David Bowie (June 21, 1972) “Starman” Lift Off with Ayshea Performance – Granada Television
On June 21, 1972, David Bowie made his first television appearance as Ziggy Stardust, performing “Starman” on the regional children’s music show Lift Off with Ayshea.
Publication / Source: Granada Television – Lift Off with Ayshea
Date: Recorded June 15, 1972 | Broadcast June 21, 1972
Country: United Kingdom Location: Manchester Section: Television Performance
THE STORY
Bowie, in full Ziggy Stardust regalia with bright red hair and futuristic outfit, performed “Starman” on the show hosted by Ayshea Brough.
This was technically the very first television broadcast of the Ziggy persona, predating the more famous Top of the Pops appearance by two weeks.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
For decades, this performance was considered lost after Granada wiped the master tapes.
A fan’s off-air home recording (made on an old computer tape) was later discovered and restored around 2019, making it available once again.
While the June 21 Lift Off broadcast reached a smaller regional audience, it marked the true television debut of Ziggy Stardust.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: First TV performance as Ziggy Stardust
Era: 1972 (Ziggy Stardust breakthrough) Tone: Revolutionary, charismatic Photography: Live studio performance
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
David Bowie’s debut as Ziggy Stardust on television
Early full Ziggy look with red hair and bold costume
Performance of “Starman” on a children’s music show
Historic “lost” footage that was later recovered
RELATED MATERIAL
July 6, 1972 BBC Top of the Pops “Starman” performance (national breakthrough)
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