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David Bowie (April 28, 1972) “Starman” / “Suffragette City” – Single 7" UK

Apr 28, 1972
2 min read

A defining glam rock anthem and a pivotal moment in David Bowie’s career, “Starman” introduced the world to Ziggy Stardust. Released as the lead single from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, it became Bowie’s first major hit since “Space Oddity” and launched him into superstardom.


Artist: David Bowie

Label: RCA Victor

Date: April 28, 1972

Catalogue: RCA 2199

Format: 7" Vinyl Single

Country: UK

A-Side: “Starman”

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: David Bowie, Ken Scott

B-Side: “Suffragette City”

Written by: David Bowie

Produced by: David Bowie, Ken Scott



TRACK LIST

UK 7" Commercial Single (RCA 2199)

A. Starman

B. Suffragette City

LINKED RELEASES / VARIANTS

Main Commercial – RCA 2199 (Stereo) Promo copies exist

PERSONNEL

  • David Bowie — vocals, guitar

  • Mick Ronson — guitar, backing vocals

  • Trevor Bolder — bass

  • Mick Woodmansey — drums


THE STORY

Released on April 28, 1972 on RCA Victor (RCA 2199), “Starman” / “Suffragette City” was the lead single from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. The A-side introduced the Ziggy Stardust persona with its catchy chorus and sci-fi storytelling, while the B-side “Suffragette City” is a high-energy rock track. The single entered the UK chart on June 24, 1972, spent 11 weeks on the chart, and peaked at No.10.

CONTEXT & NOTES

The single’s success was boosted by Bowie’s legendary performance on Top of the Pops, which introduced him to a mass audience. It marked the beginning of Bowie’s glam rock era and Ziggy Stardust phenomenon.

International Variants 

Angola

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Angola · 1972

Australia

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Australia · 1972

Canada

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Canada · 1972

Germany

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Germany · 1972

India

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — India · 1972

Japan

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA — Japan · 1972

Netherlands

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Netherlands · 1972

New Zealand

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — New Zealand · 1972

USA

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — US · 1972

Yugoslavia

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Yugoslavia · 1972

Argentina

  • Starman — 7", 45 RPM, Single — RCA Victor — Argentina · 1973


RELATED MATERIAL

David Bowie (1972) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (Album)

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

SOURCES Discogs, 45cat, 45worlds, Official Charts, Wikipedia

All single artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.










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