You may know this huge celebrity whether it be from his success as an actor, art collector, singer, rockstar, etc. Regardless, David Bowie was a star and an icon. More specifically, in his time, he was known for being the pioneer of Glam Rock. The legend of Bowie goes back to his first debut at only 15 years old. He started with a band called The Kon-rads in the year 1962. He was introduced to the showbiz world through other bands such as the Mannish Boys, The King Bees, the Lower Third which helped David Bowie become David Bowie. His career truly begun when he had signed with manager Kennith Pitt. He helped Bowie develop into an artist with chart breaking singles. David was always fascinated with outer space and the extraterrestrial realm, so when his single Space Oddity was released, it did not take long until he became a star. As David experimented with unique sounds and styles mixed with cinema acting, fans around the world grew more comfortable with possibilities and ideas that would normally be thought outside the box. Over the years, he bounced through and tested his fortune with other bands; however, it was only until he met the Spiders from Mars when he carved out his name into history. In 1972, they released the album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars which featured a great single, Starman. This is where the alter ego Ziggy Stardust was born which revolutionized even further what metrosexual possibilities there were out therefor males. Ziggy would perform with a face decorated of makeup and would ultimately electrify the crowds. Prior to this, David had admitted bisexuality and had thought it would have impacted his career negatively. However, along with his alter ego, it only attracted more fans and attention which added to his fame.
In this interview with Russell Harty in 1973, David recognizes that he is different; however, it is what makes him unique. He challenges the norm by taking on different personas to escape the conformity of society. Drawing the energy of life, he is able to perform with these characters as if they were a rather more accurate version of his true identity.
“Offstage I’m a robot. On stage, I achieve emotion. It’s probably why I prefer dressing up as Ziggy to being David”
In a contrasting way, wearing the makeup as Ziggy Stardust helped David achieve a state of an unmasking of who he truly is.
“Bisexual Alian Rock Superstar”
Both David and Ziggy together became this “bisexual alien rock superstar”. This alien rockstar caused other rockers to experiment with makeup, hair, music, lyrics, sexual personas. Shortly after The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, bands that wore makeup started to emerge. A popular American rock band called Kiss, was formed in 1973 in New York, which is only a year after David’s album with The Spiders from Mars. They are famous for their black and white makeup, long hair and exotic goth outfits. This was the year that his 6th album Aladdin Sane was released in which he adopted another persona with the use of makeup for imagery. David was the icon that challenged the future to aim high, be ambitious, provocative and most importantly, take risks. He was a gender bending force that was in truth one of the individuals that fuelled not only the sexual revolution, but even the gay liberation revolution. It was finally officially declared that David Bowie was in fact bisexual during an interview between him and Playboy in the year 1976. He brought bisexuality into the popular consciousness.
Rebel Rebel ’74
You've got your mother in a whirl
She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl
Hey babe, your hair's alright
Hey babe, let's go out tonight
You like me, and I like it all
We like dancing and we look divine
You love bands when they're playing hard
You want more and you want it fast
They put you down, they say I'm wrong
You tacky thing, you put them on
Rebel Rebel, you've torn your dress
Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel Rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so!
Many interpret this to be a song about Bowie himself, reflecting how he challenged the norm. It talks about a mother not knowing where they are male or female due to the glamorous hair, makeup and fashion sense. The song even makes a reference to a famous drag queen named Divine.Although others may not have accepted him with the whole effeminate outfit, the song mentions how he had fun regardless. Rebel and feel sexy regardless of what people may think of you. The most important key to confidence lies within the individual.
Darrius Kee Samaco
The Sexual Revolution 