David Bowie Part 2: Pierrot & The Broadway Run (Mid 1980 – Jan 1981)
Pierrot Breakthrough β Single & Stage Debut (July 1980)
π
1980-07-01
π Denver, Colorado πΊπΈ
ποΈ Rehearsal Spaces / Auditorium Hotel
πΈ Event: Theatre: Rehearsals for The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie begins intensive rehearsals for the lead role of John Merrick. Under the direction of Jack Hofsiss, he develops the physical contortions and vocal techniques required for the performance without the use of prosthetic makeup.
ποΈ Rehearsal Spaces / Auditorium Hotel
πΈ Event: Theatre: Rehearsals for The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie begins intensive rehearsals for the lead role of John Merrick. Under the direction of Jack Hofsiss, he develops the physical contortions and vocal techniques required for the performance without the use of prosthetic makeup.
π
1980-07-11
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ BBC Television Studios
πΈ Event: TV Broadcast: Friday Night, Saturday Morning
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: An interview recorded earlier in the year is broadcast. Bowie discusses his recent work and the upcoming transition to theatrical performance, providing major UK exposure just prior to the new single release.
ποΈ BBC Television Studios
πΈ Event: TV Broadcast: Friday Night, Saturday Morning
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: An interview recorded earlier in the year is broadcast. Bowie discusses his recent work and the upcoming transition to theatrical performance, providing major UK exposure just prior to the new single release.
π
1980-07-29
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW 6)
πΈ Event: Single Release: ‘Ashes to Ashes’
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Release of the lead single from ‘Scary Monsters’. The song revisits the character of Major Tom and is accompanied by the groundbreaking music video. It becomes Bowie’s second UK number 1 single.
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW 6)
πΈ Event: Single Release: ‘Ashes to Ashes’
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Release of the lead single from ‘Scary Monsters’. The song revisits the character of Major Tom and is accompanied by the groundbreaking music video. It becomes Bowie’s second UK number 1 single.
π
1980-07-29
π Denver, Colorado πΊπΈ
ποΈ Denver Center for the Performing Arts
πΈ Event: Theatre: Premiere of The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie makes his professional stage debut as John Merrick. The production receives critical acclaim, particularly for Bowie’s nuanced physical performance, and begins a successful run before moving to Chicago and eventually Broadway.
ποΈ Denver Center for the Performing Arts
πΈ Event: Theatre: Premiere of The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie makes his professional stage debut as John Merrick. The production receives critical acclaim, particularly for Bowie’s nuanced physical performance, and begins a successful run before moving to Chicago and eventually Broadway.
π
1980-07 (late month)
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ RCA Records Promotion
πΈ Event: Promotion: Launch Strategy for ‘Ashes to Ashes’
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: RCA prepares a strong visual-led campaign centred around the Pierrot imagery, positioning Bowie at the forefront of the emerging music video era and a new decade of style.
ποΈ RCA Records Promotion
πΈ Event: Promotion: Launch Strategy for ‘Ashes to Ashes’
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: RCA prepares a strong visual-led campaign centred around the Pierrot imagery, positioning Bowie at the forefront of the emerging music video era and a new decade of style.
Pierrot Breakthrough β Single & Chart Success (August 1980)
π
1980-08-01
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW 6)
πΈ Event: UK Single Release: Ashes To Ashes (Limited Edition)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The single is issued in three different cover variations. The initial 100,000 copies include one of four unique sheets of nine stamps designed by Bowie, inspired by artist Jerry Dreva. The track revisits the Major Tom narrative with darker, reflective themes.
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW 6)
πΈ Event: UK Single Release: Ashes To Ashes (Limited Edition)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The single is issued in three different cover variations. The initial 100,000 copies include one of four unique sheets of nine stamps designed by Bowie, inspired by artist Jerry Dreva. The track revisits the Major Tom narrative with darker, reflective themes.
π
1980-08-16
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ UK Official Singles Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Entry: Ashes To Ashes
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: ‘Ashes To Ashes’ enters the UK charts at number 4. It will remain in the charts for 10 weeks, becoming a defining anthem of the early 1980s.
ποΈ UK Official Singles Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Entry: Ashes To Ashes
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: ‘Ashes To Ashes’ enters the UK charts at number 4. It will remain in the charts for 10 weeks, becoming a defining anthem of the early 1980s.
