5 Unforgettable David Bowie TV Appearances

One of the best ways to honor David Bowie is by listening to his music. And in that vein, here are five diverse and stunning television performances that you won't be able to forget.

 

Despite what the video title claims, this isn't the first time Bowie performed "Space Oddity" on television. It isn't even 1969, but is instead a May 1970 appearance at the Ivor Novello awards. Still, it's a great video and a really casual take on the song.



Here's a 1972 performance of "Starman" on the UK's "Top Of The Pops." This is arguably the peak of Bowie's glam period and the band includes the talented Mick Ronson on guitar.



This October 1977 appearance on "Top Of The Pops" was Bowie's fifth appearance on the show. He sang live vocals of "Hero" over a pre-recorded backing track. But it's still a gripping performance and it gives a good sense of his late 1970s stage persona.



This is a 14-minute hunk of footage from a 1977 photo shoot Bowie did while preparing to appear on a Dutch music show. A couple of minutes in he talks to these two boys and what is striking is how polite and attentive Bowie is to the two young fans. A really fascinating behind-the-scenes look.



And here's a bit of later David Bowie. In 1996, he performed "Hello Spaceboy" live with the Pet Shop Boys at the Brit Awards, which aired on the BBC.