9 Places You Can Visit to Celebrate the Life of David Bowie
365 days have passed since we lost legendary artist, fashion icon, actor, and space royalty, David Bowie. The fearless and creative rock star became one of the most original figures in music. As we look back on Bowie’s career, we feel his spirit in the air. Bowie's legacy lives on and reaches far and wide. Here are 9 places you can visit in remembrance of Ziggy Stardust.
1. Soho's Heddon Street, London
David Bowie’s most acclaimed album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars gained praise and popularity as it rose to the top of the charts after its release in 1972. The famous album cover featuring Bowie on the streets of London was shot on Soho’s Heddon Street by photographer Brian Ward. Adorned with a bright yellow K. West sign, this album cover has become one of the most recognizable albums in rock ’n’ roll. Although the K. West sign no longer exists, a plague honoring Bowie was installed by the Crown Estate in 2012. You can visit the exact spot where David Bowie strikes his famous pose in honor of the star.
2. 40 Stanfield Road, Brixton, London
David Bowie was born on January 8, 1947 at 40 Stanfield Road, Brixton, London. His mother, Margaret Mary "Peggy" was a waitress, and his father, Haywood Stenton "John" Jones worked as a promotions officer for a children’s charity. Located near the South London areas of Brixton and Stockwell the family lived in the quaint home until he was 6 years old, when they moved to the suburb of Bromlely, London. You can visit the home and see where it all started.
3. Decca Studios (165 Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, London)
If you want to see where Bowie got his start, head to Decca Studios in London. Decca Studios was the fist label to ever sign David Bowie as apart of the band The Konrads. Notoriously, Decca Studios rejected The Beatles when they first auditioned in 1962. While Decca no longer exists, the building is now used as a practice space for the English National Opera.
4. Ritzy Cinema, London
Located in David Bowie’s hometown of Brixton, London, the cinema which opened in 1911, has been home to many David Bowie events throughout his career. On his death day, the cinema celebrated David Bowie’s life and achievements by displaying “David Bowie: Our Brixton Boy. RIP” on the marquee while thousands of fans parties and sang songs of the rock star until the early morning hours. You can still catch a flick here and sit in remembrance of Bowie.
5. David Bowie Mural on Brixton Road, London
Created by Australian artist, Jimmy C in 2013, the mural depicts Bowie in his famous lightning bolt make up from the Aladdin Sane album cover. The local government is now taking measures to protect and preserve the mural since Bowie’s death. The mural has become a popular site of grieving and was scattered with flowers, postcards, and memorabilia from fans of the singer.
6. Trident Studios (17 St. Anne’s Court, Wardour Street, London)
It was in this British recording studio that Bowie recorded several of his early albums (including Ziggy Stardust and Hunky Dory). The studio was home to plenty of artists, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Queen. It’s been shut down since 1984 and now is an audio-video production company. However, according to rumors, a print from Bowie's The Man Who Fell To Earth can be seen from inside the former studio.
7. The Booth Theatre, New York
David Bowie wasn’t just a star of the music industry, he enjoyed acting and performed in The Elephant Man, at The Booth Theatre. Bowie began his time on the stage in Denver, Colorado before the show was moved to New York, New York in the fall of 1981. Portraying the main character of John Merrick, Bowie’s performance was met with critical praise. Bowie’s final performance in The Elephant Man was January 3, 1981. The Booth Theatre is still a working theatre which was recently home to the revival of The Elephant Man starring Bradley Cooper from November 2014 through February 2015.
8. Washington Square Park, New York
Although Bowie was born in London, he considered himself a true New Yorker. Living in the heart of the city, Bowie quickly made note of his favorite locations. Bowie once stated in an interview that his favorite place in New York was Washington Square Park. “It’s the emotional history of New York in a quick walk.” Created in 1871 the park is now a landmark in addition to being a center for cultural activity in New York.
9. 285 Lafayette Street New York, NY
Although Bowie was a London native, the singer lived in NYC longer than anywhere else. Since 1999, Bowie lived on Lafayette Street in the SoHo neighborhood with his wife Iman. When he stopped touring in 2004, Bowie rarely left the city and ended up recording one of his final records, The Next Day, at The Magic Shop and Human Worldwide Studios in New York City. “I’ve lived in New York longer than I’ve lived anywhere else. It’s amazing. I am a New Yorker,” he said in a 2003 interview.