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No artist used the medium video as creatively as David Bowie. The “Cracked Actor” redefined how to interpret music for the camera. Before MTV existed, he did more than anyone else to invent the music video – and then exhaust his limits to the utmost. He took his film career more seriously than most other rock stars and created a unique cinematic work.
His fantastic journey through 50 years of pop culture led him across television-from Morning shows to live festivals. These 25 unforgettable moments from Bowie come from a life in front of the camera.
Early TV moments
“Oh! You Pretty Things” in the old gray whistle test (1972)
A live appearance for the BBC. The young Bowie sits on the piano, in the jumpsuit with open buttons, and sings the “Hunky Dory” ballad. Already here he looks like not from this world, with his hypnotic look at the camera.
“Starman” in Top of the Pops (1972)
The legendary performance of July 6, 1972 – the moment when Bowie really became Bowie. With a red mane, rainbow room suit, blue acoustic guitar and casual arm wrapped around Mick Ronson, he became the most scandalous rock sensation of England in four minutes.
The rise of the art figure
“John, I’m only dancing” (1972)
A low-budget clip from Mick Rock, even before there were music videos. Bowie in a leather jacket look, with red fingernails, false eyelashes and anchor tattoo. Too daring for Top of the pops.
“The Jean Genius” (1973)
A playful clip with Cyrinda Foxe, Bowies Muse in New York. Among other things, she taught him to buy the right shoes – a detail that he often mentioned himself.
“Life on Mars?” (1973)
Mick Rocks iconic clip: Bowie alone against white background, in the turquoise suit, with red lipstick and blue eyeshadow – a masterpiece of reduction.
“I got you babe” in the 1980 Floor Show (1973)
A spectacular finale: Bowie in the red vinyl corset with black springs in a duet with Marianne Faithfull, which appeared as a nun – but with an open back.
TV excesses and documentary legends
“Footstompin ‘” in the Dick Cavett Show (1974)
Bowie, visibly drawn, introduces his new soul band and murmurs confused answers. But the appearance with Ava Cherry on the microphone is legendary.
“Cracked Actor” (1975)
Alan Yentobs BBC documentary shows Bowie on American tour-confused, excited, but fascinating. Unforgettable: Bowie in the limo window, singing, drinking milk and the famous sentence over the fly in his milk.
“Young Americans” in Cher (1975)
A sloping TV duet with Cher that turns into a wild oldies medley show.
“Golden Years” in “Soul Train” (1975)
A historical moment: Bowie as the first white rock star at “Soul Train”. Forgets the text, but still dances.
Cinema and the Thin White Duke era
“The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976)
Bowie in Nicolas Roeg’s sci-fi classic as a Marsian-his most famous role.
“Stay” in “Dinah!” (1976)
Bowie in the electrifying radio outfit, live with his band, plus charming interview with Dinah Shore.
“Heroes” in “Musikladen” (1978)
A furious performance for German television – more intensive than any studio recording.
“Boys Keep Swinging” (1979)
Bowie in David Mallet’s drag video-as femme fatal, Dietrich-Diva and Androgyner Birds of paradise.
“The Man Who Sold the World” in “Saturday Night Live” (1979)
With Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias, Grotesk, avant -garde, unforgettable.
80s icons
“Ashes to Ashes” (1980)
A surreal video, Bowie as a pierrot, patient, clown – a milestone of the music video.
“China Girl” (1983)
An ironic but provocative MTV production, censored because of too much skin.
“Desire” (1983)
The vampire film with Catherine Deneuve and Susan Sarandon, now a cult.
“Blue Jean” (1984)
Slapstick double role in Julien-Temple-short film.
“Dancing in the Street” (1985)
With Mick Jagger-a weird, over-the-top MTV star lesson.
“Labyrinth” (1986)
Fotted as a goblin king at first, later cult and entry-level drug for new fans.
Late highlights
“I’m Afraid of Americans” (1997)
Bowie in the cat-and-mouse game with Trent Reznor through New York.
“Zoolander” (2001)
As a surprise juror in the “walk-off”-a comedic stroke of genius.
“The Stars (Are Out Tonight)” (2013)
Comeback video with Tilda Swinton-Bowie as part of a surreal couple.
“Lazarus” (2016)
His farewell: Bowie in the bedside, fierce eyes, fighting – a deeply moving legacy.