Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Bowie

1962: Formation of The Konrads

In 1962, at the age of 15, David Bowie formed his first band, The Konrads.

1963: Early Music Career

In 1963, David Bowie started his professional music career after studying art, music, and design.

November 1964: Spokesperson for Long-Haired Men

In November 1964, Davie Jones (David Bowie) spoke out against prejudice against long-haired men on BBC's Tonight show. He championed the cause of long-haired men as a spokesperson for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men.

January 1966: Release of "Can't Help Thinking About Me"

In January 1966, David Bowie released the single "Can't Help Thinking About Me" under the name David Bowie with the Lower Third, which did not achieve commercial success.

1966: Original Publication of "The Virgin Soldiers"

In 1966, Leslie Thomas's comic novel "The Virgin Soldiers" was published.

April 1967: Release of "The Laughing Gnome"

In April 1967, David Bowie's solo single, "The Laughing Gnome", was released, but it failed to chart.

September 1967: Shooting of "The Image"

In September 1967, David Bowie shot his first film, a short black-and-white film called "The Image".

December 1967: Acting in "Pierrot in Turquoise"

From December 1967 to March 1968, David Bowie acted in mime Lindsay Kemp's theatrical production "Pierrot in Turquoise".

1967: Debut Release of David Bowie Album

In 1967, David Bowie released his debut album, David Bowie, which prominently featured the vocal style of Anthony Newley.

1967: First Solo Album

In 1967, David Bowie released his first self-titled solo album.

1967: Composition "Over the Wall We Go"

In 1967, David Bowie's composition "Over the Wall We Go" became a single for Oscar. Also Bowie song, "Silly Boy Blue", was released by Billy Fury the following year.

1967: Release of 'The Laughing Gnome'

In September 1973, David Bowie's 1967 novelty record, "The Laughing Gnome," reached number six on the UK chart.

January 1968: Filming of BBC drama series "Theatre 625"

In late January 1968, David Bowie filmed a walk-on role for the BBC drama series "Theatre 625".

March 1968: Acting in "Pierrot in Turquoise"

From December 1967 to March 1968, David Bowie acted in mime Lindsay Kemp's theatrical production "Pierrot in Turquoise".

September 1968: Formation of Feathers

In September 1968, Hermione Farthingale formed a group with David Bowie and guitarist John Hutchinson named Feathers.

March 1969: Tour with Tyrannosaurus Rex

In March 1969, David Bowie undertook a short tour with Marc Bolan's duo Tyrannosaurus Rex, performing a mime act.

July 1969: Release of "Space Oddity"

In July 1969, David Bowie released "Space Oddity" five days before the Apollo 11 launch. The song reached the top five in the UK charts, marking his first hit in three years.

July 1969: 40th Anniversary of "Space Oddity"

In July 2009, on the 40th anniversary of the July 1969 Moon landing and Bowie's breakthrough with "Space Oddity", EMI released the original tracks and invited the public to create a remix.

1969: Re-issue of "Space Oddity"

A re-issue of David Bowie's 1969 single, "Space Oddity", became his first number-one hit in the UK a few months after "Fame" achieved the same in the US.

1969: Concerts with Feathers

Between September 1968 and early 1969 the trio Feathers gave a small number of concerts combining folk, Merseybeat, poetry and mime.

1969: "Space Oddity" Success

In 1969, David Bowie achieved his first UK top-five hit with "Space Oddity".

1969: Appearance in "The Virgin Soldiers"

In 1969, David Bowie appeared as a walk-on extra in the film adaptation of Leslie Thomas's comic novel "The Virgin Soldiers".

1969: "Space Oddity" Wins Award

In 1969, David Bowie's commercial breakthrough, "Space Oddity", won him an Ivor Novello Special Award For Originality.

1970: Release of "The Looking Glass Murders"

In 1970, "Pierrot in Turquoise" was adapted into the television film "The Looking Glass Murders".

1970: Writing "The Prettiest Star"

In 1970, David Bowie wrote the single "The Prettiest Star" for Angela Barnett, demonstrating her immediate impact on his life and work.

