Scottish singing sensation Lulu has unveiled a startling chapter from music history, revealing that the late legendary artist David Bowie presented her with a stark ultimatum before they could work together.
In a candid revelation, the 75-year-old star disclosed that Bowie suggested she would need to lose weight prior to their iconic 1974 performance of 'The Man Who Sold The World' on her BBC television series. This collaboration occurred during Bowie's transformative Ziggy Stardust era, a period defined by his flamboyant and androgynous persona.
A Condition for Collaboration
Lulu recounted the moment her manager delivered the news, stating she was told, "David would like to do it with you, but he thinks you should lose a little weight." Rather than being offended, the 'Shout' singer accepted the feedback with a surprising pragmatism that characterised the era.
"That's what it was like then," Lulu explained during her appearance on the How To Fail With Elizabeth Day podcast. She reflected on the different standards of the time, noting that such direct comments about appearance were not uncommon in the 1970s entertainment industry.
The Pressure of 1970s Stardom
Lulu's experience highlights the intense scrutiny female artists faced regarding their physical appearance during this period. She described the immense pressure to maintain a certain image, revealing she was "always on a diet" throughout her career.
The music icon didn't specify whether she actually followed through with Bowie's suggestion, but their performance ultimately went ahead, creating one of the most memorable musical moments of the decade. Their rendition of 'The Man Who Sold The World' was later released as a single, reaching number three on the UK charts.
A Different Era for Entertainment
Lulu's reflection provides fascinating insight into the norms of the 1970s music business, contrasting sharply with today's more sensitive approaches to body image and artist representation. Her matter-of-fact acceptance of Bowie's condition illustrates how commonplace such critiques were during that time.
This revelation adds another layer to the complex legacy of David Bowie, who remains one of music's most innovative and influential figures, while also offering a poignant reminder of how industry standards have evolved regarding artists' physical appearances and professional demands.
