC show 'Gadzooks! It's All Happening', singing their latest release 'I Pity The Fool'. The producer of the show Barry Langford insisted that David cut his 17" long hair. There were numerous newspaper reports... of course it was all a scam for some free publicity.

How many times did David appear live on Top Of The Pops?

Twelve

Space Oddity (9th October 1969).
Oh! You Pretty Thing (27th May 1971, playing piano for Peter Noone).
Starman (6th July 1972).
The Jean Genie (4th January 1973).
"Heroes" (20th October 1977).
Time Will Crawl (1987, unbroadcast).
Never Let Me Down (USA Top Of The Pops) (16th September 1987).
You Belong In Rock 'N' Roll (Tin Machine) (24th August 1991).
Baby Universal (Tin Machine) (24th October 1991).
Strangers When We Meet (9th November 1995).
Hallo Spaceboy (29th February 1996, with The Pet Shop Boys).
Dead Man Walking (25th April 1997).

Pre-Recorded
Thursday's Child (24th Sept 1999 - pre-recorded August in NYC).
Survive (24th Sept 1999 - pre-recorded August in NYC).
Slow Burn (7th June 2002 - pre-recorded 2nd June at Kaufman Studios, NYC).
Fame (TOTP2 18th June 2002 - pre-recorded 2nd June at Kaufman Studios, NYC).
I Took A Trip On A Gemini Spaceship (TOTP2 19th June 2002 - pre-recorded 2nd June at Kaufman Studios, NYC).
Everyone Says Hi (27th Sept 2002 - pre-recorded 2nd June at Kaufman Studios, NYC).

The complete list of David Bowie appearances on Top Of The Pops can be viewed in the Special Features section.

What was The 1980 Floor Show?

The 1980 Floor Show was a 'Midnight Special' television show for NBC TV in the USA. The show was performed and filmed over three days in October 1973 at The Marquee club in Soho, London. Special guests included Marianne Faithfull, Dooshenka (aka Amanda Lear), The Troggs and Carmen who opened the show. The audience were made up mainly of David Bowie fan club members.

Songs performed were: 1984/Dodo You Didn't Hear It From Me, Sorrow, Everything's Alright, Space Oddity, I Got You Babe (duet), The Jean Genie, Time, I Can't Explain.

David's backing band for this performance were: Mick Ronson (lead guitar), Mike Garson (keyboards), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), Mark Pritchett (guitar), Astronettes: Ava Cherry (vocals), Geoff MacCormack (vocals) and Jason Guess (vocals).

What was the BBC Omnibus programme that David Bowie narrated?

David Bowie narrated the programme 'Omnibus: Stanley Spencer', which was first broadcast at 19.20 on Saturday, 3rd March 2001 on BBC Two in England.

This programme season 39, episode #9 was produced and directed by Francis Whately and the executive producer was Keith Alexander.

Narrated by Spencer enthusiast and collector David Bowie, this film profiles the artist who, as well as painting scenes from both world wars, spent much of his life depicting the area around his Thames-side home in Cookham. Using archive footage, previously unseen home movies and recollections from family and friends, the programme reveals how Spencer's work enabled him to come to terms with his turbulent and bizarre personal life.

---

PERFORMANCES



When and where was David's first performance?

The earliest recalled 'performance' of David so far was at Christmas time in the early Fifties. David went carol singing in the local Bromley area with a boy named Smith, they collected £2/2 shillings for The Bromley Blind Club funds. He was in class 3A.

In 1958 David and George Underwood perform the Lonnie Donegan numbers 'Gamblin' Man' and 'Puttin' On The Style', '16 Tons' and 'The Ballad of Davy Crockett' whilst attending the 18th Bromley Scout packs Annual Summer camp vacation at Corf Scout Camp, near Shalfleet, on the Isle Of Wight. Around the campfire, David played a ukulele and a home-made single-stringed bass, which he and old school friend Dudley Chapman had made from an old tea chest and broom handle, when they both attended Burnt Ash Junior School. George Underwood played acoustic guitar.

