Member Reviews

"This value-priced reissue of Bowie at 75 (2022) celebrates the beloved rock star with expert commentary, hundreds of images, and an illustrated gatefold timeline.

Hendrix, Joplin, Mercury...few rock artists garner as much adulation after passing as they did in life. In David Bowie, veteran rock journalist Martin Popoff examines the rocker's extraordinary life through the lens of 75 significant career achievements and life events, guiding you through all 27 studio albums, as well as a curated selection of earworm singles. But Popoff delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Bowie's career:
-Guest appearances with artists like Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, and Queen
-Key performances such as Live Aid
-Collaborations with an incredible roster of guitarists that included Mick Ronson, Adrian Belew, Robert Fripp, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Nile Rodgers, and Earl Slick
-Film and television roles
-Romance...and more.

From his eponymous 1967 debut LP and ending with Blackstar, released just two days before his death, Bowie is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades, during which he constantly redefined himself. In examining 75 touchstones, Popoff gives you a unique view of Bowie's career arc from folkie to the breakthrough single "Space Oddity" to his flamboyant glam rock alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, and beyond.

Illustrated with live concert and candid offstage photography as well as memorabilia including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more, this incredible package also includes a gatefold timeline, making for a stunning tribute to one of the most influential and admired stars in rock history."

Dammit. I miss David Bowie so much.

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Beautiful collector’s book on the life and times of David Bowie.
Alongside his full life story is some fantastic music history of the artists he has collaborated and worked with, and photos and souvenirs from his different eras in music and creativity. It’s truly fascinating.
Through all of his famous albums, to the less popular or less known music, to his performances in theatre and on screen. David Bowie was never a conformist or ready to settle on any success, his music could be unsettling and pushed the boundaries. So many times in his life he was actually way ahead of the times.
A beautiful poignant look and reminder of how groundbreaking and instrumental in today’s music scene Bowie was.
This book is the reissue of Bowie at 75 published in 2022. Although this is largely written from an American perspective, Bowie did live a lot of his life in New York.
The information and pictures alone make it a must have for all music fans, covering music from late 1950’s through to the 2000’s and Bowie’s last performance and music.
I loved looking through, then going back to read more. Hugely enjoyed and a great gift for music lovers!
Thank you NetGalley for the early read. Loved it!!

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I really enjoyed this look at the career of David Bowie in words and pictures. Great information on his life from childhood and also all the various people he worked with. Great book.

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David Bowie: Rock 'n' Roll Chameleon by Martin Popoff is a meticulously crafted tribute to one of rock history's most iconic and influential figures. This value-priced reissue of Bowie at 75 celebrates the life and career of David Bowie through 75 significant milestones, offering fans and newcomers alike an in-depth look at the man who redefined what it meant to be a rock star.

The book is structured around 75 key moments in Bowie's career, beginning with his early days and culminating with the release of Blackstar just two days before his death. Popoff skillfully guides readers through Bowie's numerous transformations, from the folk-inspired sounds of his 1967 debut LP to the spacey, avant-garde persona of Ziggy Stardust and beyond. Each chapter is a snapshot of Bowie's evolution, illustrating how he continuously pushed the boundaries of music, fashion, and performance.

A stunning collection of photographs, album covers, posters, and memorabilia complements Popoff's expert commentary. The book's visual elements are as captivating as the text, providing a rich, immersive experience that highlights Bowie's extraordinary ability to reinvent himself while maintaining his unique artistic vision. Including a fold-out timeline further enhances the book's appeal, offering a chronological perspective on Bowie's multifaceted career.

One of the book's strengths is its exploration of Bowie's collaborations with other legendary artists, including Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Tina Turner, and Queen. These collaborations were not just musical endeavors but were also pivotal moments that shaped the trajectory of Bowie's career. Popoff also delves into Bowie's film and television roles, his romances, and his influence on fashion and cultural landscapes, presenting a well-rounded portrait of a man who was much more than just a rock star.

David Bowie: Rock 'n' Roll Chameleon is more than just a biography; it's a visual and textual celebration of Bowie's life and legacy. The book's layout is beautifully designed, making it informative and a pleasure to browse. Whether you're a lifelong Bowie fan or just discovering his work, this book is an essential addition to your collection. It is a comprehensive guide to Bowie's career and a stunning visual tribute to one of rock's most enduring legends.

Martin Popoff has created a fitting homage to David Bowie, capturing the essence of a man who was a true chameleon in rock and roll. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in Bowie's life and music, offering a unique and insightful look at the milestones that defined his extraordinary journey.

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An affordable reissue of this illuminating collection of Bowie photos and memorabilia. I’d love to have this on my coffee table! It’s great timing to release this more widely accessible version after the relatively recent release of the documentary Moonage Daydream (2022). That film is a wild ride and this book makes a great companion piece, providing a timeline and some grounding points of reference that enrich our understanding of his genius.

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Martin Popoff guides the reader through 75 steps in David Bowie’s career. Starting from his beginnings through the high points in his career and life. It also mentions failures, collaborations and all stages of his metamorphosis in 6 chapters with subtitles like ‘ showman’, ‘rock icon’ and ‘musician’. With lots of extra pictures, memorabilia, diverse album covers, posters and many more it is a visual delight giving also a journey through David’s transformations or re-creations. It is a fun book for a quick look andd it also serves as a reference book on all things Bowie.

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Overall, I would say this is a great entry level book into David Bowie. The ‘chapters’ are quite short, and the accompanying photos are great.
It would make a great coffee table book to flick through.

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I was very pleasantly surprised by the high standard of the writing in this book: there's a lot of really interesting biographical information, and Popoff provides thoughtful analysis of Bowie's albums.

The layout is excellent, and the number and quality of the photos make this a treasure for any Bowie fan.

Received via NetGalley.

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'Bowie at 75' by Martin Popoff is being published as a value-priced reissue of the hardback that was released in 2022, the year Bowie would have turned 75. We follow the rock star's life and career events in 75 chapters which are descriptive and beautifully illustrated with photographs, album covers and other memorabilia. A truly wonderful must-have book and visual feast for every David Bowie fan!

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Fantastic book, not only for fans. Loved learning so much of his life. I first knew about Bowie when I was a kid watching him as the Goblin King in The Labyrinth growing to appreciate his music as well.

I'd definitely recommend this for others to read.

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This is an exquisite book about David Bowie; a reissue or Bowie at 75.
It is well-presented and organised. The editing/selection of the milestones in Bowie’s career is amazing. And those pictures. A wonderful guide to Bowie. To look at, read and treasure.

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You don't have to be a fan of David Bowie to absolutely treasure this book... It is SO interesting to learn more about his remarkable life and talent. If you are a fan, this is something you'll want on your shelf for sure.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an advance copy with me. I'll treasure it!!

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Great reissue. No complaints! David Bowie is a legend.
Thanks for including me on this! Loved him in Labrynth

Thanks to netgalley!

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