David Bowie: A celebration of the much-missed icon
Here's everything you need to know about the superstar
Having been an indelible fixture on the pop landscape for over 50 years, it’s strange to think that David Bowie is no longer with us. Tributes continue to pour in for him - including his face made out of cake on GBBO in 2020, something his son Duncan Jones found rather funny, along with the rest of us.
With a number of Bowie-related anniversaries being marked by fans since his passing, we're taking the time to look back at the incredible life and music of David Bowie.
Who was David Bowie?
Put simply, David Bowie was the most influential solo artist of his generation who came to define the 1970s in much the same way The Beatles did in the previous decade, and the shadow he cast across the musical landscape still reaches to this very day.
Though he’s frequently described as the “chameleon of rock” due his uncanny ability to adapt to differing styles of music and presentation, it’s more accurate to say that Bowie was more of a magpie. His real skill was in spotting trends in music, fashion and art – frequently at their embryonic stage – and re-packaging them in the pop and rock idioms.
A cultural polymath with a keen interest in art, cinema, mime, theatre, fashion and literature, David Bowie was a guiding light for generations of outsiders who identified with his outlier status. Little wonder, then, that subsequent youth cults and fans from punks to new romantics to soul boys to goths and beyond all claimed him as their own.
Where was David Bowie born?
David Bowie was born in Brixton, London, on 8 January 1947. His family moved to Bromley in 1953, and his musical epiphany occurred at the age of nine when he became smitten with Little Richard’s classic rock’n’roll single, ‘Tutti Frutti’.
Did David Bowie have different coloured eyes?
No, he didn’t. But he was left with a permanently dilated pupil when his school mate George Underwood hit him during a fight over a girl. It was this injury that gave the impression of different coloured eyes. While the identity of the girl has been lost in the mists of time, Bowie and Underwood remained lifelong friends. Indeed, Underwood was a backing vocalist throughout Bowie’s career.
What was David Bowie's real name?
His real name was David Robert Jones. He was briefly known as Davy Jones in the 60s, but changed his name to David Bowie to avoid being confused with The Monkees singer Davy Jones.
David Bowie's incredible career
From his early life and career through to the continued celebrations and tributes happening today, check out some of the most memorable David Bowie moments.
David Bowie's childhood home
David Bowie - born David Jones - lived at 40 Stansfield Road in Brixton until he was six-years-old.
1960s - David Bowie in Davy Jones and The Lower Third
Before he became the music legend known as David Bowie, he went by Davy Jones. After being part of several bands in his teenage years, the singer was part of blues trio Davy Jones and The Lower Third.
1967 - David Bowie shares 'The Laughing Gnome'
David Bowie then pursued a solo career and in 1967 he released 'The Laughing Gnome' as a novelty single, which follows a conversation David has with a gnome. It was re-released in 1973 and it made it to Number 6 on the UK Charts.
1969 - David Bowie releases 'Space Oddity'
David Bowie had his first big hit with 'Space Oddity' in 1969. It gained popularity as it was used by the BBC alongside footage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. This song was inspired by Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
A reissue of the track 'Space Oddity' in 1975 gave the musician his first UK Number 1.
1970 - David Bowie releases 'The Man Who Sold The World'
Following the success of 'Space Oddity', his 1970 album 'The Man Who Sold The World' helped catapult David Bowie to international recognition.
1971 - David Bowie releases 'Hunky Dory'
Following his 'The Man Who Sold The World' album, David Bowie took some time off from touring and recording and focused on writing. He created his fourth studio album 'Hunky Dory' in 1971 which included the hugely popular tracks 'Changes' and 'Life on Mars?', as well as songs inspired by Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan.
1972 - David Bowie releases 'The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars'
As he grew in fame, David Bowie took on the persona of Ziggy Stardust. He saw Ziggy as a doomed rockstar who performed with backing group The Spiders From Mars. He released 'The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars' album in 1972 and it shot David to stardom.
1973 - David Bowie releases 'Aladdin Sane'
David Bowie put an end to his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona in 1973 to instead become Aladdin Sane. His extensive touring across the US influenced the glam-rock album and the character Aladdin Sane, who he described as an American-influenced version of Ziggy Stardust.
1976 - David Bowie appears in The Man Who Fell To Earth
As it turns out, David Bowie's talents didn't just lie with music, and in 1976 he starred in The Man Who Fell To Earth. He appeared as alien Thomas Jerome Newton in the sci-fi drama.