π
1980-08 (month)
π United Kingdom, π¬π§ UK
ποΈ Television & Press Media
πΈ Event: Media: Video Rotation & Pierrot Consolidation
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The music video receives heavy television rotation. Simultaneously, Bowie appears in promotional photography using the Pierrot styling, reinforcing this theatrical identity as his primary image for the new decade.
ποΈ Television & Press Media
πΈ Event: Media: Video Rotation & Pierrot Consolidation
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The music video receives heavy television rotation. Simultaneously, Bowie appears in promotional photography using the Pierrot styling, reinforcing this theatrical identity as his primary image for the new decade.
π
1980-08-23
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ UK Official Singles Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Peak: Ashes To Ashes Hits No. 1
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The single reaches the number 1 spot in the UK, marking a massive commercial comeback for Bowie and securing his position at the forefront of the music video era.
ποΈ UK Official Singles Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Peak: Ashes To Ashes Hits No. 1
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The single reaches the number 1 spot in the UK, marking a massive commercial comeback for Bowie and securing his position at the forefront of the music video era.
π
1980-08-24
π Chicago, Illinois πΊπΈ
ποΈ Park West / Scampiβs Restaurant
πΈ Event: Social: Meeting Roy Orbison
π€ Artist: David Bowie & Roy Orbison
ποΈ Notes: Bowie watches Roy Orbison perform at the Park West and invites him to the play. Later, they attend a party at Scampiβs where they sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for promoter John Weitekamp.
ποΈ Park West / Scampiβs Restaurant
πΈ Event: Social: Meeting Roy Orbison
π€ Artist: David Bowie & Roy Orbison
ποΈ Notes: Bowie watches Roy Orbison perform at the Park West and invites him to the play. Later, they attend a party at Scampiβs where they sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for promoter John Weitekamp.
π
1980-08-30
π Chicago, Illinois πΊπΈ
ποΈ Blackstone Theatre
πΈ Event: Theatre: The Elephant Man Chicago Closing
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The Chicago run of ‘The Elephant Man’ concludes. The production sets a staggering box office record of $172,000 for the venue before moving towards its New York premiere.
ποΈ Blackstone Theatre
πΈ Event: Theatre: The Elephant Man Chicago Closing
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The Chicago run of ‘The Elephant Man’ concludes. The production sets a staggering box office record of $172,000 for the venue before moving towards its New York premiere.
New York Takeover & US Single β September 1980
π
1980-09-01
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Rehearsal Studios, Manhattan
πΈ Event: Theatre: Broadway Rehearsals Begin
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie starts three weeks of intensive rehearsals with the New York cast for ‘The Elephant Man’. He takes over the role from Jeff Hayenga, focusing on the demanding physical portrayal of John Merrick for the Broadway stage.
ποΈ Rehearsal Studios, Manhattan
πΈ Event: Theatre: Broadway Rehearsals Begin
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie starts three weeks of intensive rehearsals with the New York cast for ‘The Elephant Man’. He takes over the role from Jeff Hayenga, focusing on the demanding physical portrayal of John Merrick for the Broadway stage.
π
1980-09-00
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ RCA Records (PB-12078)
πΈ Event: US Single Release: Ashes To Ashes
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The lead single from the new album is released in the US, featuring ‘Itβs No Game (No. 1)’ as the B-side. It serves as a major promotional tool for the North American launch of the upcoming LP.
ποΈ RCA Records (PB-12078)
πΈ Event: US Single Release: Ashes To Ashes
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The lead single from the new album is released in the US, featuring ‘Itβs No Game (No. 1)’ as the B-side. It serves as a major promotional tool for the North American launch of the upcoming LP.
π
1980-09-03
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Times Square Studios (ABC-TV)
πΈ Event: TV Appearance: Good Morning America
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie appears live for an interview with host Joan Lunden. He discusses the physical challenges of his Broadway role and the experimental nature of his latest studio work.
ποΈ Times Square Studios (ABC-TV)
πΈ Event: TV Appearance: Good Morning America
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie appears live for an interview with host Joan Lunden. He discusses the physical challenges of his Broadway role and the experimental nature of his latest studio work.
π
1980-09-05
π Burbank, California πΊπΈ
ποΈ NBC Studios / Studio 1
πΈ Event: TV Appearance: The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: David performs ‘Life On Mars?’ and ‘Ashes To Ashes’ live. During the interview with guest host David Letterman, he elaborates on his transition from rock performances to legitimate theatre.
