David Bowie: David Bowie, the enigmatic and ever-evolving Starman, left an indelible mark on the world with his music, fashion, and persona. Beyond the Ziggy Stardust theatrics and groundbreaking albums, there lay a man of depth, intellect, and surprising quirks. As we remember his legacy, let’s delve into 22 lesser-known facts that paint a fascinating portrait of the artist behind the legend:
1. A brush with mortality:
At 15, Bowie witnessed his childhood friend, Ronnie Vincent, die after being hit by a car. This deeply affected him, shaping his views on life and mortality, themes often explored in his music.
2. Almost a mime:
Before music stardom, Bowie studied mime and considered pursuing it professionally. His mime training later influenced his stage presence and movement.
3. The saxophone connection:
Bowie wasn’t just a singer; he was also a skilled saxophone player. He learned the instrument in his youth and even played in several bands before focusing on vocals.
4. Lefty but righty:
Though naturally left-handed, Bowie primarily played guitar and wrote right-handed. This was likely due to the limited availability of left-handed instruments in his early years.
5. Dyslexic difficulties:
Bowie struggled with dyslexia throughout his life, which affected his reading and writing abilities. However, he persevered and found his own unique voice through creative expression.
6. The Bowie-Mercury bond:
Freddie Mercury and David Bowie were close friends and even collaborated on a song, “Under Pressure,” which became a rock anthem.
7. Almost Aladdin Sane:
Bowie was originally offered the role of Aladdin in the 1979 film “Aladdin Sane,” but eventually declined due to scheduling conflicts.
8. Ashes to ashes:
Following his death in 2016, Bowie’s ashes were scattered in accordance with his Buddhist beliefs, at a secret location in Bali, Indonesia.
9. An artistic family:
Bowie’s mother, Peggy, was a dancer, and his father, Haywood Stenton “John” Bowie, worked in music promotion. Their artistic inclinations likely influenced Bowie’s creative pursuits.
10. The Elephant Man connection:
Bowie starred in and produced the film “The Elephant Man,” a critical and commercial success. He even went uncredited for some of the film’s music to avoid overshadowing the story.
11. A love for languages:
Bowie was fluent in French and German and had a good understanding of other languages like Italian and Spanish. His linguistic skills enriched his songwriting and performances.
12. The Berlin inspiration:
During his Berlin period in the late 70s, Bowie collaborated with Iggy Pop and other musicians, creating some of his most innovative and influential work.
13. More than Ziggy Stardust:
While Ziggy Stardust remains an iconic persona, Bowie embodied numerous characters throughout his career, showcasing his artistic versatility.
14. A brush with acting:
Beyond starring in “The Elephant Man,” Bowie appeared in several other films and television shows, demonstrating his acting talents.
15. The art collector:
Bowie was a passionate art collector, amassing a diverse collection of works by modern and contemporary artists.
16. The entrepreneur:
Besides music, Bowie ventured into other business ventures, including launching his own fashion line and record label.
17. The Buddhist connection:
Bowie embraced Buddhism in the 70s, which influenced his personal philosophy and artistic expression.
18. A global citizen:
Bowie lived in various countries throughout his life, including the UK, the US, Switzerland, and Berlin. This exposure to different cultures enriched his music and perspective.
19. Awards and accolades:
Bowie received numerous awards throughout his career, including Grammys, BRIT Awards, and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
20. The final album:
“Blackstar,” released two days before his death, was Bowie’s final artistic statement, a critically acclaimed work filled with cryptic messages and reflections on mortality.
21. A lasting legacy:
David Bowie’s influence on music, fashion, and pop culture is undeniable. His innovative spirit, artistic experimentation, and ever-evolving persona continue to inspire generations of artists and fans worldwide.
22. The enigma remains:
Despite these interesting facts, David Bowie still remains an enigma, a true artist who defied categorization and continues to surprise and intrigue us even after his passing. His legacy lives on, inspiring us to embrace our individuality and push the boundaries of creativity.
WRITTEN BY COLLINS