Which characters/pseudonyms did David perform as on stage?

Dave Jay
Major Tom
Cloud
Ziggy Stardust
Aladdin Sane
Halloween Jack
The Thin White Duke
John Merrick (Joseph Carey Merrick - The Elephant Man)
Tao Jones

How many live concerts did David Bowie perform?

Somewhere in the region of 5,000 worldwide.

What was The Arts Lab?

The Arts Lab at The Three Tuns Public House, Beckenham was originally called the 'Folk Club' later renamed 'Growth', then Beckenham Arts Lab. Organised by David, Mary Finnigan, Christina Ostrom and Barry Jackson, the Folk Club was in reality a room at the back of the Three Tuns public house on Beckenham High Street, the opening night was on 4th May 1969.

The Arts Lab took place every Sunday evening and after the fourth week, so many people attended that the club had to expand into the conservatory and the garden.

Some of David's performances at the Arts Lab do exist on tape. Chas Lippeatt who handled the Arts Lab PA system and film unit used to tape record the evenings music for a free lending library sponsored by the Lab.

On 16th August 1969, the Growth Summer Festival and Free Concert was held at Beckenham Recreation Ground, Croydon Road with appearances by David Bowie, Strawbs, Bridget St. John, Gas Works, Keith Christmas, Amory Kane and others.

The Three Tuns is one of Beckenham's oldest public houses which dates back to 1662. It was once also once known as The Pig & Poke. Recently, the pub has been trendily refurbished along with a name change. Now known as The Rat & Parrot, 157 High Street, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1AE. Inside there is a plaque commemorating the fact that the pub hosted The Arts Lab. The pub's name has now reverted back to The Three Tuns and a plaque placed outside.

Which bands and performers appeared at David's 50th Birthday Concert at Madison Square Garden?

David's special 50th birthday concert held on the 9th January 1997, had special guests Frank Black, The Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Robert Smith from The Cure, Lou Reed and Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins all playing alongside David. Placebo opened the show.

All the proceeds from the show were donated to the 'Save The Children' charity organisation.

David's backing band consisted of: Reeves Gabrels (lead guitar), Gail Ann Dorsey (bass, vocals), Zachary Alford (drums) and Mike Garson (keyboards).

How many plays did David appear in?

The Pistol Shot: BBC2 TV drama production on 30th January 1968 with Hermione Farthingale.

The Elephant Man: The Bernard Pomerance production and directed by Jack Hofsiss, David performed as John Merrick at:
The Denver Auditorium Theatre, Colorado - 29th July until 3rd August 1980.
The Blackstone Theatre, Chicago - 5th August until 31st August 1980.
The Booth Theatre, Broadway, New York City - 23rd September until 3rd January 1981.

David Bowie in Baal: BBC TV production of Bertholt Brecht's play starring David as Baal, directed by Alan Clarke, 2nd February 1982.

When and where was the first performance of Ziggy Stardust?

The first official Ziggy Stardust concert was on 10th February 1972 at the Toby Jug, in Tolworth, Surrey, England.

What was the full retirement speech given by David Bowie at the Hammersmith Odeon in July 1973?

The retirement speech on the officially released album is edited. The full speech went as follows:

"Everybody... this has been... one of the greatest tours of our life we really... at first I'd like to thank the band... I'd like to thank our road crew and I'd like to thank our lighting people. Er, of all of the shows on this tour, this, this particular show will remain with us the longest because... not only is it... not only is it the last show of the tour, but it's the last show that we'll ever do. Thank you."

Who was the boy who jumped on stage and hugged Bowie at the end of the Hammersmith Odeon concert on 3rd July 1973?

As the band were ending the show with their final encore 'Rock 'N' Roll Suicide', a fan managed to jump up on stage and give Bowie a hug. Security carried him away and Bowie said to the audience: "Bye, bye. We love you".

