Description

Newly remastered for 2015 by original album engineer Ray Staff.

Originally released through RCA Victor on 6th June 1972, Ziggy Stardust was David Bowies fifth album, co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott. Incredibly, the album was written whilst Bowie was recording 1971s Hunky Dory album, with recording beginning a couple of months before that albums release. It was recorded at Trident Studios, London between 8th November 1971 and 4th February 1972, with the line up: Mick Ronson (guitar, piano, backing vocals, string arrangements), Trevor Bolder (bass), Mick Woodmansey (drums), Rick Wakeman (keyboards) and backing vocals on It Aint Easy by Dana Gillespie. As well as performing vocals, Bowie also played acoustic guitar, saxophone and harpsichord on the album and was involved in the arrangements too.

The album eventually peaked at #5 on the UK Album Chart on 22nd July having entered the chart at #15 on 1st July. Key to the albums rise in the UK were the two TV performances of Starman on Granada TVs Lift Off With Ayshea and nationally on the BBCs Top Of The Pops. The albums influence is immeasurable it converted legions of fans, becoming the zeitgeist and a major influence on the next generation, particular those who were involved in the punk movement musicians, artists, designers and the subsequent re-birth of rock and pop.

Famously Bowie killed Ziggy at his peak at Londons Hammersmith Odeon, on July 3rd, 1973, though Ziggy Stardusts influence was to redefine popular culture forever: pop music was never the same again.