1977 - 1979 - David Bowie releases 'The Berlin Trilogy'
From 1977 to 1979, David Bowie released the albums 'Low', 'Heroes' and 'Lodger' as part of 'The Berlin Trilogy'.
The albums were worked on after his move from the US to Europe, with recording taking place in France, Switzerland, and Germany as well as New York.
Although these are not his most commercially successful albums, they are critically acclaimed and have been influential for other artists.
1980 - The Elephant Man
David Bowie also tried his hand at acting on stage and took on a role in The Elephant Man on Broadway from July 1980 to January 1981.
1983 - David Bowie releases 'Let's Dance'
David Bowie brought out his dance-pop album 'Let's Dance' in 1983 and it was a huge commercial success, topping the UK Charts for three weeks. The album was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1984.
Nile Rodgers, who produced the title track, said of the song: "When David wrote those lyrics, he was talking about the dance that people do in life; the conceptual dance of not being honest. He sings, 'put on your red shoes and dance the blues.' Like you're pretending to be happy but you're sad."
1986 - David Bowie stars in Labyrinth
One of David Bowie's most famous and iconic film roles has to be Jareth the Goblin King in the classic 80s film Labyrinth, which came out in 1986.
1988 - David Bowie fronts Tin Machine
While he juggled acting and music throughout the 80s, David Bowie came to work with musicians Reeves Gabrels and Tony and Hunt Sales in a side project called Tin Machine. The group brought out the albums 'Tin Machine' (1989) and 'Tin Machine II' (1991).
1996 - David Bowie is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
David Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 by David Byrne of Talking Heads. Of his induction, the Rock Hall said: 'Bowie's fifty-year career is one of constant evolution, brilliant innovation, and enduring artistry. His legacy endures as one of a talent that defied form and a man who defied definition.'
1997 - David Bowie receives a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
One year after his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, David Bowie was awarded with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2000 - David Bowie performs at Glastonbury
David Bowie's performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2000 is regarded as one of the most incredible headlining slots at the festival, as well as a career-defining moment for the musician.
He played songs like 'Starman', 'China Girl' and 'Under Pressure' and also released his performance as a live album.
2004 - David Bowie goes on his final tour
David Bowie went on what would be his final tour in 2004. The 'A Reality Tour' took him across Europe, North America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia and was the longest tour of his career.
While at one of his shows, he suffered a heart attack on stage which led him to retire from performing live in 2006.
2006 - David Bowie receives the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
As well as being nominated for 16 Grammy Awards and winning five of them throughout his career, in 2006 David Bowie was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
2013 - David Bowie returns to music with 'The Next Day'
Following a break from the public eye and recording, David Bowie returned in 2013 with his 25th studio album 'The Next Day'.
2016 - David Bowie releases his final album
In January 2016, on his 69th birthday, Davie Bowie released the album 'Blackstar'. The album had been recorded in secret and was the last music released by the music legend as he sadly passed away just two days after it came out.
2016 - Tributes paid to David Bowie following his death
Following his tragic death, friends and fans of the music legend were shocked and saddened by the news and tributes came pouring in from across the world.
As many people were in disbelief over the announcement, David's son Duncan Jones confirmed the news, sharing a photo of himself with his father and writing: 'Very sorry and sad to say it's true'.
Fellow musician Bruce Springsteen Tweeted: 'Over here on E Street, we're feeling the great loss of David Bowie. David was a visionary artist and an early supporter of our music.'
Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones wrote: 'We had so many good times together. He was my friend, I will never forget him'.
Madonna added a tribute, writing: 'Talented. Unique. Genius. Game Changer.'
Tony Visconti, who produced a number of David Bowie's albums wrote in a statement: 'His death was no different from his life - a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us.'
2021 - David Bowie's New York home sells for $16.8 million.
When news of David Bowie's sad death reached fans, they flocked to his flat in New York to create a memorial.
He had bought the property in 1999, and in 2021 the property sold for a whopping $16.8 million (£12,110,280).
Following his death, David Bowie's childhood home also became a shrine for the music legend.
2021 - David Bowie's 'Toy' album is released
In 2021, David Bowie's estate posthumously released his album 'Toy'. The singer had recorded the album in 2000 and it includes re-recordings of some of his 1964 and 1971 tracks as well as some new songs.
