David Bowie (July 20 1972)"The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" – Album Review – Rolling Stone

SOURCE DETAILS   Publication: Rolling Stone Date: July 20 1972

Country: United States Section / Pages: Album Review Title: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust

 and the Spiders from Mars Writer: Richard Cromelin

This Rolling Stone review by Richard Cromelin 

David Bowie’s landmark album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

Cromelin situates Bowie’s work within the emerging glam‑rock movement, describing the record as a theatrical fusion of science fiction, rock ’n’ roll, and emotional vulnerability.

The article praises Bowie’s ability to craft a cohesive narrative around the Ziggy persona — a doomed rock star who channels alien salvation through music. Cromelin highlights the album’s balance between concept and accessibility, noting its melodic strength and lyrical ambition.

The accompanying photograph shows Bowie performing live, dressed in glittering stage attire and playing a twelve‑string acoustic guitar, emblematic of his Ziggy Stardust era.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS   Event: Album review for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars  Era: 1972 – Ziggy Stardust period Tone: Analytical and admiring Photography: Live performance image of David Bowie with guitar

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This review helped cement Bowie’s reputation in the American press as a visionary artist.

Cromelin’s analysis captures the excitement surrounding Bowie’s transformation into Ziggy Stardust — a defining moment in rock history that bridged art, fashion, and futurism.

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