ποΈ NBC Studios / Studio 1
πΈ Event: TV Appearance: The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: David performs ‘Life On Mars?’ and ‘Ashes To Ashes’ live. During the interview with guest host David Letterman, he elaborates on his transition from rock performances to legitimate theatre.
Global Album Launch β September 1980
π
1980-09-12
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW LP 2)
πΈ Event: Album Release: Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The album is released in the UK to immediate critical acclaim. It is hailed as a masterful balance between his experimental late-70s textures and a more direct, aggressive rock sensibility.
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW LP 2)
πΈ Event: Album Release: Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The album is released in the UK to immediate critical acclaim. It is hailed as a masterful balance between his experimental late-70s textures and a more direct, aggressive rock sensibility.
π
1980-09-15
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ RCA Records (AQL1-3647)
πΈ Event: US Album Release: Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Official North American release of the album. The launch is supported by an intensive international media campaign presenting Bowie as a refined mainstream innovator for the new decade.
ποΈ RCA Records (AQL1-3647)
πΈ Event: US Album Release: Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Official North American release of the album. The launch is supported by an intensive international media campaign presenting Bowie as a refined mainstream innovator for the new decade.
π
1980-09-17
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Press Conference: The Elephant Man Broadway Run
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie holds a press conference to discuss his Broadway debut. He describes the role of John Merrick as his most terrifying professional position to date, citing the lack of rock-style spontaneity.
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Press Conference: The Elephant Man Broadway Run
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie holds a press conference to discuss his Broadway debut. He describes the role of John Merrick as his most terrifying professional position to date, citing the lack of rock-style spontaneity.
π
1980-09-20
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ WHFS-FM Radio Station
πΈ Event: Radio Interview: WHFS-FM New York
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: In a final pre-opening interview, Bowie discusses the physical demands of the John Merrick role and the global reception of the newly released ‘Scary Monsters’ album.
ποΈ WHFS-FM Radio Station
πΈ Event: Radio Interview: WHFS-FM New York
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: In a final pre-opening interview, Bowie discusses the physical demands of the John Merrick role and the global reception of the newly released ‘Scary Monsters’ album.
Broadway Debut & Performance Run β Sept 1980-Jan 1981
π
1980-09-23 β 1981-01-04
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Theatre: The Elephant Man (Broadway Run)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: David stars as John Merrick in the acclaimed Broadway production. Following sold-out runs in Denver and Chicago, he receives a standing ovation on opening night and universal critical praise for his restrained, highly physical performance.
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Theatre: The Elephant Man (Broadway Run)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: David stars as John Merrick in the acclaimed Broadway production. Following sold-out runs in Denver and Chicago, he receives a standing ovation on opening night and universal critical praise for his restrained, highly physical performance.
Film Restoration: The Man Who Fell To Earth β September 1980
π
1980-09-24
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Cinema 5 Distribution
πΈ Event: US Film Release: The Man Who Fell To Earth (Uncut Version)
π€ Artist: David Bowie / Nicolas Roeg
ποΈ Notes: The film is restored to its original length for US audiences by Cinema 5. This 138-minute director’s cut replaces the heavily censored 1976 version which had been cut by approximately 20 minutes.
ποΈ Cinema 5 Distribution
πΈ Event: US Film Release: The Man Who Fell To Earth (Uncut Version)
π€ Artist: David Bowie / Nicolas Roeg
ποΈ Notes: The film is restored to its original length for US audiences by Cinema 5. This 138-minute director’s cut replaces the heavily censored 1976 version which had been cut by approximately 20 minutes.
Chart Milestone: Scary Monsters β September 1980
π
1980-09-27
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ UK Official Albums Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Success: Scary Monsters Hits No. 1
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’ reaches the number 1 position in the UK. This marks Bowie’s fourth UK number 1 album, effectively restoring his commercial dominance at the start of the decade.
ποΈ UK Official Albums Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Success: Scary Monsters Hits No. 1
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: ‘Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)’ reaches the number 1 position in the UK. This marks Bowie’s fourth UK number 1 album, effectively restoring his commercial dominance at the start of the decade.
Cinematic & European Media β October 1980
π
1980-10-03
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Coronet Theatre
πΈ Event: Film Premiere: David Lynchβs The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Lynch / John Hurt
ποΈ Notes: Premiere of the film version of the story. While Bowie continues his run at the Booth Theatre, Lynchβs interpretation debuts at the Coronet, creating a unique cultural moment where both versions coexist in New York.