The album was originally meant to be released in 2001 but was shelved for financial reasons. It remained unheard until it was leaked in 2011. It was officially released for the first time in November 2021 as part of a box set and the album made it to Number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
2022 - David Bowie's estate sells his entire music catalogue
In January, it was announced that David Bowie's entire music catalogue had been sold to Warner Chappell Music. Although the exact figure wasn't revealed, it's thought that the sale was for upwards of £185million.
The sale includes all 26 of his studio albums as well as the posthumous album 'Toy'.
2022 - Madame Tussauds creates second David Bowie waxwork
Having worked with Madame Tussauds to create an accurate waxwork in 1983, the museum announced that they had created a new waxwork based on David Bowie's famous 70s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.
General Manager at Madame Tussauds London Tim Waters said of the addition to their collection: "We were honoured to work with his estate in what would have been his 75th year and play our small part in keeping his inimitable legacy alive for generations to come."
2022 - Moonage Daydream
In April a new film following the incredible life and career of David Bowie was announced. With previously unseen footage from his decade-spanning career, Moonage Daydream has been made in collaboration with David Bowie's estate.
Described as an "experiential cinematic odyssey", the film is set to hit cineams on 16th September.
2022 - Mattel makes a David Bowie Barbie doll
Inspired by David Bowie's look in his 'Life on Mars?' music video, Mattel released a specially designed Barbie doll, complete with replicated powder-blue suit, platform shoes, hair and make-up to match his outfit in the video.
The release celebrated the 50th anniversary of his 'Hunky Dory' album.
2022 - David Bowie is voted Britain's most influential artist of the past 50 years
In August, it was announced that David Bowie had topped the Sky Arts list of 50 influential artists from the past 50 years.
To mark the acheivement, Sky Arts commissioned artist Joe Black to create artwork of David Bowie. He made a huge portrait of the musician using 8,610 plectrums.
2022 - David Bowie receives a stone on the Music Walk of Fame
In September 2022, David Bowie received a stone on the Music Walk of Fame. The event was attended by many friends, collaborators and fans of the late singer.
2022 - David Bowie's son recreates his intro to The Snowman
In December 2022, David Bowie's son Duncan Jones recreated the intro to The Snowman film that his dad had recorded in 1984 using the same scarf from the iconic video.
Having found the scarf in 2020, Duncan paid tribute to his father in the recreation of the video with his own spin on the story, saying: "When I was a little lad, my dad used to tell me a story about when he was little, he had a friend who was a snowman. He was such a good friend that one day he gave him a gift.
"I always thought that that story was made up but then one day when I got a bit older my dad gave me that gift and it was a beautiful blue scarf. And now I wonder if maybe the story was true? Merry Christmas everyone."
2023 - David Bowie's 80,000-piece archive to go on public display
David Bowie's 80,000-piece archive was announced to go on public display at the V&A Museum.
The vast array of items include handwritten lyrics, letters, sheet music, original costumes, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs, musical instruments, album artwork and awards from David Bowie's fabled six-decade career.
2024 - Rue David Bowie © Alamy
The first street in the world to be named after David Bowie has officially opened in Paris. Rue David Bowie is located at the intersection with Avenue Pierre-Mendès-France in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, a vibrant cultural quarter of the French capital.
Did David Bowie invent glam rock?
Not quite, but this is where Bowie’s magpie tendencies bloomed. Despite some false starts in the 1960s (‘Space Oddity’ had him down as a one-hit wonder, while the proto-metal of ‘The Man Who Sold The World’ didn’t quite suit), David Bowie properly broke through with his fifth album, 1972’s ‘The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars’.
While its predecessor, ‘Hunky Dory’ (1971), was a very much a dry run for what followed, Bowie’s creation – the bisexual alien, Ziggy Stardust - saw him creating a new flamboyant image that rode in on the wake of his friend and rival, Marc Bolan of T-Rex. Bowie’s seminal performance of ‘Starman’ on Top Of The Pops in July 1972 is the moment he broke through.
Bowie killed off Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973, shortly after the release of ‘Aladdin Sane’. His other glam albums were ‘Pin Ups’ and ‘Diamond Dogs’. He also managed to sprinkle production glitter on Lou Reed’s ‘Transformer’ album (which contained the hit ‘Walk On The Wild Side’) and Iggy And The Stooges’ proto-punk album, ‘Raw Power’.
What was plastic soul?
