David Bowie (October 16, 1980) The Show Begins – Rolling Stone

A full‑page advertisement from Rolling Stone promoting David Bowie’s album Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps), combining theatrical imagery with a limited‑edition fan offer.

Writer: RCA Records Advertisement

Artist: David Bowie

Date: October 16, 1980

Length: 3 min read

The advertisement features Bowie in dramatic makeup and costume, photographed in overlapping poses against a textured backdrop of crumpled paper and shadow. The headline reads “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Show Begins…” followed by “David Bowie – Scary Monsters.” Beneath the image, the text announces a special offer to the first 100 readers: a limited‑edition colour stamp sheet designed by Bowie himself. The layout reflects Bowie’s fusion of art, performance, and self‑promotion, presenting the album as both a musical and visual event.

PUBLICATION

Publication: Rolling Stone

Date: October 16, 1980

Country: United States

Section / Pages: Page 2

Title: The Show Begins – Scary Monsters Advertisement

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Promotional campaign for Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)

Era: 1980 – Post‑Berlin period

Tone: Theatrical and avant‑garde

Photography: Bowie in layered performance imagery

Audience: US music readers and Bowie collectors

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Show Begins… David Bowie – Scary Monsters.

THE STORY BEHIND IT

Released in autumn 1980, Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) marked Bowie’s return to mainstream acclaim after his experimental Berlin trilogy. RCA’s US campaign emphasised Bowie’s artistry and visual innovation, using surreal imagery and interactive fan offers to reinforce his connection with audiences. The Rolling Stone advertisement positioned the album as a theatrical experience, echoing Bowie’s fascination with performance and transformation.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: Rolling Stone advertisement for Scary Monsters

Era: 1980

Tone: Dramatic and promotional

Photography: Bowie in stylised costume and makeup

Audience: Rolling Stone readers and Bowie fans

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This advertisement exemplifies RCA’s high‑concept marketing for Bowie’s early‑1980s releases. The visual composition mirrors the album’s themes of fragmentation and reinvention, while the stamp offer underscores Bowie’s role as both musician and designer. The piece stands as a vivid artifact of his transition into the decade’s art‑pop era.

A limited edition, colour stamp sheet of Scary Monsters designed by David Bowie.

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SOURCES

Rolling Stone (October 16 1980)

Publication verified from archival issue records

Context cross‑checked with discography and press documentation

External anchors: Discogs / Wikipedia (where applicable)

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.

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