ποΈ Coronet Theatre
πΈ Event: Film Premiere: David Lynchβs The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Lynch / John Hurt
ποΈ Notes: Premiere of the film version of the story. While Bowie continues his run at the Booth Theatre, Lynchβs interpretation debuts at the Coronet, creating a unique cultural moment where both versions coexist in New York.
π
1980-10-10
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ BBC2 Television
πΈ Event: TV Broadcast: Friday Night, Saturday Morning
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Broadcast of a New York interview. Bowie discusses his Broadway debut and the ‘Scary Monsters’ recording process, maintaining high visibility in the British media.
ποΈ BBC2 Television
πΈ Event: TV Broadcast: Friday Night, Saturday Morning
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Broadcast of a New York interview. Bowie discusses his Broadway debut and the ‘Scary Monsters’ recording process, maintaining high visibility in the British media.
π
1980-10-22
π Paris / New York (TF1 France) π«π·
ποΈ TΓ©lΓ©vision FranΓ§aise 1 (TF1)
πΈ Event: TV Special: 13 Heures – Special David Bowie
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: A 15-minute special presented by Yves Mourousi, built around Patrice Drevet’s interview at RCA Studios. It features clips from the 1978 Dallas concert, ‘The Elephant Man’, and recent music videos.
ποΈ TΓ©lΓ©vision FranΓ§aise 1 (TF1)
πΈ Event: TV Special: 13 Heures – Special David Bowie
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: A 15-minute special presented by Yves Mourousi, built around Patrice Drevet’s interview at RCA Studios. It features clips from the 1978 Dallas concert, ‘The Elephant Man’, and recent music videos.
π
1980-10 (month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Booth Theatre / Manhattan
πΈ Event: Theatre & Media: Performance Run & Critical Reassessment
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie continues his demanding physical portrayal of John Merrick. Media reviews increasingly describe him as a serious stage performer, marking a significant shift in public perception beyond his music career.
ποΈ Booth Theatre / Manhattan
πΈ Event: Theatre & Media: Performance Run & Critical Reassessment
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie continues his demanding physical portrayal of John Merrick. Media reviews increasingly describe him as a serious stage performer, marking a significant shift in public perception beyond his music career.
Single Release: Fashion β October 1980
π
1980-10-24
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW 7 / BOW T7)
πΈ Event: UK Single Release: Fashion
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Release of the second single from ‘Scary Monsters’. The 7-inch and 12-inch versions feature sleeve artwork by Edward Bell. The single becomes a major hit, peaking at number 5 in the UK charts.
ποΈ RCA Records (BOW 7 / BOW T7)
πΈ Event: UK Single Release: Fashion
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Release of the second single from ‘Scary Monsters’. The 7-inch and 12-inch versions feature sleeve artwork by Edward Bell. The single becomes a major hit, peaking at number 5 in the UK charts.
π
1980-10-24
π Tokyo, Japan π―π΅
ποΈ RCA Records (RPS-10)
πΈ Event: Japanese Single Release: It’s No Game (Part 1)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Unique Japanese release featuring ‘It’s No Game (Part 1)’ as the A-side with a long version of ‘Fashion’ on the B-side, highlighting the vocal contribution of Michi Hirota.
ποΈ RCA Records (RPS-10)
πΈ Event: Japanese Single Release: It’s No Game (Part 1)
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Unique Japanese release featuring ‘It’s No Game (Part 1)’ as the A-side with a long version of ‘Fashion’ on the B-side, highlighting the vocal contribution of Michi Hirota.
Visuals: Fashion Video Production β October 1980
π
1980-10-27 β 1980-10-29
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Hurrah (Nightclub) & Manhattan Locations
πΈ Event: Visuals: ‘Fashion’ Music Video Filming
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Directed by David Mallet. Filmed over three days at the Hurrah nightclub and street locations. The video features a stark aesthetic and stylized choreography, contrasting the fashion theme with an industrial atmosphere.
ποΈ Hurrah (Nightclub) & Manhattan Locations
πΈ Event: Visuals: ‘Fashion’ Music Video Filming
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Directed by David Mallet. Filmed over three days at the Hurrah nightclub and street locations. The video features a stark aesthetic and stylized choreography, contrasting the fashion theme with an industrial atmosphere.
