David Bowie (Jan. 1997) Old Boys Keep Swinging – Feature

A vivid New Musical Express feature capturing David Bowie’s late‑1990s resurgence, reflecting on his creative vitality and stage presence during the Earthling era.

WRITER / ARTIST / DATE / LENGTH

Writer: New Musical Express Editorial Team

Artist: David Bowie

Date: January 25, 1997

Length: 5 min read

OVERVIEW

Published on January 25, 1997, this NME article titled “Old Boys Keep Swinging” examined Bowie’s renewed energy and relevance as he entered his fifties. The feature explored his Earthling period — a fusion of drum‑and‑bass experimentation and seasoned artistry — portraying him as both elder statesman and restless innovator. The accompanying photograph shows Bowie mid‑performance, hand to chest, illuminated by warm stage light, symbolising his enduring emotional connection with audiences.

PUBLICATION

Publication: New Musical Express

Date: January 25, 1997

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Feature Page 39

Title: Old Boys Keep Swinging

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Coverage of Bowie’s Earthling‑era live performances

Era: Late 1990s / Drum‑and‑Bass Fusion Period

Tone: Reflective, vital, celebratory

Photography: Live performance portrait with warm lighting

Audience: NME readers and Bowie fans tracking his 1990s reinvention

“Old boys keep swinging.”

THE STORY BEHIND IT

The feature contextualised Bowie’s Earthling project within his broader creative arc, noting how he embraced electronic experimentation while maintaining lyrical depth. It highlighted his collaboration with Reeves Gabrels and his ability to merge avant‑garde production with timeless songwriting. The article’s tone balanced admiration with analysis, portraying Bowie as a figure who refused nostalgia, instead pushing forward with new sonic landscapes and visual aesthetics.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: NME feature on Bowie’s Earthling era

Era: 1997 / Late career innovation

Tone: Dynamic, analytical, celebratory

Photography: Live shot of Bowie singing under amber light

Audience: British music press readers and long‑time Bowie follow

CONTEXT & NOTES

The layout features a large headline in bold blue capitals, echoing NME’s 1990s design language. The accompanying sidebar “Bar‑Time Dispatches” situates the piece within the magazine’s cultural commentary section. The photograph captures Bowie’s theatrical poise — a reminder of his ability to reinvent stage presence across decades. The article’s title nods to his 1979 single “Boys Keep Swinging,” reframed here as a metaphor for artistic longevity.

“Bowie proves that age only sharpens the edge of invention.”

SOURCES

New Musical Express (January 25, 1997)

Publication verified from NME archives

Context cross‑checked with 1997 Earthling tour coverage

External anchors: Discogs / 45cat / Wikipedia (where applicable)

RELATED MATERIAL

• David Bowie – Glam Slam Guide

• Bowie Retro Reviews : 1973

• Bowie Points The Way – Article : Jan. 1974

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