Bored of glam, Bowie spotted the early rise of disco and Philly soul, moved to the US and re-invented himself as a soul singer. Working with a brand-new band and collaborating with John Lennon on the hit single, ‘Fame’, Bowie made no pretence at being the real thing and so dubbed the resulting album, ‘Young Americans’ (1975), as “plastic soul”. That said, it was good enough to be featured on US variety show, ‘Soul Train’.
This was swiftly followed by the creation of his next character, the cold and distant The Thin White Duke, and the release of ‘Station To Station’ (1976).
The Berlin Trilogy
Having become aware of the forward-thinking music emerging from Germany in the shape of Kraftwerk, Neu!, Can and others, and wanting to curb his monstrous abuse of cocaine, David Bowie re-settled in West Berlin. Taking Iggy Pop with him, Bowie hooked up with ambient pioneer Brian Eno and producer Tony Visconti.
Together, they distilled the influence of so-called ‘Krautock’ and packaged it as pop. This fecund period saw the release of ‘Low’, ‘Heroes’ (both 1977) and ‘Lodger’ (1979). And if that wasn’t productive enough, he also found time to produce Iggy Pop’s first two classic solo albums, ‘The Idiot’ and ‘Lust For Life’, also in 1977.
New Romantics and the 80s
The 1980s started on a high for Bowie. Embracing the nascent video age, the promo for No. 1 single, ‘Ashes To Ashes’, saw him give his blessing to the emerging the New Romantics with a guest appearance by Blitz kid Steve Strange and others. Its parent album, ‘Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)’, topped the UK charts and spawned the singles ‘Fashion’ and ‘Up The Hill Backwards’.
Despite scoring huge international hits with ‘Let’s Dance’, ‘Modern Love’ and ‘China Girl’ in 1983, the rest of the decade saw an artistic decline that dismayed many hardcore fans with albums ‘Tonight’ (1984) and ‘Never Let Me Down’ (1987) failing to pass muster. And despite having a few highlights with rockers Tin Machine and their eponymous 1989, no one was really convinced by a bearded, suited Bowie having a go at alt.rock.
But for all that, his four-song set at Live Aid in 1985 atoned for many of his sins.
David Bowie’s artistic re-birth and the 90s
Having worked with Nile Rodgers on 1993’s ‘Black Tie White Noise’, Bowie’s muse was arguably re-activated on the little known 1993 album, ‘The Buddha Of Suburbia’. Inspired by author Hanif Kureishi’s book and TV adaptation of the same name, the book’s theme of escaping the commuter belt struck a chord with Bowie.
This mis-marketed album bombed, but a re-invigorated Bowie teamed up once again with Brian Eno to produce the industrial rock of ‘1. Outside’ in 1995.
1997.s experimental ‘Earthling’ touched upon drum’n’bass, while the laid back ‘Hours’ (1999) reconnected him with a wider audience.
Headlining Glastonbury in 2000
Despite doing his best to avoid being viewed as a heritage acts, David Bowie’s hit-packed Glastonbury headliner in 2000 did much to re-establish him not just in the eyes of his hardcore fans, but also with the general public. But it also gave Bowie a much-needed artistic jolt that resulted in the creditable albums ‘Heathen’ (2002) and ‘Reality’ (2003), which satisfied both sets of fans.
Was David Bowie married?
David Bowie was married twice. His first wife was Angie Bowie (nee Mary Angela Barnett) and they tied the knot in 1970. They later divorced in 1980 after several years of separation.
He then married Somali-American model Iman at a private ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland in 1992. They remained together for the rest of his life.
Did David Bowie have children?
David Bowie had a son, Duncan, with Angie in 1971. Christened Zowie, he later his changed his name and has gone on to be a successful film director.
David and Iman had a daughter, Alexandria ‘Lexi’ Zahra Jones. She was born in August 2000.
Health scare and retirement from public life
While touring ‘Reality’ in Germany in 2004, David Bowie underwent an emergency angioplasty after suffering heart problems on stage. He returned home to New York and his wife, Iman, and daughter.
Retiring from public life in 2006, very little was heard from David Bowie. Apart from making the occasional guest appearance with the likes of Arcade Fire and Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, he was also rumoured to have turned down a knighthood.
Which films was David Bowie in?
Amazingly, David Bowie appeared in over 30 films. The quality was variable, ranging from the acclaimed The Last Temptation Of Christ, the charming Labyrinth and the dire Just A Gigolo.
His most celebrated role was that of the stranded alien, Thomas Jerome Newton, in director Nic Roeg’s 1976 sci-fi classic The Man Who Fell To Earth, while 1983’s Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence comes a close second.
