David Bowie (October 7, 1972) – “David Bowie: Not Just A Pretty Face?” Feature - New Musical Express (NME)

Oct 7, 1972

3 min read

In this thoughtful NME feature, Nick Kent examines whether David Bowie was becoming one of the most important artists of his generation or merely the latest pop sensation. Published during the height of the Ziggy Stardust era, the article explores Bowie's intelligence, ambition and artistic depth while challenging those who dismissed him as image over substance.

Publication: New Musical Express (NME)

Date: October 7, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

Under the headline "David Bowie: Not Just A Pretty Face?", Nick Kent sets out to investigate the growing phenomenon surrounding David Bowie. The article opens by contrasting Bowie with earlier pop idols whose success often depended more upon appearance than artistic achievement, suggesting that Bowie represented something considerably more complex.

Kent argues that many observers remained uncertain how seriously to take Bowie. While his image, costumes and theatricality attracted attention, the writer believes these elements often distracted from the intelligence and ambition evident in his music.

Rather than viewing Bowie as merely another glamorous pop star, Kent presents him as an artist attempting to expand the possibilities of rock music.

The feature discusses Bowie's rise through the British music scene and assesses the run of recordings that had established him as one of the country's most talked-about performers. Particular attention is given to The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, which is regarded as one of the strongest artistic statements of the year.

Kent examines the recurring themes in Bowie's work, including alienation, fantasy, fame and identity. The article suggests that Bowie possessed an unusually clear sense of artistic purpose and had developed a body of work that rewarded closer examination. Songs and characters are viewed not simply as entertainment but as part of a wider creative vision.

The writer also considers Bowie's influences and contemporaries, comparing him with artists such as Lou Reed, Andy Warhol and other figures associated with modern culture. Bowie is portrayed as someone capable of drawing ideas from many different sources and reshaping them into something distinctly his own.

Large photographs accompany the article, including a dominant concert image of Bowie performing with a microphone and an additional live photograph featuring members of The Spiders From Mars. The images reinforce the dramatic stage presence that had become central to the Ziggy Stardust phenomenon.

Kent ultimately concludes that Bowie represents far more than a fashionable image. While acknowledging that some may still view him with suspicion, the feature argues that his music, ideas and artistic ambition deserve serious consideration.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during Bowie's breakthrough year, the article captures a moment when debate continued regarding his long-term significance. While audiences were embracing Ziggy Stardust, some critics remained uncertain whether Bowie would prove to be a lasting artist or a temporary sensation.

The feature is particularly notable because it was one of the earliest substantial attempts to analyse Bowie as a serious creative figure rather than simply a pop star. Nick Kent recognises the intelligence behind the image and argues that Bowie's growing success was rooted as much in artistic vision as visual presentation.

With hindsight, the article provides an insightful contemporary assessment of an artist who would soon become one of the most influential figures in modern music.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Nick Kent analyses David Bowie's artistic significance

Era: 1972 Ziggy Stardust era

Tone: Analytical and appreciative

Photography: Large live performance photograph of David Bowie with additional photograph of Bowie and The Spiders From Mars

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• NME feature titled "David Bowie: Not Just A Pretty Face?"

• Nick Kent's assessment of Bowie's growing importance

• Discussion of The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars

• Examination of Bowie's image, ambition and artistic vision

• Large live photographs from the Ziggy Stardust period

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