1970: Release of 'The Man Who Sold the World'

In 1970, David Bowie's third album, 'The Man Who Sold the World', was released, featuring references to schizophrenia, paranoia, and delusion, and marking a shift towards a hard rock sound.

1970: Unreleased Tracks

In 1970, The tracks "Let Me Sleep Beside You" and "Karma Man" recorded in September 1967, were released. They marked the start of Bowie's working relationship with Tony Visconti.

February 1971: US Publicity Tour

Between January and February 1971, David Bowie undertook a coast-to-coast publicity tour across the US to promote 'The Man Who Sold the World', exploiting his androgynous appearance.

1971: Release of Hunky Dory

In 1971, David Bowie released 'Hunky Dory', featuring a stylistic shift towards art pop. The album included "Kooks", a song for his son, and homages to influences like Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol.

February 1972: Launch of Ziggy Stardust stage show

On February 10, 1972, David Bowie, with the Spiders from Mars, launched his Ziggy Stardust stage show at the Toby Jug pub, marking the beginning of his rise to stardom and the creation of a unique "cult of Bowie".

1972: Collaboration on Lou Reed's Transformer

In 1972, David Bowie contributed backing vocals, keyboards, and guitar to Lou Reed's solo album 'Transformer', co-producing the album with Mick Ronson.

1972: Ziggy Stardust Emerges

In 1972, David Bowie re-emerged as Ziggy Stardust, marking the beginning of the glam rock era and winning widespread popularity.

1972: Reissue of Album

In 1972, David Bowie's second album, originally released in the UK as 'David Bowie', was reissued internationally by RCA Records under the name 'Space Oddity'.

1972: Re-release of The Man Who Sold the World

In 1972, after David Bowie broke up the Spiders, there was a high demand for his back catalog, and The Man Who Sold the World was re-released.

June 1973: Release of "Life on Mars?"

In June 1973, David Bowie's "Life on Mars?" was released and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart.

July 1973: Ziggy Stardust's 'Retirement'

On July 3, 1973, David Bowie dramatically and abruptly "retired" his Ziggy Stardust persona on-stage at London's Hammersmith Odeon.

1973: Production of Gillespie's album

In 1973, David Bowie and Mick Ronson produced Dana Gillespie's album Weren't Born a Man.

1973: Release of Aladdin Sane

In 1973, David Bowie released 'Aladdin Sane', his first UK number-one album, which he described as "Ziggy goes to America". The album spawned the UK top five singles "The Jean Genie" and "Drive-In Saturday". He also co-produced Raw Power with Iggy Pop.

December 1974: End of Diamond Dogs Tour

In December 1974, the Diamond Dogs Tour, which had visited cities in North America since June, came to an end. The high-budget stage production was filmed by Alan Yentob, resulting in the documentary, Cracked Actor.

1974: Creation of "The Gouster"

In 1974, David Bowie created "The Gouster", a previously unreleased album that evolved into Young Americans.

1975: Art show

From 1975-1995, David Bowie had an art show.

1975: Release of Young Americans and Firing of Defries

In 1975, David Bowie released the album Young Americans and fired his manager, Tony Defries. The album was a commercial success and contained the hit song "Fame".

1975: Shift to "Plastic Soul"

In 1975, David Bowie shifted to a sound he called "plastic soul", achieving US crossover success with "Fame" and the album Young Americans.

1976: Release of Station to Station

In 1976, David Bowie released the album 'Station to Station', introducing the Thin White Duke persona. The album's synthesiser-heavy arrangements were influenced by electronic and German krautrock, amidst Bowie's severe cocaine addiction.

1976: Starring in "The Man Who Fell to Earth"

In 1976, David Bowie starred in the film "The Man Who Fell to Earth" and released the album Station to Station.

1976: Release of the compilation boxset "Who Can I Be Now? (1974–1976)"

The compilation boxset "Who Can I Be Now? (1974–1976)" was released in 1976.

January 1977: Release of Low

In January 1977, David Bowie released the album Low. Despite RCA's initial reservations, the album spawned the hit single "Sound and Vision" and outperformed Station to Station on the UK charts.

