A decade has passed since the world lost the inimitable David Bowie, yet the legacy of the rock star and cultural icon burns as brightly as ever. The legendary musician, whose career constantly reinvented the boundaries of music, fashion, and gender, died from cancer at his New York home on January 10, 2016. He was 69 years old.
A Legacy That Transformed Culture
Bowie's death prompted an unprecedented flood of tributes from fellow artists, songwriters, and celebrities worldwide. From a London schoolboy to a global phenomenon, he became a household name whose artistry permanently altered the landscape of popular culture. His fearless approach to self-expression, challenging male gender stereotypes as early as the late 1960s, paved the way for countless contemporary stars like Harry Styles and Lorde.
His career, spanning from his 1964 debut until his final album in 2016, was a masterclass in evolution. Through constant reinvention—seen in his ever-changing colour palettes, silhouettes, and stage performances—he created some of the most memorable images in modern history. On the tenth anniversary of his passing, we revisit 15 incredible photographs that capture the magic of his extraordinary journey.
15 Defining Moments in Photographs
1. Space Oddity (1969)
Aged just 22, Bowie's first major hit, 'Space Oddity', serendipitously coincided with the moon landing and launched his stellar career into orbit.
2. Becoming a Father (1971)
At 24, Bowie welcomed his first child. Even in parenthood, he challenged conventional gender roles, a theme he frequently explored in his work.
3. Life on Mars (1971)
The iconic blue suit from the 'Life on Mars' music video cemented his status as a pioneering fashion icon.
4. Top of The Pops (1972)
With bright red hair and a multicoloured outfit, Bowie introduced his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, to a stunned nation on BBC's 'Top of the Pops'.
5. Aladdin Sane (1973)
The cover of his sixth studio album, 'Aladdin Sane', became one of the most recognisable images in popular culture.
6. Aladdin Sane Tour (1973)
Touring the UK, North America, and Japan, this era featured some of his most iconic and flamboyant stage outfits.
7. Hammersmith Odeon (1973)
On July 3, 1973, fans at London's Hammersmith Odeon unknowingly witnessed the final ever Ziggy Stardust concert, a fact Bowie revealed on stage that night.
8. The Thin White Duke (1976)
For his album 'Station to Station', Bowie adopted the persona of 'The Thin White Duke', characterised by sharp, classic black suits and a cigarette.
9. The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
Bowie's role as an alien stranded on Earth in this film perfectly mirrored his own otherworldly, Ziggy Stardust image.
10. Heroes (1977)
Recorded in Berlin, this single became an anthem of hope and love with deep cultural and political resonance during the Cold War.
11. Let's Dance (1983)
The smash hit single 'Let's Dance' transformed his career, becoming arguably his most commercially successful track.
12. The Labyrinth (1986)
Bowie charmed a new generation as Jareth the Goblin King in this beloved family fantasy film, now considered a childhood classic.
13. Glastonbury (2000)
In a career of milestones, it wasn't until 2000 that Bowie headlined the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, delivering a legendary performance.
14. Zoolander (2001)
Showing his comedic chops, Bowie made a memorable cameo in the hit fashion satire 'Zoolander'.
15. The Next Day (2013)
Bowie ended a decade-long hiatus with the surprise release of his album 'The Next Day', three years before his final masterpiece, 'Blackstar'.
An Irreplaceable Icon
Ten years on, David Bowie's influence remains profoundly woven into the fabric of music, art, and identity. His chameleonic career, captured in these powerful images, serves as a permanent reminder of an artist who was never afraid to break the mould. While his spirit lives on through the artists he inspired, the man himself—the Starman who fell to Earth—remains truly irreplaceable.
