David Bowie (May 20 1979) Star Special - Article

Publication: Radio Times   Date: May 20 1979 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Sunday Radio / Page 40 Title: David Bowie – Star Special on Radio 1   Contributor: Tony Visconti

Overview

This Radio Times listing from May 20 1979 highlights a BBC Radio 1 Star Special devoted to David Bowie, featuring an appreciation written by his long‑time collaborator Tony Visconti. Visconti’s commentary reflects on Bowie’s restless creativity and evolution — from the theatricality of Ziggy Stardust to the introspective experimentation of his late‑’70s work with Brian Eno. The piece coincided with the release of Lodger, offering listeners a two‑hour programme curated by Bowie himself, blending his favourite tracks with reflections on his career. The accompanying photograph shows Bowie in monochrome profile, his expression calm yet enigmatic — a visual echo of his transition from flamboyant icon to private innovator.

Feature Highlights

• Programme: Star Special – David Bowie (7.2 pm, BBC Radio 1)

• Presenter: David Bowie himself

• Commentary: Tony Visconti – Producer and friend

• Tone: Reflective and personal, charting Bowie’s artistic journey

• Context: Broadcast during the Lodger album campaign

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Design Notes

The listing’s clean layout and Visconti’s concise prose capture the intimacy of Bowie’s late‑’70s persona — disciplined, visionary, and quietly radical. It stands as a rare moment where Bowie’s creative circle spoke directly to the public through mainstream media.

Sources — 

David Bowie Feature (Radio Times May 20 1979

• Publication data sourced from Radio Times archive records (1979)

• Text verified from visible listing content

Related Material — David Bowie Feature (Radio Times May 20 1979)

• David Bowie – Lodger Advert (May 26 1979)

• Bowie LP Exclusive – Cover Feature (May 5 1979)

• Boys Keep Swinging – Reviews (April 1979)

David Bowie – Radio Times Star Special feature with Tony Visconti,  May 20 1979.

© Copyright Notice — David Bowie Feature (Radio Times May 20 1979)

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