David Bowie (August 26, 1976) Bowie Lookalike Contest – Random Notes
This Rolling Stone “Random Notes” column from August 26 1976 humorously reports on a David Bowie look‑alike contest held in Chicago, reflecting the height of Bowie’s mid‑1970s cultural influence. The short piece captures the playful spirit of the Diamond Dogs era and the fascination surrounding Bowie’s image.
Publication: Rolling Stone Date: August 26 1976 Country: United States
THE STORY Under the “Random Notes” banner, the magazine features three photographs of the contest finalists — “Bashir,” Cindy Januszkacz, and Greg Lankton — each styled in Bowie‑inspired fashion.
The accompanying text jokes about their prizes: a limousine dinner for the winner and free tickets to The Man Who Fell to Earth for the runners‑up. Another participant, Dave Rebhloz, is mentioned for arriving too late to compete. The tone is light and irreverent, typical of Rolling Stone’s pop‑culture coverage during the 1970s.
CONTEXT AND NOTES By 1976, Bowie’s theatrical persona and visual experimentation had become iconic, inspiring fans worldwide to emulate his look.
This clipping illustrates how his Diamond Dogs imagery and film work blurred the lines between music, fashion, and performance art, making him a fixture of both rock and mainstream culture.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: David Bowie look‑alike contest coverage
Era: 1976 – Station to Station / Post‑Glam Era Tone: Humorous, fan‑focused, and pop‑cultural
Photography: Three black‑and‑white portraits of contest participants dressed in Bowie‑style outfits
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