The series concludes with Kate Moss exploring the lasting legacy of David Bowie and the story behind Diamond Dogs, an album that carried themes from Bowie’s unrealised Orwell adaptation. Released on May 24, 1974, it marked a shift—Tony Defries had convinced Bowie to drop “David,” and all promotional material referred to him simply as Bowie.

Unable to stage his 1984 concept, Bowie transformed it into a theatrical U.S. tour, bringing in Broadway designers and choreographer Toni Basil. After months of rehearsals, the Diamond Dogs Tour launched in Montreal, pioneering large-scale rock theatrics and earning rave reviews.

During the tour, Bowie began recording Young Americans in Philadelphia, where filmmaker Alan Yentob captured his volatile state in the documentary Cracked Actor. Bowie, inspired by the new sound, incorporated it into the tour’s final leg and completed the album with Tony Visconti. The last track, Fame, was co-written with John Lennon.

Cracked Actor aired in January 1975, catching the eye of director Nic Roeg, who cast Bowie in The Man Who Fell to Earth, sparking the birth of his next persona: The Thin White Duke.

In just five years, Bowie evolved from a shy outsider into a global icon—constantly reinventing himself through music, fashion, and art.

With contributions from Tilda Swinton, Dave Gahan, Robbie Williams, Florence Welch, Nick Knight, Christine & The Queens, Toni Basil, Jules Fisher, Mark Ravitz, Elton John, Geoff MacCormack, Tony Zanetta and Edward Enninful,

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Following the end of Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie entered a period of reinvention. While Tony Defries negotiated a complex publishing deal, Bowie owed RCA another album—so he recorded Pin Ups, a collection of covers that paid tribute to the songs that shaped his early musical journey. He and Angie spent the summer of 1973 at Château d’Hérouville in France working on the project.

That same year, Bowie was invited by NBC to film a concert for their Midnight Special series. Unable to secure rights to adapt Orwell’s 1984 for the stage, Bowie channelled his vision into a theatrical performance titled The 1980 Floor Show, filmed at London’s Marquee Club. Still in Ziggy mode for one final outing, Bowie was joined by guests including The Troggs, Carmen, and Marianne Faithfull.

With contributions from Marianne Faithfull, Chrissie Hynde, Cherry Vanilla, Mike Garson and Gene Simmons.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

In April 1973, David Bowie fulfilled a long-held dream by touring Japan. Designer Kansai Yamamoto gifted him a collection of flamboyant stage outfits that Bowie wore with confidence—looks that continue to inspire fashion today.

On April 19, Bowie released Aladdin Sane, featuring the iconic lightning bolt artwork that became one of rock’s most enduring images. As Ziggy Stardust’s fame soared, Bowie’s reality blurred with fantasy. Within just 18 months, Ziggy had become a global phenomenon.

But fame came at a cost. The pressures of touring and financial strain began to mount. On July 3, 1973, at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, Bowie dramatically retired Ziggy Stardust, closing a defining chapter in his career.

With contributions from Mike Garson, Geoff MacCormack, Dana Gillespie, Lady Gaga, Chris Duffy, Harris Reed and Sir Paul Smith.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Kate Moss digs into how Bowie brought Ziggy Stardust to life, through a striking transformation. Though Hunky Dory showed him with flowing golden hair, Bowie was already embracing a bolder look inspired by Warhol’s circle and Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.

Despite the daring style, early gigs drew small crowds—some nights just ten people—and not everyone embraced the new aesthetic. One early show featured Roxy Music, another band pushing boundaries.

Bursting with creativity, Bowie wrote and produced All the Young Dudes for Mott the Hoople, an anthem that defined the era. Then in June 1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was released. A month later, Bowie’s electrifying Top of the Pops performance of Starman in full Ziggy costume became a cultural milestone.

That summer, riding the wave of Ziggy’s success, Bowie produced Lou Reed’s Transformer.

With contributions from Suzi Ronson, Trevor Bolder, Woody Woodmansey, Michael Watts, Mick Ronson, Phil Manzanera, Mick Rock, Ian Hunter, Lou Reed & Boy George.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

David Bowie was captivated by Tony Zanetta—known as ‘Z’—who played Andy Warhol in Pork, and asked him to arrange a meeting with Warhol in New York. During that trip, Bowie also met Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, both of whom would profoundly influence his music.

Kate Moss explores Bowie’s journey back in the UK where he was creatively recharged. Inspired by the artists and sounds he encountered, he began writing new material and shared his vision for a new persona: Ziggy Stardust.

His next album, Hunky Dory, showcased Bowie’s immense potential. Released on December 17, 1971, it featured tracks like Changes and Life on Mars, which marked a turning point in his career.

With contributions from Iggy Pop, George Underwood, Tony Zanetta, Woody Woodmansey, Anya Wilson and Leee Black Childers.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Amid writing, recording, and performing, David Bowie married Angie on March 20, 1970. With no time for a honeymoon, Bowie was back in the studio working on new material that explored themes of isolation and alienation.

Frustrated with his lack of progress, Bowie parted ways with manager Ken Pitt and signed with Tony Defries, who believed in Bowie’s star potential. The Man Who Sold the World was released in the U.S. in November 1970, and Bowie headed to America—packing his Mr Fish dresses—for a short promotional tour.

Energised by the music scene there, Bowie returned to the UK and kept writing. In August 1971, he saw Andy Warhol’s Pork at Camden’s Roundhouse, a show that deeply influenced him. Bowie, Angie, and Defries connected with Warhol’s team, many of whom later helped shape Hunky Dory.

With contributions from Tony Defries, Tony Zanetta, Anya Wilson, Trevor Bolder, Ken Scott, John Mendelsshon and Woody Woodmansey. Narrated by Kate Moss.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Encouraged by the success of Space Oddity, David Bowie began working with producer Tony Visconti to craft another hit. He and his girlfriend Angie moved into a flat in Beckenham, South London, where Bowie drew inspiration from Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd and dabbled in musical theatre, influenced by Anthony Newley.

At Haddon Hall, Bowie met Freddie Buretti, who became central to his evolving visual style, designing bold outfits that matched Bowie’s artistic transformation. While developing new material in the basement studio, Bowie and his band—briefly known as The Hype—played gigs under various names.

This period of creative experimentation and reinvention is celebrated in a special event hosted by Kate Moss.

With contributions from Tony Visconti, John Cambridge and Wendy Kirby.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Kate Moss describes David’s early life in Brixton, South London and the family influences that began to shape his early interest in music. School friend George Underwood describes going with David to see his first rock concert, which was Little Richard, when they were both 14 and Peter Frampton explains the help and advice his art teacher father gave Peter, George and David. Once he decided he wanted to become a musician, David moved quickly through several bands, each with a slightly different style - and in 1967 he became enamoured with the art of mime and met mime artist Lindsay Kemp, with whom he studied for several months. Then after years of struggle and experimentation, fuelled by a desperation to become famous, David finally scored his first hit in 1969 with ‘Space Oddity’.

With contributions from Brian Eno, St. Vincent, Sinead O’Connor, Rick Wakeman, Peter Frampton, George Underwood and Lindsay Kemp.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham