David Bowie: The Man Who Fell to Earth

David Bowie was never just one person.

Across a career spanning more than five decades, he transformed himself again and again, from the flame-haired alien Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke, from global superstar to actor, artist and one of the most influential musicians of the modern era.

But behind the characters was David Jones: a boy from south London whose extraordinary ambition would take him from suburban obscurity to international fame.

In this episode of Dead Famous, we explore the remarkable life of David Bowie — his childhood and early struggles, the creation of Ziggy Stardust, his complicated relationships, battles with addiction, reinventions and the music that made him an icon.

We also follow Bowie through the final chapter of his life: his very private battle with his health, the creation of his haunting final album Blackstar, and his death on 10 January 2016, just two days after his 69th birthday.

This is the story of an artist who spent a lifetime becoming somebody else — and left the world wondering who David Bowie really was.

Beyond the Script is available exclusively to members of the Dead Famous Patreon — join here!

If you enjoy thoughtful, thoroughly researched documentaries about the lives and deaths of famous people, be sure to follow Dead Famous and leave a rating or review. It really helps the podcast reach more listeners.

Research and writing - Elliott Caddy

Theme music arranged and composed by Holly-Jane Shears

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