Goodbye Ziggy Article: 1973

Bowie's South Bank Cosmic Circus Arrival

New Musical Express’s one-page article captured David Bowie and his entourage — described as the “David Bowie Travelling Cosmic Circus” — arriving at London Weekend Television’s South Bank studios for a performance or recording session. The vivid opening scene detailed the cab pulling up, the “fluffy scarlet head of hair” (Bowie’s iconic red Ziggy cut) lighting up the grey South Bank, and the “fluorescent crocodile of exotic humanity” (Bowie’s flamboyant band and crew) ducking into a side entrance. Inside Studio 3, the article noted the organ and electric piano setup, the excited floor managers, camera operators, directors, and a “token audience” waiting in display racks. After a “decent interval,” Georgie Fame appeared at the organ and Alan Price at the piano — hinting at a collaborative or variety-style TV appearance during the Ziggy Stardust peak.

Published in the UK on January 27, 1973.

Legacy

This article is a vivid early 1973 snapshot of Ziggy Stardust mania — Bowie’s flamboyant arrival at a TV studio during the height of his breakthrough fame.

Do you have this NME article in your archive? Ready for the cosmic circus? Share in the comments!