• On this day, 52 years ago, RCA held a press lunch with DAVID BOWIE as guest of honour at Rules, London's oldest restaurant on Maiden Lane in Covent Garden.

Upstairs, in a private dining room, he is presented with an 'outstanding musical achievements' award from RCA Records for having SIX different albums in the UK charts for a total of nineteen weeks during 1973...

     

• On this day, 60 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performs his first-ever gig outside of the United Kingdom. David Bowie and The Lower Third play at Le Golf Drouot, Montmartre, Paris, France in 1965...

• On this day, 62 years ago, DAVID BOWIE plays final gig with THE KONRADS at Justin Hall, West Wickham in 1963...

• On this day, 46 years ago, DAVID BOWIE appeared on NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE US TV show with a legendary three-song live performance.

BW News Flashback - December 2006

Former employees of NBC's Saturday Night Live were asked to send in precious anecdotes to GAWKER - one particular piece that stood out was when DAVID BOWIE appeared on the programme in December 1979.

David performed three songs... 'The Man Who Sold The World' where he was carried to front stage by backing singers Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias, whilst inside a costume (which was a nod to Dadaist Tristan Tzara - or if you've done your homework Sami Rosenstock).

The second song was 'TVC 15' with Bowie dressed more conventionally as a Chinese airline stewardesses dress and lastly 'Boys Keep Swinging' complete with a puppet body.

The photograph right shows a scene from 'The Gas Heart' by Tristan Tzara. Costumes designed by Sonia Delaunay, Theatre Michel, Paris, July 6-7, 1923.

Tzara introduced the first performance as follows: "It is the only and greatest three-act hoax of the century. It will satisfy only industrialized imbeciles who believe in the existence of men of genius.".

SNL Employee: David Bowie and I manhandle his life-size plastic punching doll into the elevator. The next night, NBC's costumers will bolt David into this rigid contraption so he can spin and wobble across the stage on live television, while lip-synching one of the songs that made him into the icon known as Ziggy Stardust.

For a second, I gaze into Bowie's left eye and notice his famous blown pupil. "Why drag this all the way back to your hotel? The Props department could lock it up for you."

He laughs. "Nothing personal, but if it goes missing, I can't just buy another one down at the corner shop."

I giggle. "Good point."

I still look back on this comment as my best shot at the Melonhead Hall of Fame.

Nobody gives us a second glance as we struggle outside to the Plaza. The Thin White Duke and an anonymous melonhead are trying to stuff a six-foot-tall, brightly-colored punching doll into the back seat of a stretch limo, but New Yorkers, true to form, don't even notice this singular tableau. David turns, to say thanks for the help. Polite guy. My brain is churning at light speed, searching for another bon mot.

So I bring out the big guns: "Break a leg!" When David looks puzzled, I rush to explain: "Not now. Tomorrow night." He smiles and thanks me again.

Then his limousine is gone, and I'm left alone to compose my Hall of Fame acceptance speech.

Here is the news... according to the latest world official chart releases for DAVID BOWIE...

The David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy reissued on 12 inch picture disc vinyl entered the UK Official Vinyl Singles Chart at #3. Currently on a seven-week run, this week it is placed at #31 and on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart it is placed at #34.

The Bowie/Jagger Live Aid duet Dancing In The Street is currently on a 15-week run in the UK Official Physical Singles Chart climbs to #58.

In the UK Official Albums Chart, the compilation album Legacy is placed at #89 this week (473 weeks).

In Scotland on their Official Albums Chart, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars is placed at #64 (408 weeks).

Update: All numbered copies are now SOLD OUT!

The eagerly awaited BOWIE '74 - THE YEAR OF THE SCAVENGER is available NOW!

The Year Of The Scavenger is the third collector's guide from Mayak Publishing.

The focus of this comprehensive edition is 1974. Containing 710 pages of memorabilia and collectibles, albums, singles, lacquers, demos, promos, test pressings, press kits, photographs, news reviews and interviews, posters, tickets, TV shows, cassettes, 8-tracks, concert recordings and much more.

To claim your exclusive £10 discount use WONDER10 at checkout.