The boy is named Mark Patterson, who went to Holloway Secondary School in Islington, London.

---

MISCELLANEOUS


Does David have an official website and other official social media?

Website: davidbowie.com
Facebook: David Bowie
X (formerly Twitter): @DavidBowieReal
YouTube: David Bowie Vevo
Instagram: David Bowie
Soundcloud: David Bowie Official
Threads: David Bowie
TikTok: David Bowie

How do I get in contact with David Bowie's representative via e-mail?

You can email via info@davidbowie.com

How do I get in contact with David Bowie's representative by post?

Isolar Enterprises Inc., 641 Fifth Avenue, Suite 22Q, New York, NY 10022-5908, USA.

How do I get in contact with Iman by post?

111 E. 22nd Street #200, New York, NY 10010 USA.

How many books have been written about David?

Around 400

Where can I find the list of David Bowie's Top 100 Must Read Books?

For the full list of David's 100 must read books - CLICK HERE

Is there a current official David Bowie fan club?

No

When was the first official David Bowie fan club set up?

The very first official David Bowie fan club was set up in 1966 by local Bromley girls Shirley Wilson, Sandra Gibling and Violet Neal.

What is David's star sign?

Capricorn

Did David actually own or drive a vehicle?

He owned a Jaguar 1.5 E Type, 1968 in British racing green and a two-seater Mustang.

Another vehicle David owned was a 1932 Riley 9 Gamecock which was the inspiration for one of his songs 'Rupert The Riley'. Unfortunately for David, one night in May 1970 outside Lewisham Police Station, he was attempting to start up the open two-seater roadster 'Rupert' using the starting handle. He'd left the car in first gear and the crankshaft went through his leg. He cracked both knees as the bumper had him pinned to another car that was just behind it. He spent the next week in Lewisham Hospital recovering. As well as cracking both his knees, if you look carefully at some photographs, especially live Ziggy Stardust era ones, you can visibly see the long scar running up the inside of his right thigh.

What happened to his ex-girlfriend Hermione Farthingale?

According to David, Hermione married an anthropologist and went to live in Irian Jawa, Papua New Guinea.

Hermione Farthingale's real name was Hermione Dennis (now Frankel).

David met Hermione whilst they were both taking dancing lessons from Lindsay Kemp at the Dance Centre at 12 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DH.

David and Hermione split up in 1969 after she met an American dancer and musician named Stephen Reinhardt, whilst they were working on the movie Song of Norway. Later David wrote the songs Letter To Hermione and An Occasional Dream after their relationship ended.

How much is David Bowie worth?

Estimates vary from £100,000,000 to £500,000,000.

Why did David call himself "Sailor" on the Internet?

David said, oops I mean Sailor said: "I think it's something to do with solitude, freedom and travelling the uncharted waters... or something."

Coincidentally 'Sailor' is also an anagram of Isolar, David's own company.

Who was David's teacher when he first studied Buddhism?

Chime Youngdon Rinpoche.

Which famous people and well-known characters have been mentioned in David's songs?

Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Baal, Barbarella, Barbie, Batman, Bevan, Benny Goodman, Bob Dylan (Robert Zimmerman), Bob Marley, Cassius Clay, Charlie Chaplin, Charlie Manson, Che Guevara, Cher, Clarke Gable, Coeuf de Leon, Dan Dare, Dave Van Ronk, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elvis Presley, Florian Schneider, George Dixon, Georges Braque, Georges Rodenbach, Glenn Branca, Aleister Crowley, Grace Pierrepont (Lady Manners), Garbo (aka Juan Pujol García), Heinrich Himmler, Adolf Hitler, Hermione Farthingale, Howard Rheingold, Icarus, Iman Abdulmajid, Jack Frost, Jesus, James Dean, Joan Baez, Joan Crawford, John F. Kennedy, John Lennon, Carl Jung, Kahlil Gibran, Lenny Bruce, Leon Trotsky, Madonna, Marilyn Monroe, Martin Luther King, King Kong, Max Factor, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger, Mickey Mouse, Muhammad Ali, Pete Seeger, Peter Brugel, Phil Ochs, Philip Johnson, Richard Nixon, Ray Robinson, Richard Rodgers, Robin Hood, Rudi Valentino, Shirley Temple, Superman, Tarzan, Ted Bundy, The Beatles, The Krays, The Queen, Tod Browning, Thom Paine, Thomas Beckett, Tommy Tinkrem, Twiggy (aka Lesley Hornby), Uncle Floyd (aka Floyd Vivino), Oogie, Bones Boy, Vladimir Nabokov, Winston Churchill, Yukio Mishima.

