David Bowie, though well-traveled, was fundamentally a London boy. The capital shaped his cosmopolitan worldview and influenced all aspects of his persona and artistry. From his distinctive voice with its Brixton-by-Bromley inflections to his ever-evolving personal style and musical prowess, London's impact on Bowie was profound.
Born in post-war Brixton, Bowie's formative years spanned the urban inner city and suburban Bromley. He used central London as a canvas for his life and creativity, his journey through the city mirroring his artistic evolution. From seductive Soho, where he honed his craft as an uber-Mod and recorded groundbreaking early '70s albums, to upscale areas like Marylebone, South Kensington, and Chelsea, where he resided with various managers and collaborators, London was integral to Bowie's development.
In Beckenham, Bowie explored counterculture through his community-based 'arts lab'. Covent Garden played a significant role, hosting his performances with the experimental trio Feathers at the original Arts Lab. This area later became home to early '80s nightclubs Blitz and Hell, epicentres of the New Romantic movement Bowie heavily influenced.
Despite leaving the UK in 1974, never to return as a permanent resident, London continued to shape Bowie's artistry. His ability to reinvent himself mirrored the city's capacity for constant renewal. From mod to glam to New Romantic and beyond, Bowie's transformations reflected London's ever-changing cultural landscape.
In this guide, we chart 61 locations associated with Bowie, from childhood to global superstar.