1977: Berlin Trilogy Begins

In 1977, David Bowie changed direction with the electronic album Low, the first of the Berlin Trilogy collaborations with Brian Eno. He also released the album "Heroes".

1977: Release of "Heroes"

In 1977, David Bowie released his album "Heroes", recorded entirely in Berlin, which incorporated pop and rock elements along with ambient sounds. The title track became one of his best-known songs.

1977: Start of Bowie's "Berlin" era

In 1977, David Bowie started his "Berlin" era.

May 1978: Release of Peter and the Wolf

In May 1978, David Bowie's narration for Sergei Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf was released as an album.

1978: Starring role in "Just a Gigolo"

In 1978, David Bowie had a starring role in "Just a Gigolo", which was a critical and commercial failure that Bowie expressed disappointment in.

1979: Release of Lodger

In 1979, David Bowie released Lodger, completing his "triptych" of albums. The album, a mix of new wave and world music, reached number four in the UK and number 20 in the US and spawned the hit singles "Boys Keep Swinging" and "DJ".

1979: Release of "Lodger"

In 1979, David Bowie released the album Lodger, which reached the UK top-five and received critical praise.

1979: Premiere of Ziggy Stardust Film

In 1979, the film 'Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars', incorporating footage from Bowie's final Ziggy Stardust show, premiered.

July 1980: Bowie stars in "The Elephant Man"

From July 1980 to January 1981, David Bowie played Joseph Merrick in the Broadway theatre production "The Elephant Man", receiving critical praise.

1980: "Ashes to Ashes" Hit

In 1980, David Bowie had a number-one hit with the single "Ashes to Ashes" and released the album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps).

1980: Release of Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)

In 1980, David Bowie released Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), which featured the number one single "Ashes to Ashes" and helped expose the New Romantic movement. The album topped the UK charts.

January 1981: Bowie stars in "The Elephant Man"

From July 1980 to January 1981, David Bowie played Joseph Merrick in the Broadway theatre production "The Elephant Man", receiving critical praise.

1981: "Under Pressure" Collaboration

In 1981, David Bowie collaborated with Queen on the number-one hit "Under Pressure".

1981: Collaboration with Queen

In 1981, David Bowie collaborated with Queen on the single "Under Pressure", which became his third UK number-one single.

March 1982: Release of "Cat People" title song

In March 1982, David Bowie's title song for the film Cat People, a collaboration with Giorgio Moroder, was released as a single.

1982: End of Bowie's "Berlin" era

In 1982, David Bowie concluded his "Berlin" era.

1982: Re-release of "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy"

In 1982, RCA belatedly released David Bowie's recording of "Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy" as a single, which charted in the UK at number three.

1983: Start of retrospective box set "Loving the Alien (1983–1988)"

In 1983 David Bowie had a retrospective box set released.

1983: Commercial Success with "Let's Dance"

In 1983, David Bowie achieved his greatest commercial success with the album Let's Dance and starred in Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence.

1983: Criticism of MTV

In 1983, David Bowie criticized MTV for its lack of coverage of Black musicians during an interview with Mark Goodman.

1983: Multiple on-screen appearances

In 1983, David Bowie made three on-screen appearances, including roles in "The Hunger", "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence", and a cameo in "Yellowbeard".

1983: Release of Let's Dance

In 1983, David Bowie released Let's Dance, co-produced by Nile Rodgers, achieving significant commercial success with its title track reaching number one in both the UK and the US.

1983: Original release of "The Hunger"

In 1983, The TV show "The Hunger" came out.

1983: Commercial release of Ziggy Stardust film

In 1983, the Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars film was commercially released.

1984: Release of 'Love You Till Tuesday'

In 1984, 'Love You Till Tuesday', a film starring David Bowie and intended to introduce him to a larger audience, was released after having been previously unreleased.

1984: Release of Tonight

In 1984, David Bowie released Tonight, collaborating with Iggy Pop and Tina Turner. The album included the hit "Blue Jean".

1985: Role in "Into the Night" and rejection of James Bond villain role

In 1985, David Bowie had a supporting role in "Into the Night" and declined to play the villain Max Zorin in the James Bond film "A View to a Kill".

