The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (often shortened to Ziggy Stardust) is the fifth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released on 16 June 1972 in the United Kingdom through RCA Records. It was co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott and features Bowie's backing band the Spiders from Mars, composed of Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, and Mick Woodmansey. Most of the songs were written about the same time that Bowie's previous album Hunky Dory (1971) was written. After Hunky Dory was completed, recording for Ziggy Stardust began in November 1971 at Trident Studios in London; further sessions were held in early February 1972.
Described as a loose concept album and rock opera, Ziggy Stardust is about Bowie's titular alter ego Ziggy Stardust, a fictional androgynous and bisexual rock star who is sent to Earth as a saviour before an impending apocalyptic disaster. In the story, Ziggy wins the hearts of fans but suffers a fall from grace after succumbing to his own ego. The character was inspired by numerous musicians, including singers Vince Taylor and Iggy Pop. Most of the album's concept was developed after the songs were recorded. The glam rock and proto-punk musical styles were influenced by Pop, the Velvet Underground, and Marc Bolan of T. Rex while the lyrics discuss the artificiality of rock music, political issues, drug use, sexual orientation, and stardom. The album cover, photographed in monochrome and recoloured, was taken in London outside the home of furriers "K. West".
David Bowie – vocals, acoustic guitar, saxophone
Mick Ronson – electric guitar, piano, backing vocals, string arrangements
Trevor Bolder – bass guitar
Woody Woodmansey – drums
Rick Wakeman – harpsichord ("It Ain't Easy")
Dana Gillespie – backing vocals ("It Ain't Easy")
01 - Five Years 04:43
02 - Soul Love 03:34
03 - Moonage Daydream 04:40
04 - Starman 04:14
05 - It Ain't Easy 02:57
06 - Lady Stardust 03:21
07 - Star 02:47
08 - Hang on to Yourself 02:39
09 - Ziggy Stardust 03:13
10 - Suffragette City 03:28
11 - Rock 'n' Roll Suicide 02:58
