In this episode of Explaining History, we dive into the fascinating world of David Bowie’s 1960s—a decade of shifting cultural currents, personal reinvention, and the search for identity that would shape one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century.

Drawing on Neil Stephenson’s insightful book David Bowie, we explore how the social upheavals of the 60s—from Swinging London and Mod culture to the countercultural movements and sexual liberation—created a crucible in which Bowie experimented with music, fashion, and persona.

We’ll discuss:

• Bowie’s early forays into pop, soul, and psychedelia—and why they initially struggled to find commercial success.
• How the cultural chaos of the 60s fed his hunger for reinvention and laid the groundwork for Ziggy Stardust.
• The tensions between working-class roots and art-school aspirations that defined his early career.
• How Bowie’s fascination with identity, performance, and ambiguity reflected broader changes in British society during the era.

*****STOP PRESS*****

I only ever talk about history on this podcast but I also have another life, yes, that of aspirant fantasy author and if that's your thing you can get a copy of my debut novel The Blood of Tharta, right here:

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