The POP-EXPOSE ‘David Bowie’ by Train!
Story Courtesy of Serpentorslair Staffer ‘Train‘! Join in the discussion after the JUMP!
David Robert Jones was born January of 1947 in London. There he grew up and as a child and teen it was apparent that David was bright and talented in music and dance. Dave changed his name from Jones to Bowie based on Jim Bowie who popularized the Bowie Knife. David was performing at the young age of 15. He struggled into his 20s to make a go as a musician. In 1969 David released Space Oddity which coincided with the American lunar launch. The album got some popularity with Major Tom as one of the hits, the album went to the 5 slot in the UK and then slowly faded away. Bowie would struggle again, but his passion for music was to big to let his dream to be a star die. Bowie who would become the pioneer for pop rock, and pave the way for alternative rock, reached the status he yearned for when he created his alter ego Ziggy Stardust.
Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was a fictional band created by Bowie and helped Bowie with his music and his new radical style of dress, which included flashy clothes, women’s dresses, and makeup. At the time he got many derogatory remarks and got a great amount of scrutiny on his sexuality do to the way he dressed. Part of Bowie’s persona to be a star was flaunted on the US tour of Ziggy Stardust. He believed he had to spend money like a star in order to become a star.
They spent pretty much all of their money on expensive hotels, meals, and even the roadies were pampered, in the end they ended up returning to London flat broke. Although Ziggy Stardust was a great album and he gained fame with the US tour Bowie once again faded out. David turned to the movies for a little cash to keep his music career going. David proved to be a good actor and turned back to his music. Dave continued to push the bar on his music style and radical outfits and he really tried to create a new sound with every album he did. Some of his stuff got rejected over the years, but now over 50 years and 25 albums later, Bowie will go down as one of the greatest Pioneers of rock, and as one of the all time greatest artists who’s perseverance and dedication has changed and shaped the music industry that we know today.
Bowie has always been one of my favorite performers. He set the bar, raised the bar, and broker the bar. I love the Ziggy Stardust album and enjoy singing along to his music. Every time Under Pressure comes on the radio we crank it up and sing along. It is our theme song for all the pressure we endure in the office.
There is a great documentary on Youtube about Bowies life. If you have a chance check it out, the documentary is as good as his performances. Bowie will remain one of the all time greats in rock history.