1985: Performance at Live Aid

In July 1985, David Bowie performed at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium and duetted with Mick Jagger on "Dancing in the Street" for Ethiopian famine relief.

1986: Starring in Labyrinth

In 1986, David Bowie starred as Jareth the Goblin King in Labyrinth.

1986: Acting Role in Absolute Beginners and Labyrinth

In 1986, David Bowie took an acting role in the film Absolute Beginners, for which he wrote the title song. He also wrote and starred in the film Labyrinth.

1987: Release of Never Let Me Down

In 1987, David Bowie released the album Never Let Me Down, combining pop rock with a harder rock sound. Despite yielding hits, Bowie later criticized the album.

1988: End of retrospective box set "Loving the Alien (1983–1988)"

In 1988 David Bowie had a retrospective box set released.

1988: Fronting Tin Machine

In 1988, David Bowie fronted the hard rock band Tin Machine.

1988: Role as Pontius Pilate in "The Last Temptation of Christ"

In 1988, David Bowie played Pontius Pilate in Martin Scorsese's "The Last Temptation of Christ".

1989: Debut Album of Tin Machine

In 1989, David Bowie formed the hard rock band Tin Machine and released their self-titled debut album, which received mixed reviews.

1990: Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) boxset release

In 1990, the retrospective box set, Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001), was released.

1990: Painting sold at auction

In late 1990, one of David Bowie's paintings sold at auction for $500.

1991: Release of Tin Machine II

In 1991, David Bowie released Tin Machine II, his first album to miss the UK top 20 in nearly twenty years. The cover art was controversial due to nude Kouroi statues.

1991: Role in Dream On sitcom

In 1991, David Bowie reteamed with Landis for an episode of the HBO sitcom Dream On and played a disgruntled restaurant employee.

1992: Philip Glass's First Symphony

In 1992, American composer Philip Glass adapted David Bowie's album Low into his first symphony.

1992: Twin Peaks Appearance

In 1992, David Bowie appeared in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.

1992: Marriage to Iman and dissolution of Tin Machine

In 1992, David Bowie married Iman. Following the commercial failure of a live album, Bowie dissolved Tin Machine and resumed his solo career.

1992: Portrayal of Phillip Jeffries in "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me"

In 1992, David Bowie portrayed the mysterious FBI agent Phillip Jeffries in David Lynch's "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me".

1992: Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) boxset release

In 1992, the retrospective box set, Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001), was released.

1992: Los Angeles Riots

The 1992 Los Angeles riots occurred, later addressed by David Bowie in his 1993 single "Black Tie White Noise".

1993: Bowie's reflection on "The Man Who Fell to Earth"

In 1993, David Bowie reflected on his role in "The Man Who Fell to Earth", stating that he barely understood the film due to his cocaine addiction.

1993: Black Tie White Noise release and The Buddha of Suburbia

In 1993, David Bowie released "Black Tie White Noise", influenced by soul, jazz, and hip-hop, which topped the UK chart and produced several hits. In 1993 he also explored new directions with "The Buddha of Suburbia", initially a soundtrack for a BBC adaptation that evolved into a full album, but it was commercially unsuccessful initially.

1993: Release of "Black Tie White Noise"

In 1993, David Bowie released the single "Black Tie White Noise," addressing the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

1993: Resuming Solo Career

In 1993, David Bowie resumed his solo career after fronting Tin Machine.

September 1995: Outside Tour begins with Nine Inch Nails

In September 1995, David Bowie began the Outside Tour, partnering with Nine Inch Nails, which received mixed reactions from fans and critics. The tour visited cities in Europe and North America.

1995: First solo art show and cover art for "Outside"

In 1995, David Bowie's first solo show, titled "New Afro/Pagan and Work: 1975–1995", was held in London, and he painted the self-portrait used for the cover of his album "Outside".

1995: Dallas live show release

In 1995, a series of live shows were released, including sets from Dallas.

February 1996: Outside Tour concludes

In February 1996, David Bowie concluded the Outside Tour in North America, which he started in September 1995. Gabrels returned as Bowie's guitarist for the tour.

