Welcome to another "Hump Day" chaotic inspiration post!
Today, we're diving into the enigmatic world of David Bowie, a cultural icon whose fearless creativity and boundary-pushing artistry have profoundly influenced my life and work as a queer poet. As I’m sure they have every other poet on the planet.
My first encounter with David Bowie came when my Dad finally allowed me to scour through his records in search of something other than generic pop songs. Somehow he had managed to hide his love for David Bowie in our attic all those years! There were more than just a few of his classic records in amongst his collection. I don’t really remember which song I heard first, or which album I first laid delicately on the turntable. But I remember the sensations. When a record really slaps it’s like the needle is threading wildly through every groove in your body. Just me?
I was hooked. Just as I had been upon first hearing the vocal harmonies of Queen, the jaunty falsettos of Elton John, the guitar scream of Led Zeppelin, the rhythmic strumming of Bob Dylan, and Shania Twain shouting “Let’s Go, Girls!”
Actually, thinking about it, I would’ve heard him sing “Under Pressure” long before then. But his solo work definitely came much later.
Bowie's androgynous image and fearless self-expression resonated deeply with me, offering a newfound sense of liberation and possibility. That was probably the year I first bought red trousers. Although I think Mika may have been responsible for those.
Albums like "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" and "Young Americans" became my soundtrack, each song a portal into a world where identity was fluid and self-discovery was an endless adventure. I became a self-aware fluid of semi-sexual adventure. That’s probably another story.
Bowie’s Exploration of Identity and Sexuality
David Bowie's public exploration of bisexuality and gender fluidity was groundbreaking. His persona, Ziggy Stardust, was a flamboyant, otherworldly character who blurred the lines of gender and sexuality. Songs like "Rebel Rebel" with its defiant chorus, "You've got your mother in a whirl / She's not sure if you're a boy or a girl," challenged traditional norms and offered a beacon of hope for queer individuals.
Bowie's openness about his sexuality and his embrace of different personas influenced my understanding and acceptance of my own identity. His performances, particularly "Boys Keep Swinging," which played with gender roles, showed that art could be a powerful tool for exploring and expressing one's true self.
It’s up there with that middle section of Queen’s “I Want To Break Free” music video. I got past the leather skirt and Roger Taylor’s legs pretty quickly, but a man in a cow-print morph suit blowing a massive trumpet and rolling over a horde of other cow-printed lovelies. Phwoar! This explains more than I would want it to though.
Bowie’s Influence on Personal Poetic Themes
His fascination with otherworldliness and transformation resonates through my verses, where I explore the fluidity of identity and the journey of self-discovery. His ability to weave narratives of change, struggle, and triumph mirrors my own attempts to capture the chaos and beauty of the human experience in my work. And who doesn’t love the figure of an ethereal alien being that can constantly change its form?
Bowie's impact extends beyond the written word into my approach to how I express myself sartorially. His use of costumes, dramatic personas, and elaborate stagecraft inspired me to incorporate theatrical elements into my wardrobe. It’s not all velvet jumpsuits, fantastical patterned dungarees and balloon flared trousers. But it’s not far off! I don’t think it stretches as far as the Labyrinth codpiece though.
Navigating Chaos and Creativity
David Bowie thrived amidst chaos, turning personal and artistic turmoil into a source of creative energy. His ability to channel his struggles into groundbreaking art inspires my own process. During difficult times, Bowie's music has provided much solace and inspiration. His track "Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide," with its gut-wrenching refrain, "You’re not alone!" serves as a frequent reminder to embrace the unknown and let it fuel my own wondrousness.
David Bowie's multifaceted influence on my life and work is (almost) beyond words. His music, persona, and fearless exploration of identity and creativity have shaped my poetic voice and fluidity of self. I encourage you to dive into Bowie’s discography and find your own inspirations. Embrace the unexpected muses that fuel your creative journey.
And do yourself a favour, watch him and Mick Jagger tit about in the music video for “Dancin’ In The Street”. It’s bloody brilliant.
Embrace the chaos, and let it inspire your next poetic masterpiece!
All these colourful trousers, cuban heels, bejewelled trinkets, funky adornments, flowy shirts, and technicolour dungarees (which my mum can’t stand me wearing) don’t buy, wear, and style themselves. It’s a well-honed practice that takes time, money, and a whole carefully balanced laissez-faire thing. Pop your hand in your virtual pocket, and slip a tip (just the tip) into the pot below, you know, if you want.