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David Bowie (June 22, 1974) Melody Maker – Reader’s Letter “Bowie’s gone to the dogs!”

  • Writer: David Bowie
    David Bowie
  • Jun 22, 1974
  • 2 min read

The June 22, 1974 issue of Melody Maker features a strongly critical reader’s letter titled “Bowie’s gone to the dogs!” from Michael Henderson of New House, Repton, Derby, attacking David Bowie’s recent output and artistic direction.


Publication: Melody Maker

Date: June 22, 1974

Country: United Kingdom Location: London

Section: Letters / Mailbag (LP Winner)


THE STORY

The letter responds to another reader’s praise of Bowie, arguing that since the success of Ziggy Stardust, Bowie has “sold out” both musically and theatrically. The writer accuses him of producing non-distinctive, commercial, and banal material, claiming his theatrics are calculated for commercial gain and that “quality has gone out of the window.”


CONTEXT AND NOTES

Mid-1974 was a transitional period for David Bowie following the Diamond Dogs album and tour. Fan opinions were sharply divided — some celebrated his evolving persona while others felt he had moved away from his earlier innovative work. This published letter captures the strong reactions Bowie’s chameleonic career often provoked in the UK music press.



FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: Critical reader’s letter (LP Winner) Era: 1974 (David Bowie Diamond Dogs era) Tone: Harsh, disappointed, polemical Photography: None (text-focused letter)


WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

  • Large bold headline: “Bowie’s gone to the dogs!”

  • Full text of the letter by Michael Henderson

  • Reference to a previous pro-Bowie letter from Richard Hartley

  • Notation “■ LP winner” indicating it was awarded as the best letter of the week



RELATED MATERIAL 

This critical letter reflects contemporary debate around Bowie during the Diamond Dogs period.

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


All magazine scans, photographs 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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