The Man who Fell to Earth

By Holly Bradfield

David Bowie was born ‘David Robert Jones’ on 8th January 1947 in Brixton, South London with (presumably) no idea that he would go on to become one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century’s music scene. He was reborn as ‘Ziggy Stardust’ in 1972, and henceforth on his rise to fame, experimented with many different music styles and alter-egos. But what about Bowie the man? Is there really more to him than his music? To me, Bowie is without a doubt a lot more than just music. He has helped me through a lot in my short 16 years on this planet. I was introduced to David Bowie when I was about 7 years old by my mother, who was, and remains to this day, an avid Bowie fan. We would dance to ‘Heroes’ in the kitchen, the aroma of hot lentil soup is still vivid in my mind. We would peer out of the bathroom window late at night, when I couldn’t sleep to the gentle melody of ‘Kooks’. The first album I ever got on vinyl was Bowie. I was practically brought up by his music! I’m sure many Bowie fans can relate to that.

Bowie as ‘Aladdin Sane’

It wasn’t until I was older however that I caught a glimpse of Bowie the man, lying underneath Bowie the musician. I found out that he was an Artist as well as a musician, which really excited me because my very favourite thing to do was always painting! I started to learn more about his alter egos, and how different he was from everyone else, even back then. That part was similar to me too. I got older, and thanks to Bowie, I never tamed myself to fit in. I never stopped dressing differently, I never stopped having different hobbies and interests, and I never will. I will always be stubbornly myself, no matter what people say. That is all thanks to David. One of my favourite Bowie albums of all time, is ‘The Mercury Demos’ Album. It is so very intimate to hear him speak and play as if it’s just for you. It makes my heart soar every time I listen to it!

‘The Thin White Duke is Dead’ 42.0 x 59.4 in oils by Holly Bradfield

After considering what Bowie meant to me, I was very curious about what he meant to other people. So I got in touch with a few other Bowie fans to ask them just that. Firstly, I spoke to Mia, who runs @bowieology, a fabulous Bowie fan page on Instagram with over 13k followers! “I think since I started listening to his music, I’ve become more confident,” She said “And he’s actually really helped me discover who I am.” Mia, just like me, started listening to Bowie at a very young age. Before Bowie, she didn’t really listen to much music at all! Bowie was her door into the wonderful world of music. Mia also told me more about how he has affected her personality, and her confidence. “I also feel like I really relate to some of his songs, “Conversation Piece” in particular…..a few years ago I would hide my interests from people for fear of being made fun of, but now I’m so much more open. I still hide a few things of course, but not nearly so much as I used to!”

Bowie performs onstage at the Isolar II tour in 1978

I then met Tiziana (@davidbowie_eyes) from Genoa, Italy, a Bowie fan since the 70’s , who told me that “Personally, thinking about him helps and comforts me in difficult times like this and gives me even more energy in more positive times.” Tiziana also mentioned that “I perceive his spiritual presence, and I also remember his amazing story, made of great joys and great pains, of genius and of a comforting serenity. He had a complex personality but maintained his kind and positive attitude, simple and generous. I could add so much more.”

I also spoke to Andy, who is one of four co-owners who run a fabulous Bowie Fanzine! (@davidbowieglamourfanzine on Instagram if you’re interested) He shared with me, one of the most moving stories I have ever heard, about his Bowie soulmate Mandy, and how she has stayed with him through Bowie’s music, even after all this time. Quite similarly, I believe Andy’s story will stay with me for many years to come too. “I played Bowie to help me feel better and remember good times.” He said. “Bowie gave Mandy extreme happiness during her teenage years….. He aided my recovery, his music just meant so much to me and still does….. Yes I'm obsessed with David Bowie, but I make no apology for my obsession. David Bowie meant so much to so many of us. We all have a story to tell.” Touchingly, Andy dedicated his first issue of David Bowie: Glamour to Mandy. “To Mandy (1958-1975) Wherever she may be (hopefully by the side of David Bowie) As I thanked him for sharing this incredible story with me, he said “Bowie is an obsession. Bowie forever. Stay safe.” I certainly agree Andy!

Bowie in pencil by Holly Bradfield

After Andy’s moving story, I then went on to speak with Floyd from the United States, who shared with me that “David has opened my eyes to broader possibilities, and showed me the impossible.” Floyd Also talked more about how Bowie has widened his horizons. “I grew up a sheltered child so he welcomed me to a new world. I had been inside of a little bubble for so long, and Bowie helped me to expand it to include so many more amazing people. He helped me find myself and become who I am today. I am very grateful.” 

If there is one thing I can take away from these interviews, it’s that this incredible man, my biggest inspiration, has inspired so many people from all across the world, in the same way he has me. David Bowie brings people together, no matter where you come from, no matter how old, or young, no matter what gender or sexuality. His wonderful music and his revolutionary disregard for labels has changed so many lives. If there is one thing we Bowie fans have in common (other than obsessing over the man himself, of course) it is that we know, whatever ch-changes are lurking round the corner, our Starman will be waiting in the sky.

I would like to thank David Bowie (Surprise) for inspiring me to be ruthlessly myself, and helping me to have the confidence to do so many different things. I would also like to thank Mia, Tiziana, Floyd and Andy for their lovely words. They will stay with me forever. Don’t forget to follow @davidbowieglamourfanzine and @bowieology on Instagram!