David Bowie (July 19 1980) "‘Scary Monsters’ Is Bowie’s Newie" – News Feature – Melody Maker

SOURCE DETAILS   Publication: Melody Maker Date: July 19 1980 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: News Feature Title: ‘Scary Monsters’ Is Bowie’s Newie

This Melody Maker article announces David Bowie’s forthcoming album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) and his new phase as both musician and actor. The piece highlights Bowie’s dual focus: the release of his next LP and his American stage debut in The Elephant Man.

The article details that Scary Monsters was produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, featuring contributions from Robert Fripp, Pete Townshend, Roy Bittan, Carlos Alomar, Dennis Davis, and George Murray.

It notes the single Ashes to Ashes backed with Move On from Lodger, scheduled for release on August 1.

A black‑and‑white photograph of Bowie accompanies the text, captioned “Elephantine Bowie”, showing him smiling in a checkered shirt. The article also mentions his upcoming theatrical run in Denver, Chicago, and possibly Broadway, portraying a Victorian freak in The Elephant Man.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS   Event: Announcement of David Bowie’s

 album Scary Monsters and stage debut

 in The Elephant Man  

Era: 1980 –

Post‑Berlin period and transition to mainstream acting Tone: Informative and anticipatory Photography: Black‑and‑white portrait of David Bowie captioned 

“Elephantine Bowie”

CONTEXT AND NOTES

 This article captures Bowie at a creative crossroads — closing his experimental trilogy with Lodger and stepping into theatrical performance. Melody Maker frames Scary Monsters as both a culmination and a reinvention, marking his confident return to rock while expanding his artistic reach.

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