David Bowie FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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."
He 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).
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, Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA - (16 March 1975 - May 1975).
Michael Lippman's villa, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. (May 1975)
Château du Signal , Upper Lausanne, Switzerland. (1982-1992).
Kincoppal Apartments, 93 Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, New South Wales 2011, Australia. (1982-1992).
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. (- until February 2002).
Sea View, 18 Cambridge Road, Sandy's Parish, Somerset, Bermuda MA02 (rented from 1997-).
The Old Rectory, 43 Gilston Road, West Brompton, Kensington/Chelsea, London SW10 9SJ. (owned from 2008-2011 - only stayed there for a brief period).
He lived at 285 Layfayette Street, (Soho/Nolita) Manhattan, New York, NY 10012 and also Woodstock.
In late January 2003, David and Iman bought the 64-acre Little Tonshi Mountain, Ulster County, New York 12481, USA.
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 April 24th 1992 at Lausanne registrar office with a civil ceremony.
They also had a wedding ceremony at Saint James Episcopal Church in Florence, Italy on 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, Bono, Eric Idle, Geoff MacCormack, George Underwood, Herve Leger and Thierry Mugler.
David's first marriage was to Mary Angela Barnett on 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.
His son Duncan Zowie Haywood Jones , was born 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 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 10th July 2016, Duncan and Rodene became parents to a baby boy, named Stenton David Jones, who was born in California, US 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.
His daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones , was born on 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.
His step-daughter, Zulekha was born on 5th July 1978, from Iman's first marriage to basketball player Spencer Haywood. Zulekha means "intelligent" in Arabic.
Where was Iman born?
Iman was born in Mogadishu, Somalia on 25th July 1955.
Who are Iman's parents?
Iman's father is Mohamed Abdul Majid and her mother Marian.
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 October 14th 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.
Where was David educated?
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 receive 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 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 720.
Which other artist albums does David Bowie appear on?
Adrian Belew: 'Young Lions'.
Sandro Sursock: 'Aristorock', ('Zero Heroes' - same album with different artwork by Bowie is unreleased).
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'.
TV On The Radio: 'Return To Cookie Mountain' (vocals on 'Province').
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 Black (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 a 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, 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 in January 1965 on the Stateside label (Cat. No. SS405).  The A-side was entitled 'Restless'.
How many number one singles has David had in the UK?
Six
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).
Pinups (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 Sepember 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 of 145 million.
Which was David's biggest selling album on initial release?
Let's Dance sold in the region of 8 million.
How many top 40 singles has David had in the United Kingdom?
Forty-five
'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 (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
Backing bands: The Buzz, 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 Chaudhari) 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 entitled: '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 the song concerned an 'air crash'. 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 entitled '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) entitled '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 The Hype?
The 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 and is currently in the vaults owned by MainMan. 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 'Harry The Butcher'.
They performed on the 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. The 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, his contribution is barely audible with Bowie's vocals dominating 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 entitled '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, synthesisers).
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 (Freddie Burretti), Dana Gillespie, Ava Cherry And The Astronettes, Lulu, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Mott The Hoople.
David 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 in 1977 at Hansa Studios, Berlin.
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 buget 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 Live: Oy Vey, Baby (1991).
Did David 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 to 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 entitled ★
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
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: Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth (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.
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.
Carlo Nataloni: Live at Élysée Montmartre, Paris, France 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.
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 (aka Shag-o-Rama).
Iman had a cameo role in the film as Dali Guest. She was sat at a table in the club 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 signed to the Dedication record label.
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:
Heart Of Darkness (1994 TV Movie) 'Black Beauty'.
Dream On: Oral Sex, Lies and Videotape (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's 'Remember The Time' and Bobby Brown's '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 World Tour. 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 auditioned 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 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 amourous 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 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. Kevin also appeared in the Miracle Goodnight promotional video.
Which films has David's son Duncan Jones directed?
Whistle (2002)
Warcraft: The Beginning (2016)
Mute (in production)
His next film project is a sci-fi thriller entitled: Mute. The movie follows Leo, a mute man searching for a missing person in mid-21st century Berlin. Two actors signed up for the movie  are Paul Rudd and Alexander Skarsgård. Filming is due to start in 2016 with a release date of 2017.
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 similiar 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.
TELEVISION
When was David's first ever television appearance?
In June 1964, Davie Jones and The King Bees appeared on BBC2's 'The Beat Room' performing 'Liza Jane'.
On November 12th in the same year, 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 society came about because 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
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 Pritchet (guitar), Astronettes: Ava Cherry (vocals), Geoff MacCormack (vocals) and Jason Guess (vocals).
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', along with George singing '16 Tons' whilst attending the 18th Bromley Scout packs Annual Summer camp vacation 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
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 with the title 'Growth'. Organised by David and Mary Finnigan, the Folk Club was in reality a room at the back of the Three Tuns public house on Beckenham High Street.
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.
25th May was the first date of the newly named Arts Lab, Tucker Zimmerman made a guest appearance.
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.
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.
MISCELLANEOUS
How do I get in contact with David Bowie's represenative via e-mail?
You can email him via info@davidbowie.com
How do I get in contact with David Bowie's respresentive by post?
Isolar Enterprises Inc., 270 Lafayette Street, Suite 600, New York, NY 10012, 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 195
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 Voilet Neal.
What is David's star sign?
Capricorn
Did David actually own or drive a vehicle?
He owned a Jaguar 1.5 E Type, 1967 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. She became a very competent map maker, discovering and recording the rivers of 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 Ocassional 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?
Adolf Hitler, Aleister Crowley, 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, Grace Pierrepont (Lady Manners), Greta Garbo, Heinrich Himmler, 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, 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, Florian Schenider, 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), 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 Leciester 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 Pinups?
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 has a puppy called Max, who is a half Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and half Havanese.
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