A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped David Bowie's life and career.
David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was a highly influential English singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Celebrated for his groundbreaking work, especially in the 1970s, he was known for constant reinvention and striking visual presentations. His music and stagecraft profoundly impacted popular music, solidifying his legacy as one of the 20th century's most important artists.
1962: Eye Injury
In 1962, David Bowie sustained a serious eye injury during a fight, resulting in permanent damage that became one of his recognisable features.
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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.
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1969: Break-up with Hermione Farthingale
In early 1969, David Bowie and Hermione Farthingale broke up when she went to Norway to take part in a film, Song of Norway.
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1975: Abandonment of God
By 1975, David Bowie admitted, "I felt totally, absolutely alone. And I probably was alone because I pretty much had abandoned God."
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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".
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August 1976: Move to West Berlin
In August 1976, David Bowie relocated to West Berlin with Iggy Pop, aiming to overcome drug addictions and escape the limelight, which led to the Berlin Trilogy.
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1976: Move to Switzerland
In 1976, David Bowie moved to Switzerland and purchased a chalet, decreasing his cocaine use and devoting more time to painting.
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1976: Support for Fascism
In 1976, David Bowie, as the Thin White Duke, expressed support for fascism and admiration for Adolf Hitler in interviews with various publications. These controversial statements later inspired the Rock Against Racism movement.
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October 1977: Retraction of Fascism Support
In October 1977, David Bowie retracted his 1976 statements expressing support for fascism, blaming them on mental instability caused by drug problems. He described himself as "apolitical" in an interview with Melody Maker.
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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.
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1983: Criticism of MTV
In 1983, David Bowie criticized MTV for its lack of coverage of Black musicians during an interview with Mark Goodman.
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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.
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1990: Break-up with Melissa Hurley
In 1990, David Bowie broke off his relationship with Melissa Hurley during the Sound+Vision Tour, primarily due to their age difference.
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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.
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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.
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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)".
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2016: Death from Liver Cancer
In 2016, David Bowie passed away from liver cancer, two days after his 69th birthday and the release of his final album, Blackstar.
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