1996: Playing Andy Warhol in Basquiat

In 1996, David Bowie portrayed Andy Warhol in the biopic Basquiat.

1996: Portrayal of Andy Warhol in Basquiat

In 1996, David Bowie took a small but pivotal role as his friend Andy Warhol in Basquiat.

January 1997: 50th birthday concert at Madison Square Garden

On January 7, 1997, David Bowie celebrated his 50th birthday with a concert at Madison Square Garden, joined by Lou Reed, Dave Grohl and the Foo Fighters, Robert Smith of The Cure, Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins, Black Francis of The Pixies, and Sonic Youth.

1997: Issuance of "Bowie Bonds"

In 1997, "Bowie Bonds", asset-backed securities of Bowie's pre-1990 albums, were issued and bought for US$55 million by Prudential Insurance, generating cash flow from royalties.

1997: Philip Glass's Fourth Symphony

In 1997, American composer Philip Glass adapted David Bowie's album "Heroes" into his fourth symphony.

1997: Foundation of 21 Publishing

In 1997, David Bowie founded the publishing company 21 Publishing.

1997: Donation to Save the Children

In 1997, a portion of the proceeds from the Pay-per-view showing of David Bowie's 50th birthday concert was donated to Save the Children.

September 1998: Launch of BowieNet

In September 1998, David Bowie launched BowieNet, an Internet service provider offering exclusive content and a BowieNet email address.

1998: Co-starring role in "Il Mio West"

In 1998, David Bowie co-starred in Giovanni Veronesi's Spaghetti Western "Il Mio West", also known as Gunslinger's Revenge.

1998: Collaboration with Visconti and Placebo

In 1998, David Bowie reunited with Tony Visconti to record "(Safe in This) Sky Life" for The Rugrats Movie and collaborated with Placebo, adding vocals to their track "Without You I'm Nothing".

1999: Omikron: The Nomad Soul and Hours album released

In 1999, David Bowie created the soundtrack for the computer game "Omikron: The Nomad Soul", also voicing a character with Iman. He released the album Hours, featuring lyrics from an Internet competition winner and marking his exit from heavy electronica, in 1999 as well.

1999: Various roles in film and video games

In 1999, David Bowie played the ageing gangster Bernie in Andrew Goth's "Everybody Loves Sunshine" and voiced two characters in the Dreamcast game "Omikron: The Nomad Soul".

1999: Paris live show release

In 1999, a series of live shows were released, including sets from Paris.

June 2000: Glastonbury Festival appearance

In June 2000, David Bowie made his second appearance at the Glastonbury Festival in England, almost 30 years after his first. The live performance was released as a live album in November 2018.

2000: Sessions commence for unreleased album Toy

In 2000, David Bowie began sessions for "Toy", a collection of remakes from his 1960s period, but it was shelved due to lack of commercial appeal.

2000: Comment on film career

In 2000, David Bowie commented that one cameo for Scorsese brought him much more satisfaction than a James Bond film.

2000: Launch of bowieart.com

In 2000, David Bowie launched www.bowieart.com, a service for fans to view and purchase art from his private collection and a showcase for young artists.

2000: Role in "Mr. Rice's Secret"

In 2000, David Bowie played the title role in "Mr. Rice's Secret".

2000: Recording of Toy album

In 2000, David Bowie recorded his album Toy.

2001: Appearance in "Zoolander"

In 2001, David Bowie appeared as himself in the Ben Stiller comedy "Zoolander", judging a "walk-off".

2001: Writings on Artists and forewords

In 2001, David Bowie was commissioned to write an essay on Jean-Michel Basquiat for the book Writers on Artists and forewords for GQ Cool, Blood and Glitter, and I Am Iman.

2001: Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001) boxset release

In 2001, the retrospective box set, Brilliant Adventure (1992–2001), was released.

2002: Appearance in "The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch"

In 2002, David Bowie appeared in Eric Idle's mockumentary "The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch".

2002: Contributions to Q Magazine and Moonage Daydream

In 2002, David Bowie contributed to Q magazine's special The 100 Greatest Rock 'n' Roll Photographs and to the Ziggy Stardust memoir, Moonage Daydream.