He also played Andy Warhol in the biopic Basquiat and appeared as himself in the Ben Stiller comedy Zoolander.
Is there a film about David Bowie's life?
There have been several films made about David Bowie's life, with and without the singer's blessing, and there is a film about his music career currently in the works which has been made with the approval of his estate.
Using rare performance footage and unseen footage, the film has been put together by award-winning director Brett Morgen, who describes it as 'an immersive cinematic experience'.
In April, it was confirmed that the film would be called Moonage Daydream and would include 48 of David Bowie's tracks as well as narration from the singer himself.
In May, the teaser trailer was released for the film and it was confirmed in August that the film would come out in cinemas and IMAX on 16th September.
Watch the Moonage Daydream trailer:
David Bowie's waxwork
In January 2022, Madame Tussauds shared previously unseen photos of David Bowie which were taken for his wax figure. The images were taken during a sitting with Madame Tussauds artists in 1983.
Ahead of the figure's release, Madame Tussauds wrote: 'On what would have been his 75th birthday, we are SO excited to reveal that we’re making a brand new figure of David Bowie ⚡️
Using measurements and images from his original sitting in 1983, the born and bred Londoner and legendary rock star will join musicians past and present in our BRAND NEW music zone, launching later this year 🤩'.
Photos of David Bowie for Madame Tussauds in 1983:
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
David Bowie sits for Madame Tussauds in June 1983
His comeback with ‘The Next Day’ and farewell with ‘Blackstar’
And then, as if out of nowhere, David Bowie suddenly re-appeared on his 66th birthday with surprise single release, ‘Where Are We Now?’, which was followed by the release of his 24th studio album, ‘The Next Day’. Recorded in secret, the album’s release generation huge amounts of news coverage despite a media silence from Bowie himself.
Released three years later on his 69th birthday, David Bowie’s next album, the brooding and meditative ‘Blackstar’ proved to be another career highlight.
How did David Bowie die?
Unfortunately, ‘Blackstar’ was his last album – David Bowie died from liver cancer two days after its release. Recorded under a veil of secrecy, producer Tony Visconti called the album a “parting gift” for his fans, while the haunting video for his final single, ‘Lazarus’, saw Bowie rising from his sick bed before retreating into a closet.
We’ll not see his like again.
David Bowie is Britain's most influential artist of the past 50 years
In August 2022, Sky Arts announced David Bowie as the most influential artist of the past 50 years. The Top 10 of influential artists also included director, producer and writer, Sir Steve McQueen CBE and fashion designer Dame Vivienne Westwood.
Speaking about the news, TV presenter Lauren Laverne said: "I was honoured to be chosen to take part in this judging day for Sky Arts, as working with such a respected group of judges, I knew their conversations would be fascinating, and they were.
"The judges took so much time and care with their scoring to ensure the Top 50, Top 20 and Top 10 lists were truly the best of the best in terms of influence, and the final list are artists that are so deserving of their places.
"David Bowie coming in at number one was the cherry on top of a brilliant judging process, and it was great to be a part of it."
Now read up on the childhood homes of famous rock stars:
Joe Elliott’s childhood home
Def Leppard frontman Joe Elliott was born and raised at 61 Crookes Road in Sheffield. Ahead of Def Leppard's homecoming gigs at The Leadmill and Bramall Lane in May 2023, Joe visited the property. He wrote: "The house I was born in, grew up in, met Sav & Tony Kenning for the very time in that upstairs room you can see above me …. Sigh …. Memories!!"
Ozzy Osbourne’s childhood home
One of six children, Ozzy Osbourne spent his formative years in this small two-bedroom terraced house on Lodge Road in Aston. Ozzy told Huffington Post in 2014: "I've been back to that house a few times over the years and I can't believe there were eight of us living in a two-and-a-half-bedroom house. It is tiny! I have wardrobes bigger in my house."
John Lennon’s childhood home
Now a lovingly restored Grade II listed building preserved by the National Trust, John Lennon lived at 251 Menlove Avenue in Liverpool with his Aunt Mimi from 1945 to 1963. It featured on the cover to Oasis single 'Live Forever' in 1994 and in 2000 it was adorned with an English Heritage blue plaque.
