David Bowie (June 16, 1972) The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars LP
- David Bowie
- Jun 16, 1972
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
David Bowie’s landmark 1972 concept album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars introduced his iconic glam rock alter ego and became one of the most influential records of the 1970s, blending theatrical storytelling with electrifying rock.
RELEASE / PUBLICATION DETAILS Artist: David Bowie
Title: The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars Date: June 16, 1972
Label: RCA Victor
Format / Type: LP Vinyl Album (also Cassette, 8-Track Cartridge) Country: United Kingdom
Catalogue:
LP: SF 8287 / LSP 4702
Cassette: PK 1932
TRACK LIST Side 1
Five Years (4:42)
Soul Love (3:34)
Moonage Daydream (4:40)
Starman (4:10)
It Ain’t Easy (2:58)
Side 2
Lady Stardust (3:22)
Star (2:47)
Hang On to Yourself (2:40)
Ziggy Stardust (3:13)
Suffragette City (3:25)
Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide (2:58)
THE STORY
Recorded between July 1971 and February 1972 at Trident Studios, London, and produced by David Bowie and Ken Scott, the album tells the story of Ziggy Stardust, a flamboyant rock star who sacrifices himself to save the world. It features the Spiders from Mars: Mick Ronson (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass), and Mick Woodmansey (drums). The UK edition includes the single mix of “Starman,” while some international versions differ slightly in mixes and track selection.
PERSONNEL
David Bowie – vocals, guitar, saxophone
Mick Ronson – guitar, piano, vocals
Trevor Bolder – bass, vocals
Mick Woodmansey – drums
PRODUCTION
Produced by: David Bowie & Ken Scott Engineered at: Trident Studios, London Photography: Brian Ward
CHARTS UK Albums Chart
Peak Position: #5
Weeks on Chart: Over 200 weeks across multiple runs (1972–1975)
CONTEXT & NOTES
Ziggy Stardust marked Bowie’s commercial breakthrough and helped define glam rock. It reached No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart and has since been certified multi-platinum. The album’s theatrical concept, androgynous imagery, and hits like “Starman,” “Ziggy Stardust,” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide” made it a cultural milestone. UK and US versions have notable mix differences (particularly “Starman” and “Suffragette City”).
PACKAGING / ARTWORK HIGHLIGHTS
Iconic front cover photo of Bowie as Ziggy on a rainy London street (K. West sign)
Back cover image of Bowie looking through a red door
Inner gatefold with band portraits and full lyrics
WHAT THE SLEEVE SHOWS
The front cover shows David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust standing on a wet London street at night in a turquoise jumpsuit with guitar. The back cover features Bowie peering through a red-telephonr box. Inner sleeves include full lyrics, band credits, and close-up band photos by Brian Ward. The overall design perfectly captures the glamorous, dystopian rock star aesthetic.
SINGLES RELEASED
RELATED MATERIAL
See tags at foot of page.
SOURCES Discogs, 45 Worlds, Wikipedia, BBC Official Charts.
All album artwork, photographs, labels, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.
Comments