2002: Release of 'Heathen'

In 2002, David Bowie released the album 'Heathen,' which included a cover of "I Took a Trip on a Gemini Space Ship", originally by the "Legendary Stardust Cowboy".

2002: Release of Heathen and Heathen Tour

In 2002, David Bowie released the album Heathen, followed by the Heathen Tour in Europe and North America, opening at London's Meltdown festival where he was the artistic director.

2002: Heathen album release

In 2002, David Bowie released the album Heathen, produced in collaboration with Tony Visconti, which consisted of completely original songs.

2002: Release of "Safe" B-side

In 2002, David Bowie released the re-recorded version of "(Safe in This) Sky Life", titled "Safe", as the B-side to his single "Everyone Says 'Hi'".

2002: Liner Notes for Stevie Ray Vaughan Album

In 2002, David Bowie wrote liner notes for Stevie Ray Vaughan's posthumous album Live at Montreux 1982 & 1985.

2003: Release of Reality

In 2003, David Bowie released the album Reality.

2003: Liner Notes for the Spinners

In 2003, David Bowie wrote liner notes for The Spinners' compilation The Chrome Collection.

2004: Ceases Touring

In 2004, David Bowie ceased touring.

2004: Changes duet with Butterfly Boucher for Shrek 2

In 2004, David Bowie sang a duet of his 1971 song "Changes" with Butterfly Boucher for the animated film Shrek 2.

2004: A Reality Tour and health scare

In 2004, David Bowie's A Reality Tour grossed more than any other that year. On June 25, he experienced chest pain at the Hurricane Festival in Germany, later diagnosed as an acutely blocked coronary artery, requiring emergency angioplasty.

September 2005: Appearance with Arcade Fire at Fashion Rocks

On September 8, 2005, David Bowie returned to the stage, appearing with Arcade Fire for the US televised event Fashion Rocks, followed by another performance with the band a week later during the CMJ Music Marathon.

2005: Filming of XM Satellite Radio commercial

In 2005, David Bowie filmed a commercial with Snoop Dogg for XM Satellite Radio.

2005: Appreciation Piece for Nine Inch Nails and Essay for Iggy Pop

In 2005, David Bowie wrote an appreciation piece in Rolling Stone for Nine Inch Nails and an essay for Iggy Pop's A Million in Prizes: The Anthology.

2005: US release of "Gunslinger's Revenge"

In 2005, the film "Il Mio West" was released in the US as "Gunslinger's Revenge".

2006: Closure of BowieNet

By 2006, the internet service provider BowieNet, which was launched in September 1998, was closed.

2006: Final Live Performance and The Prestige

In 2006, David Bowie gave his last live performance at a charity event and played Nikola Tesla in The Prestige.

2006: Portrayal of Nikola Tesla in "The Prestige"

In 2006, David Bowie portrayed Nikola Tesla in Christopher Nolan's film "The Prestige".

2006: Liner Notes for Placebo's Reissue

In 2006, David Bowie wrote liner notes for the tenth anniversary reissue of Placebo's debut album.

2007: Curator of High Line Festival

In 2007, David Bowie curated the High Line Festival in Manhattan, selecting artists like AIR, Claude Cahun, and Ricky Gervais.

2007: Donation to Jena Six Defence Fund

In 2007, David Bowie donated $10,000 to the defense fund for the Jena Six, protesting racial inequality in the judicial process.

2007: Voice acting in SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis

In 2007, David Bowie voiced the character Lord Royal Highness in the SpongeBob's Atlantis SquarePantis television film.

2007: Liquidation of Bowie Bonds

In 2007, the "Bowie Bonds" liquidated and the rights to the income from the songs reverted to David Bowie.

June 2008: Live album release from Ziggy Stardust era concert

In June 2008, a live album was released of a Ziggy Stardust-era concert from 1972.

2008: Closure of bowieart.com

By 2008, the service www.bowieart.com, which was launched in 2000, was closed.

2008: Supporting role in "August"

In 2008, David Bowie played a supporting role in the film "August".

2009: Cameo in "Bandslam"

In 2009, David Bowie's final film appearance was a cameo as himself in the teen comedy "Bandslam".