Free shipping to the UK.

Strictly limited to #200 numbered copies. Be quick!

For more details and information, please visit the: mayakpublishing.co.uk website.

Check out the official trailer for the forthcoming BOWIE: THE FINAL ACT - a film by Jonathan Stiasny.

David Bowie was always more than just a musician - he was an icon of transformation. For decades, he captivated the world with his chameleon-like ability to reinvent himself, constantly pushing boundaries in both music and identity. But in the final act of his life, he underwent something even more profound: a resurrection.

For more details and cinema booking, please visit the releasing.dogwoof.com website.

In select UK and Irish cinemas from 26th December and on Channel 4 TV soon after.

Many previously unseen photographs of DAVID BOWIE shot by ERIC STEPHEN JACOBS for the Young Americans album have just sold at auction.

The Gotta Have Rock and Roll auction lot price realised: $30,000 US (£22,518 GB).

Minimum Bid: $5,000 / Final Bid: $30,000 / Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000 / Number of Bids: 13.

Lot description: This unique lot comprises over 300 photography negatives and 11 original contact sheets from Eric Stephen Jacobs photo sessions for David Bowie's 'Young Americans' album. The first session includes headshots of Bowie smoking, while the second session prominently features the artist behind an American flag in various poses. These photographs were utilized for the album's promotional materials, including subsequent releases on CD. The lot is accompanied by copyright for all negatives, adding to its value.

Provenance/Authenticity: Letter of Provenance/Copyright Transfer Document and Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.

Cultural Significance: Released in 1975, David Bowie's 'Young Americans' marks a significant shift in the artist's musical style, reflecting a strong soul and R&B influence, often referred to as his "plastic soul" era.

The unseen photos highlight a transformative period in Bowie's career, capturing the visual essence of the album's groundbreaking style.

Condition: The collection is in good condition, comprising over 300 well-preserved negatives and 11 original contact sheets, maintained with care.

For more lot details and information, check out gottahaverockandroll.com website.

On this day, 42 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed 'Imagine' at the Hong Kong Coliseum during his final gig of the Serious Moonlight Tour '83 in memory of JOHN LENNON.

Here is the news... according to the latest world official chart releases for DAVID BOWIE...

The David Bowie/Bing Crosby duet Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy reissued on 12 inch picture disc vinyl entered the UK Official Vinyl Singles Chart at #3. Currently on a six-week run, this week it is placed at #40 and on the UK Official Physical Singles Chart it is placed at #43.

The Bowie/Jagger Live Aid duet Dancing In The Street is currently on a 14-week run in the UK Official Physical Singles Chart at #89.

In the UK Official Album Chart, the compilation album Legacy is placed at #78 this week (472 weeks) and on the UK Albums Update Chart at #96 (473 weeks).

In Scotland on their Official Album Chart, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars is placed at #69 (407 weeks), and the UK Albums Sales Chart at #87 (380 weeks), and the UK Physical Albums Chart at #86 (502 weeks).

On this day, 10 years ago, DAVID BOWIE and IMAN attended the premiere of LAZARUS theatre production at The New York Theatre Workshop, NY, USA.

At the end of the show David took to the stage for a standing ovation. This was to be David's final public appearance.

Check out these precious photographs taken by LOPEY who managed to take a great image as a smiling David and Iman arrived at theatre, as well as Susan Sarandon, Tony Visconti and Kristeen Young.

     

     

Courtesy of Lopey [bowiefun.com].

David, Enda Walsh, Ivo van Hove and cast take a standing ovation. Photo by Jan Versweyveld.

For all you fashionistas out there... David is wearing a beautiful Alexander McQueen dark navy and silver skull polka dot evening scarf.

        

Photos by AKM-GSI Splash.

Below are the photographs taken by PAULA SCIUK, as David, Iman and actors Michael C. Hall and Cristin Milioti left the theatre. In the foyer are Jimmy King and Bill Zysblat.

     

     

Courtesy of Paula S.

• On this day, 30 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at the Kings Hall, Belfast during his Outside Tour in 1995...

