🎼 Starman – Single: Apr. 1972

David Bowie was on the verge of becoming a superstar. With his fiery red mullet, platform boots and alter ego Ziggy Stardust, he released “Starman” — a glittering, melodic anthem that introduced the world to his bold new persona and the theatrical world of *The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars*.

Released on April 28, 1972, the single appeared on RCA Records under catalogue number RCA 2199. Backed with the raw, high-energy “Suffragette City,” this 7-inch release became Bowie’s first major UK hit and the spark that ignited Ziggy-mania across the nation.

Label: RCA Records

Catalogue Number: RCA 2199

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: April 28, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — RCA – RCA 2199 — 1972

A. Starman

B. Suffragette City

Written by: David Bowie (both tracks)

Produced by: David Bowie and Ken Scott

Recorded: February 1972 at Trident Studios, London

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released April 28, 1972

• Bowie’s breakthrough hit and first major UK Top 10 single

• Iconic glam anthem with a memorable “starman” hook and lush arrangement

• Featured Mick Ronson’s soaring guitar and the full power of the Spiders from Mars

• Chart debut: May 6, 1972

• Peaked at No. 10 in the UK

🔘 The Story

“Starman” was the song that truly launched David Bowie into the stratosphere. Its catchy, singalong chorus and science-fiction storytelling perfectly captured the excitement and otherworldliness of the Ziggy Stardust concept. The now-legendary performance of the song on *Top of the Pops* in July 1972 — with Bowie draping his arm around Mick Ronson — became one of the defining moments of the glam era.

The B-side “Suffragette City” was a high-octane, riff-driven rocker that contrasted sharply with the dreamy A-side, showcasing the band’s raw power. The single climbed steadily into the Top 10 and opened the floodgates for the enormous success of the *Ziggy Stardust* album.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — RCA – RCA 2199 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — RCA – RCA 2199 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — RCA – RCA 2199 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard RCA company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on May 6, 1972 and peaked at No. 10. It spent a total of 11 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 11

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Starman” – uplifting glam anthem with a soaring chorus and futuristic theme.

• B-side: “Suffragette City” – aggressive, riff-heavy rocker with a rebellious edge.

• Production: David Bowie and Ken Scott – creating the sleek, powerful sound that defined the Ziggy era.

• Sleeve notes: Standard RCA company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released at the dawn of the glam rock explosion, marking Bowie’s transformation into a cultural icon.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: One of Bowie’s most frequently reissued singles and a cornerstone of every major greatest hits collection.

🔘 Related Material

• Changes (1972)

• John, I’m Only Dancing (1972)

• The Jean Genie (1972)

• Ziggy Stardust (1972)

🔘 Discography

Changes – Single: 1972

Starman – Single: 1972

John, I’m Only Dancing – Single: 1972

The Jean Genie – Single: 1972

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ February 1972 — Recorded at Trident Studios, London

✦ April 28, 1972 — UK single released

✦ May 6, 1972 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ June/July 1972 — Peaks at No. 10

✦ Late July 1972 — Completes 11-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With a lightning bolt across his face and a message from the stars, David Bowie beamed “Starman” into British living rooms in April 1972 and changed the face of rock forever.

#ReleaseChronicle #DavidBowie #Starman #1972 #RCA

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: RCA Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.