January 2010: Live album from A Reality Tour released

In January 2010, a live album from the A Reality Tour was released.

2010: Liner Notes for Neu!'s Vinyl Box

In 2010, David Bowie wrote liner notes for Neu!'s Vinyl Box.

March 2011: Leak of unreleased album Toy

In late March 2011, David Bowie's previously unreleased 2001 album, Toy, was leaked onto the internet, containing material used for Heathen and unheard versions of his early work.

January 2013: Announcement of new album The Next Day

On January 8, 2013, David Bowie announced his first album in a decade, titled The Next Day, and released the single "Where Are We Now?", which topped the UK iTunes chart.

2013: Return with "The Next Day"

In 2013, David Bowie returned from a decade-long recording hiatus with the album The Next Day.

2014: Support for Scottish Union

At the 2014 Brit Awards, David Bowie, upon winning the British Male Solo Artist award, voiced his support for Scotland remaining in the UK during the forthcoming Scottish independence referendum.

2014: Diagnosis of liver cancer and release of Nothing Has Changed

In mid-2014, David Bowie was diagnosed with liver cancer. Also in 2014, a new compilation album, Nothing Has Changed, was released, featuring rare tracks and a new song, "Sue (Or in a Season of Crime)".

2015: Recording final album Blackstar and writing songs for SpongeBob musical

Throughout 2015, David Bowie secretly recorded his final album, Blackstar, and wrote songs for a Broadway musical based on SpongeBob SquarePants. It was also the year that it was announced that he was writing songs for the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon series.

January 2016: Release of Blackstar and Bowie's death

In January 2016, David Bowie released Blackstar on his 69th birthday, receiving critical acclaim. He died two days later, with the album later revealed to be his planned "parting gift" to fans.

September 2016: Release of "Who Can I Be Now? (1974–1976)"

In September 2016, the retrospective box set "Who Can I Be Now? (1974–1976)" was released, covering David Bowie's mid-1970s soul period. It included "The Gouster", a previously unreleased 1974 album.

October 2016: Soundtrack appearance for "Lazarus" musical

In October 2016, three songs from the Blackstar sessions, which were not included on the album, appeared on the soundtrack album for the "Lazarus" musical.

2016: Influence on Tolerance

In 2016, the BBC's Mark Easton stated that Britain was "far more tolerant of difference" because of Bowie's androgynous challenge.

January 2017: Release of "No Plan" EP

On 8 January 2017, which would have been David Bowie's 70th birthday, the EP "No Plan" was released. The EP included three songs recorded during the Blackstar sessions that were not included on the album and appeared on the soundtrack for the Lazarus musical.

2017: Intention to cast Bowie in Blade Runner 2049

In a 2017 interview with Consequence of Sound, Denis Villeneuve revealed his intention to cast Bowie in Blade Runner 2049 as the main villain but following his death, Villeneuve was forced to look for talent with similar "rock star" qualities

September 2018: Release of "Loving the Alien (1983–1988)"

In September 2018, the retrospective box set "Loving the Alien (1983–1988)" was released, comprising his releases during the 1980s.

November 2018: Release of Glastonbury performance as a live album

In November 2018, David Bowie's June 2000 performance at Glastonbury Festival was released as a live album.

2019: Philip Glass's Twelfth Symphony

In 2019, American composer Philip Glass adapted David Bowie's album Lodger into his twelfth symphony.

January 2020: Release of unreleased version of "The Man Who Sold the World"

On 8 January 2020, on what would have been David Bowie's 73rd birthday, a previously unreleased version of "The Man Who Sold the World" was released.

November 2020: Release of "ChangesNowBowie"

In November 2020, the album "ChangesNowBowie" was released for Record Store Day.

2022: Best-Selling Vinyl Artist

As of 2022, David Bowie was the best-selling vinyl artist of the 21st century.

2022: Rerelease of Moonage Daydream

In 2022, the Genesis Publications memoir of the Ziggy Stardust years, Moonage Daydream, which David Bowie heavily contributed to, was rereleased.

2049: Blade Runner 2049 production

In 2049, production for Blade Runner 2049 began.