Who was The Elephant Man?

The Elephant Man was based on the life of Joseph Carey Merrick (aka John Merrick). Born in Leicester, England on 5th August 1862, he died on 11th April 1890 aged a mere twenty-seven years of age). A horribly deformed young man, suffering from a combination of Neurofibromatosis Type I and Proteus Syndrome, who had been a freak attraction in travelling circus side shows, is found abandoned and helpless and is admitted for observation to Whitechapel, a prestigious London hospital. Under the care of a famous young doctor, Doctor Treeves, who educates him and introduces him to London society, Merrick changes from a sensational object of pity to the urbane and witty favourite of the aristocracy and literati. But his belief that he can become a man like any other is a dream never to be realised.

Who designed the Ziggy Stardust stage costumes?

The majority of the Ziggy Stardust on stage costumes were designed by Freddie Burretti (real name Frederick Burrett) (aka Rudi Valentino) assisted by his girlfriend Daniella Parma along with Angela Bowie by utilising materials mainly bought from Liberty's. Several other costumes were designed by Michael Fish aka 'Mr. Fish' and Natasha Kornilof.

David and Angela met Freddie in 1971 at The Sombrero club in London. The 19-year-old student clothes designer/tailor was responsible for the majority of the on and off stage clothes of Ziggy Stardust. Freddie was also 'Rudi Valentino' who fronted the Arnold Corns project. Freddie sadly passed away on May 11th 2001 in Paris, aged 49.

The Ziggy Stardust/Aladdin Sane costumes were designed by Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto. Kansai presented David with a traditional Japanese costume in New York during his second US tour, which David wore during the Japanese shows. Kansai was then commissioned to create a further nine costumes based on traditional Japanese Noh theatre.

Born in Yokohama in 1944, Kansai Yamamoto was only 27 when he held his first international fashion show in London in 1971. He has been a driving force in fashion design ever since and is now a major personality in Japan.

What was the classical music played at the start of The Glass Spider World Tour?

The piece played just before the start of the show was a classical version of Jimi Hendrix's 'Purple Haze' played by The Kronos Quartet.

Which was David Bowie's favourite aftershave?

David said that he really likes Minotaure by Paloma Picasso. He says it's quite hard to find so he stocks up when he is in France. He also likes anything by Guerlain.

Minotaure was introduced in 1992 and is recommended for daytime wear.

The blurb says: A slight spice combined with a hint of musk. This dashing cologne is powerful, yet subtle and sexy. Minotaure compliments the three piece suit as well as evening attire.

Who designed David's stage costumes for the Earthling World Tour?

The Union flag frock coat and the spiders web frock coat were designed by English fashion designer Alexander McQueen. After seeing British artist Gavin Turk's piece 'Indoor Flag' of 1995, prompted David to commission McQueen to help him co-design the Union Jacket.

Alexander McQueen fast rose through the fashion ranks to become the one of the leading lights of international design. He graduated from Central St. Martins College of Art & Design in 1991, with a display of such flair and innovation that he was immediately awarded an apprenticeship with Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard. He went on to work for Romeo Gigli and Koji Tatsuno before opening his own studio in East London. In October 1996, McQueen was named Best British Designer of the Year. Days later, he was also named John Galliano's successor as the new chief designer at Givenchy. In 1997, a year in which he produced four collections for Givenchy and two for his own label, McQueen shared the Best British Designer award with Galliano. But it is McQueen's carefully propagated image - as the raspberrying bad boy of fashion - which has made him a star in his own right, winning him such rock 'n' roll clients as David Bowie and The Prodigy's Keith Flint.

