Revisiting the Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

Released in 1972 under Rock and Roll Icon David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust is the star's fifth and breakout album, receiving multiple platinum records in the UK. Released in the UK under RCA Records, and produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, the entire Album was backed by the Spiders from Mars – consisting of Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder and Mick Woodmansey. The album was recorded at Trident Studios in London not unlike his previous album Hunky Dory. Most of the album was recorded in November of 1971 with further sessions in January and early February 1972. The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust might just be my favourite album of Bowie's (and all time), though little actually listen to the album for the story behind it, I believe it’s a testament to what it means to be an icon in Rock and Roll and how stardom can be the maker and breaker of any legend. Not unlike our current situation, the world is ending (in five years to be exact), hope is lost and humanity is, well, fucked. Until, in the midst of chaos and strife, the rock and roll star/alien/messiah, ‘Ziggy Stardust’ appears to save humanity. Equipped with his band (The Spiders from Mars), these ‘Starmen’ only have one message to spread on behalf of the galaxy, peace and love my dudes. This message is spread to the youth of our world, being the only hope for the future. Once stripped from any form of rock and roll, a light is relit in the belly and souls of the youth, all thanks to Ziggy and his band. We all gotta ‘keep our 'lectric eye on me babe’ and watch take in the Star and his message if we want any hope for the future. Armed with the belief that he is a prophet, Ziggy took himself to unseen spiritual heights, only being kept alive by his disciples. Sadly in, ‘Rock and Roll Suicide’, Ziggy’s fate is sealed and he is destroyed upon his stage- a true messiah. Much like Icarus flying too close to the Sun. Ziggy went too far, his fame and hubris were his downfall, and so came the end of Ziggy. This could be seen as a subtle commentary on what rock and roll artists were seen as in the public eye. They are praised like deities and followed closely by fans who considered themselves disciples. This creates an egomaniac machine, which most enter, but very few return. Drug overdoses, liver failure, sucide, all side effects to fame. Ziggy wasn’t only a symbol of a rock and roll artist but a testament to them. Though, like many before him, he succumbed to the lifestyle and died due to it, however much like a messiah or prophet his word and music still go on. With people still listening to his music today, this album especially. This album has only continued to grow in popularity, even in this decade the album still managed to reach number 3 on US Top Catalog Albums. I believe this isn’t only a legacy to Bowie but his music, much like Ziggy, Bowie's music continues to mould and inspire the youth today. His messages of peace and love and inclusivity are still inspiring,, and this will continue to be one of the only albums on this planet that I consider to be perfect.