Fashion: UK Charts & US Release β November 1980
π
1980-11-08
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ UK Official Singles Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Entry: Fashion
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: ‘Fashion’ enters the UK charts at number 8. It will remain in the charts for a total of 12 weeks, further cementing the commercial success of the ‘Scary Monsters’ era.
ποΈ UK Official Singles Chart
πΈ Event: Chart Entry: Fashion
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: ‘Fashion’ enters the UK charts at number 8. It will remain in the charts for a total of 12 weeks, further cementing the commercial success of the ‘Scary Monsters’ era.
π
1980-11-10
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ RCA Records (PB-12134 / PD-12145)
πΈ Event: US Single Release: Fashion
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Official release of ‘Fashion’ in the United States on both 7-inch and 12-inch formats. The single features ‘Scream Like A Baby’ as the B-side and includes the iconic picture sleeve. This release supports the ongoing Broadway run of ‘The Elephant Man’.
ποΈ RCA Records (PB-12134 / PD-12145)
πΈ Event: US Single Release: Fashion
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Official release of ‘Fashion’ in the United States on both 7-inch and 12-inch formats. The single features ‘Scream Like A Baby’ as the B-side and includes the iconic picture sleeve. This release supports the ongoing Broadway run of ‘The Elephant Man’.
International Media & Critical Acclaim β November 1980
π
1980-11-16
π Sydney, Australia π¦πΊ
ποΈ ABC Television Studios
πΈ Event: TV Broadcast: Countdown David Bowie Special
π€ Artist: David Bowie & Ian Meldrum
ποΈ Notes: The interview recorded in New York is broadcast on the Australian program ‘Countdown’. The segment features extensive discussion on his current creative phase and includes clips from ‘The Elephant Man’ alongside the ‘Ashes To Ashes’ and ‘Fashion’ music videos.
ποΈ ABC Television Studios
πΈ Event: TV Broadcast: Countdown David Bowie Special
π€ Artist: David Bowie & Ian Meldrum
ποΈ Notes: The interview recorded in New York is broadcast on the Australian program ‘Countdown’. The segment features extensive discussion on his current creative phase and includes clips from ‘The Elephant Man’ alongside the ‘Ashes To Ashes’ and ‘Fashion’ music videos.
π
1980-11-25
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ The Times (Press Publication)
πΈ Event: Media: ‘Bowie’s Achievement on the Legitimate Stage’
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Publication of a significant analytical piece by Patricia Barnes in The London Times. The article evaluates Bowie’s transition to professional theatre and his technical success in ‘The Elephant Man’, marking a high point in his critical recognition as a serious actor.
ποΈ The Times (Press Publication)
πΈ Event: Media: ‘Bowie’s Achievement on the Legitimate Stage’
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Publication of a significant analytical piece by Patricia Barnes in The London Times. The article evaluates Bowie’s transition to professional theatre and his technical success in ‘The Elephant Man’, marking a high point in his critical recognition as a serious actor.
π
1980-11 (month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Booth Theatre / Rehearsal Spaces
πΈ Event: Theatre: Sustained Broadway Engagement & Technique
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The run continues successfully with Bowie focusing primarily on theatre work. He refines physical techniques influenced by mime and expressionist theatre to sustain the demanding role of John Merrick across repeated performances.
ποΈ Booth Theatre / Rehearsal Spaces
πΈ Event: Theatre: Sustained Broadway Engagement & Technique
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: The run continues successfully with Bowie focusing primarily on theatre work. He refines physical techniques influenced by mime and expressionist theatre to sustain the demanding role of John Merrick across repeated performances.
Film Production: Christiane F. β December 1980
π
1980-12-05
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Beacon Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Film Shoot: Christiane F. β Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie films his cameo appearance for the West German film. The scene simulates a 1976 Berlin concert, with Bowie and a pickup band miming to an edited version of ‘Station To Station’. The shoot was moved to New York specifically to accommodate Bowie’s Broadway schedule.
ποΈ Beacon Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Film Shoot: Christiane F. β Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie films his cameo appearance for the West German film. The scene simulates a 1976 Berlin concert, with Bowie and a pickup band miming to an edited version of ‘Station To Station’. The shoot was moved to New York specifically to accommodate Bowie’s Broadway schedule.