Who have been David's managers in the music business?

Leslie Conn (June 1964).
Ralph Horton (first official manager) (1965).
Kenneth Pitt (25th April 1967 till 7th May 1970).
Tony Defries (May 1970 till 30th January 1975).

Since 1975, David has conducted his business without a manager. He uses business advisors.

How many pieces of artwork did David produce?

Around 6,000.

Who was David's art agent?

Kate Chertavian, who was based at The Gallery in Cork Street, London, England.

Who were David's favourite artists and who did he collect?

David's favourite painters include Tintoretto, John Bellany, Erich Heckel, Picasso and Michael Ray Charles.

In his private collection he has amongst others: Tintoretto, John Bellany, Rubens, Erich Heckel, Damien Hirst, Bomberg, Peter Lanyon, Frank Auerbach, Odd Nerdrum, Gavin Turk, Peter Howson, Gilbert and George.

Why is this web site called Wonderworld and where does the name originate from?

One of David's performances on the 1997 Earthling World Tour was at the Hanover Grand in London on 3rd June. David named the show 'Little Wonderworld'.

Therefore, this web site was named in honour of that show.

The second of the shows at the Hanover Grand was named 'Famous Fame'.

Which brand of cigarettes did David smoke?

The last brand he smoked were Marlboro Lights. He gave up smoking in early 2002. Throughout the Seventies he mainly smoked the French brand Gitanes.

Who is the girl featured on the album cover of Pin Ups?

Twiggy. The photograph taken for the cover of the album featuring Twiggy (real name Leslie Hornby) and David was originally intended for the front cover of fashion magazine Vogue. When they sent photographer Justin De Villeneuve (real name Nigel Davies) to photograph Ziggy and Twiggy she was tanned and David was his then usual pallid self, so the make-up artist gave them both masks.

David liked the photograph and asked to use it for his next album instead. Told that Vogue would sell 80,000 copies and the album about a million, De Villeneuve sensibly agreed.

What is written on the signs by the door on the cover of the Ziggy Stardust album?

Door Number 23. Top sign: Paquerette Dresses 4th Floor.
2nd sign: Ramar Dresses Ltd 3rd Floor.
3rd sign: International Wool Secretariat.
4th sign: Cravats Ltd, main entrance, T.H. Ferris 2nd Floor.

What was David's most treasured material possession?

David: "A photograph held together by cellophane tape of Little Richard that I bought in 1958, and a pressed and dried chrysanthemum picked on my honeymoon in Kyoto."

This photograph was used as the basis of David's artwork for the 2000 Secret Exhibition at the Royal College of Art in London.

What is the address of the Hansa Studios in Berlin where David recorded his "Heroes" album?

The Hansa Studios are located at: Hansa Tonstudio GmbH, Köthener Str. 38, 10963 Berlin, Germany.

Did David have any pets?

The family had a dog called 'Max', who was a half Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and half Havanese. Max had two different coloured eyes (unlike David).

Max was born on 19th May 2007 and passed away aged 14 years on 11th February 2021.

In February 2022, Iman got a chocolate American Cocker Spaniel named 'Mars'.

When was David Bowie inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

David Bowie was inducted on 17th January 1996. He was inducted by David Byrne (Talking Heads) [watch induction] and accepting the award on his behalf was Madonna [watch acceptance].

Also inducted on this day were: Jefferson Airplane, Little Willie John, Gladys Knight and The Pips, Pink Floyd, The Shirelles, The Velvet Underground, Pete Seeger and Tom Donahue.

Where is the David Bowie Mural located in London?

