David Bowie (April 1979) New Bowie LP Due – NME (New Musical Express)

A short news item from NME announcing David Bowie’s forthcoming album, scheduled for release in early May 1979. The piece previews the project’s production details and hints at Bowie’s ongoing creative partnerships.

Writer: Uncredited

Artist: David Bowie

Date: April 1979

Length: 2 min read

The article reports that Bowie’s new album, produced by Tony Visconti with contributions from Brian Eno, was completed in New York earlier that year. Working titles under consideration included “Planned Accidents” and “Despite Straight Lines.” The note also mentions Bowie’s interest in theatrical projects, including a West End play script, while dismissing rumours that he intended to produce the Human League. The photograph alongside shows Bowie performing, microphone in hand, his expression focused and introspective — a visual prelude to the *Lodger* era’s experimental tone.

PUBLICATION

Publication: NME (New Musical Express)

Date: April 1979

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: News Item

Title: New Bowie LP Due

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Announcement of Bowie’s forthcoming album

Era: 1979 – Lodger period

Tone: Informative and anticipatory

Photography: Black‑and‑white portrait of Bowie with microphone

Audience: UK music press readers

“Produced by Tony Visconti with Bowie, it includes contributions from Brian Eno.”

THE STORY BEHIND IT

By spring 1979, Bowie was completing *Lodger*, the final instalment of his Berlin Trilogy. This NME notice captures the moment before its release, when speculation surrounded the album’s title and direction. The collaboration with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti continued Bowie’s exploration of avant‑pop textures and global influences. The mention of theatrical and production rumours reflects Bowie’s expanding creative interests beyond music, foreshadowing his later ventures into stage and film.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: NME announcement of Bowie’s new album

Era: 1979

Tone: Brief and anticipatory

Photography: Bowie portrait with microphone

Audience: British music readers

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This short item is one of the earliest public references to *Lodger* before its official title was confirmed. The working names “Planned Accidents” and “Despite Straight Lines” reflect Bowie’s fascination with structure and chance — themes central to his collaboration with Eno. The piece situates Bowie at a creative crossroads, balancing experimental ambition with mainstream anticipation.

“Work on the record started from Brian before Christmas and finished recently in New York.”

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