Compilation Release: The Best Of Bowie β December 1980
π
1980-12-15
π London, England π¬π§
ποΈ K-Tel Records (NE 1111 / CE 2111)
πΈ Event: Album Release: The Best Of Bowie
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: A major international compilation featuring 16 tracks. To fit all songs on a single LP, several unique edits were created. Notable inclusions are the sax version of ‘John, Iβm Only Dancing’ and the live version of ‘Breaking Glass’. The album peaked at number 2 in the UK.
ποΈ K-Tel Records (NE 1111 / CE 2111)
πΈ Event: Album Release: The Best Of Bowie
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: A major international compilation featuring 16 tracks. To fit all songs on a single LP, several unique edits were created. Notable inclusions are the sax version of ‘John, Iβm Only Dancing’ and the live version of ‘Breaking Glass’. The album peaked at number 2 in the UK.
π
1980-12 (month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Theatre: Strong Broadway Industry Response
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Continued positive reception within the Broadway community strengthens Bowieβs reputation as a credible actor. His disciplined performance as John Merrick remains a major draw for audiences and critics alike as the year concludes.
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Theatre: Strong Broadway Industry Response
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Continued positive reception within the Broadway community strengthens Bowieβs reputation as a credible actor. His disciplined performance as John Merrick remains a major draw for audiences and critics alike as the year concludes.
Broadway Finale & Transition β January 1981
π
1981-01-04
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Theatre: Final Performance of The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie completes his highly successful Broadway engagement as John Merrick. The run concludes a significant chapter that redefined his artistic identity and proved his capabilities as a serious stage actor.
ποΈ Booth Theatre, Broadway
πΈ Event: Theatre: Final Performance of The Elephant Man
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie completes his highly successful Broadway engagement as John Merrick. The run concludes a significant chapter that redefined his artistic identity and proved his capabilities as a serious stage actor.
π
1981-01 (late month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Private Writing & Planning Sessions
πΈ Event: Creative: Return Focus Toward Music & Film
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Following the Broadway closure, Bowie reassesses his creative direction. He resumes lyric and concept development, moving toward new musical material and potential film projects for the early 1980s.
ποΈ Private Writing & Planning Sessions
πΈ Event: Creative: Return Focus Toward Music & Film
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Following the Broadway closure, Bowie reassesses his creative direction. He resumes lyric and concept development, moving toward new musical material and potential film projects for the early 1980s.
After Broadway β Transition Into 1981 (Bridge to Part 3)
π
1981-01 (late month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Post-Production / Industry Meetings
πΈ Event: Music: Informal Talks About Future Recording Work
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Informal discussions begin regarding studio collaborations and non-album projects. Bowie considers how to follow the massive critical and commercial success of ‘Scary Monsters’.
ποΈ Post-Production / Industry Meetings
πΈ Event: Music: Informal Talks About Future Recording Work
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Informal discussions begin regarding studio collaborations and non-album projects. Bowie considers how to follow the massive critical and commercial success of ‘Scary Monsters’.
π
1981-02 (early month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Art & Film Circles
πΈ Event: Creative: Increased Interest in Film Projects
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie explores film-related opportunities, building on the crossover between acting and music that intensified during his theatrical period.
ποΈ Art & Film Circles
πΈ Event: Creative: Increased Interest in Film Projects
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Bowie explores film-related opportunities, building on the crossover between acting and music that intensified during his theatrical period.
π
1981-02 (month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Private Residence / Studio Planning
πΈ Event: Chronology: Reset After Intense Public Visibility
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Maintaining a relatively low public profile, Bowie prepares for the next phase of his career. He balances visual ideas and soundtrack work while planning future studio sessions.
ποΈ Private Residence / Studio Planning
πΈ Event: Chronology: Reset After Intense Public Visibility
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Maintaining a relatively low public profile, Bowie prepares for the next phase of his career. He balances visual ideas and soundtrack work while planning future studio sessions.
π
1981-02 (late month)
π New York City, USA πΊπΈ
ποΈ Creative Planning Meetings
πΈ Event: Bridge: Move Toward New Collaborations
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Early planning signals a transition into a new period defined by high-profile collaborations, film score work, and experimentation beyond the traditional album cycle.
ποΈ Creative Planning Meetings
πΈ Event: Bridge: Move Toward New Collaborations
π€ Artist: David Bowie
ποΈ Notes: Early planning signals a transition into a new period defined by high-profile collaborations, film score work, and experimentation beyond the traditional album cycle.