The mural of David Bowie is painted on a side wall of Clarins Morleys Ltd Department store on the side street Tunstall Road, Brixton, South London SW9 8BN. Directly across from the exit of Brixton Underground station (Victoria Line).

Created by Australian artist James Cochran (aka Jimmy C) in 2013, it features a portrait of Bowie as his Aladdin Sane character.

The mural is 0.4 miles (8 minute walk) from David Bowie's birthplace at 40 Stansfield Road, SW9 9RZ.

Where is the David Bowie statue located in Aylesbury?

The David Bowie statue is located at 22 Market Square, Aylesbury HP20 1TR, Buckinghamshire, England.

The bronze statue titled 'Earthly Messenger' was sculpted by Andrew Sinclair and unveiled on 25th March 2018 by musician Howard Jones.

Money to create the work was raised through grants and a crowdfunding appeal by music promoter David Stopps.

Where is Rue David Bowie located in France?

Rue David Bowie is located next to Austerlitz Station in the 13th arrondissement in the southeast of Paris the French capital (Paris Rive Gauche, 75013 Paris).

Rue David Bowie is roughly between the Jardin des Plantes Botanical Gardens and the National Library and is situated between two modern office buildings, including the headquarters of news publications Le Monde and L'Obs, opens onto avenue Pierre-Mendes-France, and will connect to a future bridge linking the avenue to Boulevard de l'Hôpital, near Austerlitz train station and Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital.

The Inauguration Day took place on 8th January 2024. (David's 77th birthday). Speeches were given by Mayor Jérôme Coumet, fashion designer/stylist Agnès b.,, and friends since childhood George Underwood and Geoff MacCormack.

[George Underwood speech]: "Pardon I'm speaking in English okay. Just very... few words... I'd like to just say... You know I met David in 1956 and we were nine years old... and I find it to believe what David has achieved in his lifetime. Far beyond our childhood fantasies. And now Rue David Bowie. Wow. Incredible. I'm very honoured to be here today and to witness the love and respect you're all showing for him. Viva David. Mon ami."

[Geoff MacCormack speech]: "Bonjour tout le monde. It's a great honour for George and I to be here today for the grand opening of Rue David Bowie. George and I were friends with David for sixty years... and he took us with him on part of his journey. Paris has always been a special city for David and moi. Throughout our lives and I'm sure he would be delighted with the honour you are giving him. On behalf of David and his family... Merci."

The plaque was unveiled at 61 avenue Pierre-Mendès-France, Paris Rive Gauche, 75013 Paris by the Mayor, George, Geoff and Jérôme Soligny on one side, with Deputy Mayor Laurence Patrice, Agnès b., and Alain Lahana on the other.

The plans for Rue David Bowie were first announced on 8th January 2020 by Jérôme Coumet, Mayor of the 13th arrondissement and voted unanimously by the council later that month.


There is also a Rue David Bowie located at 59229 Téteghem-Coudekerque-Village, Hauts-de-France.

The former Mayor Franck Dhersin and Michel Pesch deputy finance and sports NLDR agreed to propose it back in February 2017.

Located in the northern department, Téteghem is a former municipality now attached to the new city of Téteghem-Coudekerque-Village. It is located in the Blootland, bordering Dunkirk and the old town of Coudekerque-Branche.

Where will The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts be based in London?

The David Bowie Centre for the Study of Performing Arts is scheduled to open in Spring 2025 at V&A East Museum, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East Bank, Stratford Waterfront, Carpenters Road, Stratford, East London.

Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), this permanent exhibition will include more than 80,000 items that span six decades of the cultural icon's career. Its acquisition by the V&A and the creation of the centre was made possible thanks to the David Bowie Estate and £10 million donation from the Blavatnik Family Foundation and Warner Music Group.

Is the answer to your question not listed here?
Have you got a question to ask about David Bowie?

Or is there any information you would like to see added to this FAQ?

CLICK HERE AND FILL IN THE FAQ FORM