• On this day, 43 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at the Army Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand during 'The Bungle in the Jungle' leg of the Serious Moonlight Tour in 1983...

• On this day, 60 years ago, DAVID BOWIE with The Lower Third performed at the Marquee Club, Soho, London in 1965...

• On this day, 61 years ago, DAVID JONES & The Manish Boys performed twice at City Hall, Newcastle, unbilled and supporting on the Gerry & The Pacemakers/Gene Pitney/The Kinks tour in 1964...

DAVID BOWIE graces the front cover of MOJO MAGAZINE for their February 2026 issue (387).

MOJO marks 50 years of David Bowie's Station To Station with a deep dive into the era that introduced The Thin White Duke, featuring new insights from Earl Slick, Carlos Alomar and others who helped shape one of Bowie's boldest reinventions.

The issue also includes the Essential 2026 Preview covering the albums, tours, films and books on the horizon, plus new pieces on Chrissie Hynde, Dennis Wilson, Squeeze, Dry Cleaning, The Triffids, Arctic Monkeys, The Isley Brothers and more.

The covermount CD is 'Up The Junction', including Squeeze and other purveyors of unmistakeably British, street-smart pop and rock. Madness, The Soft Boys, Billy Bragg, Nick Lowe, Vic Godard, Wreckless Eric and more weigh in.

The magazine hits UK shelves on Tuesday 9th December.

For more details and information, please visit mojo4music.com website.

For those of you who use FACEBOOK - check out the private DAVID BOWIE WONDERWORLD Group.

Feel free to join in with the other 103,400 plus members, add yourself and invite your Bowie fan friends. You never know what might get posted, or who you might meet...

• On this day, 26 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at The Astoria, London during his 'hours...' promotional tour in 1999. Earlier the same day, David did an in-store signing at The Virgin Megastore. After the gig he held an after-show party at Pop in Soho...

• On this day, 47 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at Western Springs Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, the final show of the Australasian leg of his 1978 world tour...

• On this day, 59 years ago, DAVID BOWIE and THE BUZZ performed at the Severn Club, in Shrewsbury in 1966. At this gig they performed 'Waiting For The Man' by The Velvet Underground as one of the encore songs. David played this song live before anyone one else in the world, he performed it before the album was actually released after receiving a testing pressing from his then manager Kenneth Pitt...

• On this day, 61 years ago, DAVIE JONES and THE MANISH BOYS gave two performances at the ABC Cinema, Hull in 1964...

The eagerly awaited BOWIE '74 - THE YEAR OF THE SCAVENGER is available to purchase NOW!

The Year Of The Scavenger is the third collector's guide from Mayak Publishing.

The focus of this comprehensive edition is 1974. Containing 710 pages of memorabilia and collectibles, albums, singles, lacquers, demos, promos, test pressings, press kits, photographs, news reviews and interviews, posters, tickets, TV shows, cassettes, 8-tracks, concert recordings and much more.

To claim your exclusive £10 discount use WONDER10 at checkout.

Free shipping to the UK.

Strictly limited to #200 numbered copies. Be quick!

For more details and information, please visit the: mayakpublishing.co.uk website.

Update: All numbered copies SOLD OUT! Shipping starts this Monday 8th December.

Do you have a great story to tell about being a DAVID BOWIE fan? Or photos to share?

A new book will collect the best fan stories from fans throughout Bowie's remarkable career, and you're invited to submit yours!

We're looking for memories from 250 to 1,000 words that are tied to one incident or time. Tell us about ONE concert or ONE experience and why it meant so much. Make us laugh, make us cry or make us feel that moment that's as powerful today as it was decades ago.

The book will be organised by decade (1970s, 1980s, etc.) - so even if you don't have an exact date, the year that the story takes place is essential.

Here are some general examples (but obviously there are other possibilities):

How you first encountered Bowie's music.
The concert that made you a fan and why it was special.
A time when the music gave you joy or solace.

A time when Bowie's music or career spurred you to action (such as realising your sexuality, coming out to your family or taking a leap into the unknown).

How you met your spouse or best friend because of your mutual love for Bowie.

