“The rock business has become so established, and so much like a society, that I have revolted against it." After killing off Ziggy and breaking up the band, David Bowie recorded a covers album in a French castle. This is the story of Pin Ups’ creation

David Bowie in a New York City hotel room in 1973.

In July 1973, a week after announcing Ziggy Stardust’s retirement, David Bowie flew to France to record an album of 60s-era cover versions. Although the resulting Pin Ups remains the dark horse of his 1970s catalogue, it captures Bowie at his most relaxed, and his right-hand man Mick Ronson at the height of his powers. Even Starmen need to come down to earth now and then.

The original version of this feature appeared in Classic Rock 251, published in June 2018