Paul McCartney’s childhood home
Sir Paul McCartney's childhood home at 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton, south Liverpool. It became a listed building in 2012 and is owned by the National Trust. The Trust markets the house as "the birthplace of the Beatles" as it was where McCartney and Lennon penned the earliest Beatles songs.
Ringo Starr’s childhood home
Ringo Starr (aka Richard Starkey) spent his very early childhood years at a terraced house on Madryn Street in Liverpool but moved to at two-up, two-down house 10 Admiral Grove in Dingle when he was 3 with mum Elsie when his parents separated. He lived there for the next 20 years. Pictured is 10 Admiral Grove in 1964.
David Bowie’s childhood home
40 Stansfield Road in Brixton where a young David Jones - aka David Bowie – lived until he was six years old. The house became a shrine for Bowie when the music legend died in January 2016.
Kurt Cobain’s childhood home
Kurt Cobain's childhood home in Aberdeen, Washington. Nirvana fan Lee Bacon bought the house in 2018 for $225,000 (around £170,000) and told Rolling Stone: "My goal is to preserve and restore it for my generation and for my kids."
Kurt Cobain’s childhood home
Kurt Cobain's Led Zeppelin graffiti is still on the walls in his attic bedroom.
Little Richard’s childhood home
The late rock and roll pioneer was brought up alongside his eleven siblings in this detached home in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood of Macon, Georgia in the 1930s and 40s. Now named The Little Richard Resource Center, the home is now open to the public and hosts a number of community events.
Bruce Springsteen’s childhood home
Bruce Springsteen grew up in this home at 39 1/2 Institute Street in Freehold, New Jersey from the years 1955 to 1962. It was while living at this house aged 7 in 1956 that Springsteen witnessed Elvis Presley on The Ed Sullivan Show and decided he wanted to be a musician himself.
Johnny Cash’s childhood home
Meticulously restored in 2014 thanks to funds from Arkansas State University, Johnny Cash's boyhood home is in the tiny town of Dyess, Arkansas.
Jim Morrison’s childhood home
Jim Morrison's home in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he lived in his teens while his dad worked at the nearby Kirtland Air Force Base.
Bono’s childhood home
Paul 'Bono' Hewson's parents bought this house on Cedarwood Road, Dublin seven weeks after his birth in 1960 and he spent his entire childhood here. The U2 song 'Cedarwood Road' on their 2014 album 'Songs of Innocence' is a nostalgic musical celebration of Bono's boyhood abode.
Freddie Mercury’s childhood home
Aged 17, Freddie Mercury and his family fled the Zanzibar revolution to live at 22 Gladstone Avenue in Feltham, West London. Pictured is Queen's Brian May and Freddie's younger sister Kashmira Cooke at the unveiling of a Blue Plaque at the house in September 2016.
Lars Ulrich’s childhood home
Lars Ulrich lived in this uniquely designed property in Hellerup, Denmark with his family until he moved to America aged 17.
Mick Jagger’s childhood home
Sir Mick Jagger was brought up in this semi-detached house in Dartford, Kent. His future bandmate Keith Richards lived just around the corner.
Keith Richards’ childhood home
Keith Richards spent the first six years of his life living in this two-bedroom flat above a florists in Dartford, Kent.
Axl Rose’s childhood home
Axl Rose lived at this humble Lafayette, Indiana house from 1962 to 1982 before moving to Los Angeles in his early twenties.
Marc Bolan’s childhood home
The young Mark Field (Marc Bolan) lived at this terraced property on Stoke Newington Common, London from his birth in 1947 to aged 15 in 1962. In 2005, the London Borough of Hackney honoured Bolan with a plaque outside the property.
Elvis Presley’s childhood home
The humble two-bedroom house in Tupelo, Mississippi where The King himself Elvis Presley was born on 8th January 1935. It was built by his father Vernon after he successfully secured a $180 loan.
Jon Bon Jovi's childhood home
John Francis Bongiovi Jr.'s childhood home in Sayreville, New Jersey. Astonishingly, MTV bought the home in 1989 and gave it away in a competition. Jon Bon Jovi was reported to be "angry" at the publicity stunt and the competition winner soon sold the property.
Noel and Liam Gallagher's childhood home
Soon after Liam's birth, the Gallaghers moved to Ashby Avenue and then to Cranwell Drive in Burnage (pictured). With a violent and alcoholic father, Noel and his brothers had an unhappy childhood before mum Peggy left Thomas in 1982 with her three children.
You can hear David Bowie's biggest hits on the Absolute Radio playlist.