A remarkable piece of music history, a sheet of paper with David Bowie‘s handwritten lyrics, is set to go under the hammer on November 28, with expectations of fetching over US$125,000 at auction. This prized item contains the lyrics to “Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide” and “Suffragette City,” both featured on Bowie’s critically acclaimed fifth studio album, “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,” released in June 1972.
The lyric sheet, described as “irregularly cut,” showcases Bowie’s creative process with visible corrections, notations, and footnotes. These tracks hold a special place in Bowie’s discography, with “Suffragette City” having been released as the B-side of the album’s lead single “Starman” in April 1972, and “Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide” later emerging as a single in its own right in 1974.
London’s Omega Auctions, renowned for dealing in significant pieces of rock history, is set to host the sale of this rare item. The auction house anticipates the lyrics will draw bids between £50,000 and £100,000 (US$63,000 to US$126,000), reflecting the enduring legacy and influence of Bowie’s work.
Bowie’s fifth album, “Ziggy Stardust,” is revered as a groundbreaking work in rock music. The album presents a concept narrative centered around Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust—an androgynous, omnisexual rock star serving as a prophetic messenger in the face of Earth’s impending doom. The album’s blend of theatricality, glam rock, and poignant lyricism cemented Bowie’s status as a musical innovator.
The auction of these handwritten lyrics follows the successful sale of “Starman” lyrics for a staggering £165,000 in September 2022, highlighting the immense value and interest Bowie’s memorabilia holds for collectors and fans worldwide.
This upcoming auction presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to own a tangible piece of David Bowie’s rich musical legacy. The handwritten lyrics not only offer a glimpse into Bowie’s artistic process but also serve as a testament to his enduring impact on music and culture. As interest in Bowie’s work remains strong years after his passing, items like these handwritten lyrics continue to attract attention and admiration from a global audience, underscoring Bowie’s timeless appeal and influence in the world of music.
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