You don't need to have met Bowie or even attended a concert, although clearly some stories will be about that. It just needs to be a moment when he played a significant part in your life. Note that we want to keep stories positive! This is about celebrating your fandom.

Also: Bowie stories do not need to end with his passing in 2016. For instance, if his music helped you get through the COVID lockdown or if you're only now sharing it with your kids, tell us about it.

What we're not looking for:
- General sentiments about Bowie and how great he is (we know that!).
- Lists of concerts you attended.
- Album / song reviews.
- Fabricated stories (if we question a story's authenticity, we will not use it).

If you're worried that you're not a good enough writer, don't be! If your piece is selected, we will work with you to make your submission the best it can be. Having a good story is the important thing here.

You're welcome to submit multiple stories. We can then discuss which one would be the best fit. Contributors will be limited to one published story for now, but we will re-evaluate depending on the final number of entries.

We're also looking for cool photos! Concert photos, behind-the-scenes shots, anything rare or unusual. These must be your photos and you must own the copyright. They should be in focus and able to be sent as a high-resolution .jpg.

Please send your entries or questions to: - Please include your full name, town/city of residence and any other relevant biographical info with your entry.

From Chris Kocher and Don Klees.

• BOWIE TAKES AMERICA: The Making of a Rock Icon by MICK WALL, hardcover, 304-pages - to be published on 21st May - more details

• BOWIE ODYSSEY 76 (SPECIAL EDITION) by SIMON GODDARD, hardcover, 200-pages - to be published on 9th April - more details

• BOWIE ODYSSEY 76 by SIMON GODDARD, paperback, 200-pages - to be published on 9th April - more details

• DAVID BOWIE: LEGACY: THE ILLUSTRATED BIOGRAPHY by CAROLYN McHUGH, hardcover, 160-pages - to be published on 6th April - more details

• LAZARUS: THE SECOND COMING OF DAVID BOWIE by ALEXANDER LARMAN, hardcover, 384-pages - to be published on 24th February - more details

• Limited Edition DAVID BOWIE - STATION TO STATION 50th Anniversary Half-Speed Mastered Vinyl Picture Disc LP with poster - to be released on 23rd January - more details

• DAVID BOWIE IN TIME at Piggott Theatre, British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, England on 17th January at 11am and 12.15 online event - more details

• DAVID BOWIE AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE, DEATH AND GOD by PETER ORMEROD, hardcover, 256-pages - to be published on 15th January - more details

• A VIGIL FOR DAVID, commemorating the 10th Anniversary of his passing. Remembering a life in Story and Song. Featuring Rebel Rebel, Playback and special guests at The Grand Social, 35 Liffey St Lower, North City, Dublin 1, D01 C3N0. Ireland on 10th January at 6pm. Free admission - more details

• WHERE ARE WE NOW DAVID BOWIE? by RICHARD PURDEN, paperback, 280-pages - to be published on 9th January - more details

• LET'S DANCE: BOWIE BIRTHDAY BASH at The Blues Kitchen (Concert Hall), 13 Quay Street, Manchester M3 3HN, England on 8th January at 7pm - more details

All numbered copies SOLD OUT! DAVID BOWIE - THE YEAR OF THE SCAVENGER luxury collector's book from MAYAK PUBLISHING covering the 1974 period - available to purchase now - to claim your exclusive £10 discount use WONDER10 at checkout, 710-pages - mayakpublishing.co.uk

COLLABORATION: FRANK OCKENFELS 3 x DAVID BOWIE by FRANK OCKENFELS 3, hardcover and Kindle, 256-pages - published on 6th November - receive a massive 29% discount NOW! - more details

FAR ABOVE THE WORLD: THE TIME AND SPACE OF DAVID BOWIE by PAUL MORLEY, hardcover, Kindle, 320-pages - published on 6th November - more details

DAVID BOWIE - I CAN'T GIVE EVERYTHING AWAY (2002 - 2016) 18-piece Vinyl Box Set and 13-CD Box Set - released on 12th September - more details

Exclusive DAVID BOWIE lino-cut print available to PURCHASE - don't hang around, these are ALL the remaining original left-over stock from 41 years ago, once they've gone, they've gone!