Over half a century on from his creation, Ziggy Stardust arguably remains the most beloved character from David Bowie’s illustrious six-decade career. Combining glamour and a then-outrageous sexuality, this bisexual alien rock star fell to earth as the 60s dream had turned sour in the wake of Altamont, and the economic boom of the previous decade had finally burst.
The music scene was becoming as grim as the outside world. In the UK Clive Dunn’s mawkish Grandad was No.1 at the start of ’71, and at the close it was Benny Hill’s Ernie (The Fastest Milkman In The West). By ’72 the likes of Donny Osmond and David Cassidy were hitting the singles top spot, while compilations dominated the album chart.
