David Bowie was an international rock star known all over the world thanks to hits like “Space Oddity” and “Ziggy Stardust”. But before he became famous David Bowie was known as a simple “Brixton boy” who went by the name of David Robert Jones.
When David Bowie passed away on January 10th, 2016, heartfelt tributes started pouring in from all over the world; but the London neighbourhood of Brixton soon became the epicentre of all the David Bowie-related memorials and celebrations. As a matter of fact, Brixton and David Bowie have become so synonymous with each other, the neighbourhood even held a street party on the night of the star’s death.
But some of the many David Bowie attractions in London aren’t just centered in his hometown of Brixton. Here are some tips on where you can find David Bowie-related places to visit on your own or with a guide on a free walking tour in London:
1. 40 Stansfield Road (Brixton)
Before becoming David Bowie, Ziggy Stardust, The Thin White Duke or Jareth, David Robert Jones lived at this address with his family until he was six years old. The terraced house is a stone’s throw away from Brixton Academy and the Prince Albert Pub on Coldharbour Lane (where a tribute was held on the night of his death).
2. Ritzy Cinema
The “Ritzy” has become the epicentre of many David Bowie events in London before and after his death, and it was here where a street party was held to celebrate the life of one of England’s most notable rock stars. On the night of January 11th, hundreds of his fans danced in the streets and sang along to his hits until the wee hours of the morning.
3. David Bowie mural (Brixton Road)
At Morley’s Department store, you will see a mural of David Bowie (located on the wall of Brixton Road) dressed up in his iconic lightning bolt make-up from the 1973 Aladdin Sane album cover. On the day of his death many fans ventured to the building (which is just opposite from Brixton station) to leave flowers, tributes and messages. It's a great place to visit with a free tour of street art and graffiti.
4. Heddon Street Alley
Out of all the David Bowie tourist attractions to see in London, this location should be on the top of your list. It was here where Ziggy Stardust (one of David Bowie’s many alter-egos) was first spotted on a cold January night in 1972, and you can still see a plaque to mark the spot today (as well as several other Ziggy Stardust and David Bowie-related references).
5. Trident Studios (17 St. Anne’s Court, Wardour Street)
“Space Oddity”, “Life on Mars?” and “Changes” were some of the many David Bowie tracks recorded here at this popular Soho recording studio; and over the years David Bowie also recorded several of his well-known albums here as well (like Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust, just to name a few).
Trident Studios first made headlines in 1968 when it was declared as the first London studio to have an eight-track recording machine, and since then the studio has been used by the likes of The Beatles, George Harrison, Elton John and Queen. The studio shut down in 1984 (it is now used by an audio-video production company), but apparently you can still see a David Bowie print from The Man Who Fell To Earth‘s photography shoot inside.
If you are checking out the David Bowie attractions, you might also want to join any of the many free tours in London that run every day.
