By Hanna
1. In the future, David Bowie will flirt with black men and we will do experimental dance. ALL DAY.
By Christian Lipski
I’ve been to a few live shows in my life, starting with the Beach Boys in 1983, and there’s nothing like seeing your favorite band doing what they love and giving them that immediate feedback. Recently I was asked what my ten favorite concerts were, and surprisingly that’s not something I’d ever done. It made me look back at all the great live moments I’ve experienced, and that was worth the trip alone. Here’s what I came back with, in no particular order.
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“The Irish are the blacks of Europe,
and Dubliners are the blacks of Ireland,
and the Northside Dubliners are the blacks of Dublin.
So say it once, say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud!”
The Commitments
By Christian Lipski
I have to begin with the obvious by marveling at how long it’s been since Let’s Dance was released, simply because twenty-five years? It’s insane. I was fifteen and didn’t know anything about anything. When I taped Let’s Dance from a record I checked out from the library, I didn’t even know much about David Bowie at the time. I had heard “Changes” on the radio before, and probably other songs, but always on the fringe of my attention. 1983 was Bowie’s year to shine. Let’s look at the album in order, and I’ll see what each track dredges up.
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Ah, the chameleon. He’s been so many people over the years. Here are my favorites!
1. Ziggy Pirate
This is the very end of the Ziggy period, and Bowie has streamlined and cleaned up the look. No more astral circle on his forehead; no bare feet or knitted leotards. Just straight up glam pirate. See the “Rebel Rebel” video here.
2. Hunky Dory
Pre-Ziggy, but not pre-glam, as this was total cinematic glamour. Sometimes compared to Lauren Bacall, this Bowie was on the back of the Hunky Dory album. This also includes the period when he wore the infamous “man’s dresses” and “came out” to the press.
If you can find the David Bowie Black Book from 1984, there’s a fantastic picture of him standing in front of his house in a man’s dress. I never should have sold that book.
3. Screamin’ Lord Byron
The troubled, reclusive rock star character from the short film Jazzin’ For Blue Jean. That shadowed makeup still looks cool, and the frosted highlights look like actual frosting.
4. Jareth from Labyrinth
Of course, the Goblin King. Tina Turner wig, sculpted eyebrows, and Romantic attire. Plus, of course, the tights that caused the founding of the David Bowie’s Area website. When I was in Tokyo last year, there were tons of kids sporting this exact look. It’s lacy goth.
5. Sphinx
An experiment that did not go very far. In a photo shoot with Brian Ward in 1971, Bowie tried some different directions. Indeed. Brian Ward also shot the Ziggy Stardust album cover.
And a bonus, the worst look: “Be My Wife” video
1977, Paris. Unplucked eyebrows, slight trace of a moustache. . . just about the least-groomed he’s ever been. Is he trying for this particular reaction from me? Check out the video.
With added teeth!
