Writing prompts can be fun. When I saw that this week’s prompt at Studio 30 Plus was “Goldmine,” I immediately thought of David Bowie‘s song, “Velvet Goldmine.”
“Velvet Goldmine” was recorded during the Hunky Dory sessions and was supposed to make onto the Ziggy Stardust album, but it was ultimately rejected. It was eventually released as the B-side to the UK single of “Space Oddity.”
The song was originally written about how Bowie wanted to make out with another man, but the lyrics were changed to make it more ambiguous.
Here it is. It’s used to be a bit of a rarity, but with the internet being what it is, what’s rare nowadays? Not much. Luckily, the version here is from the re-master of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. It was added as a bonus track and I can proudly say that I own the CD.
Bowie as Ziggy Stardust
Ziggy Stardust is my favorite Bowie album (followed closely by Aladdin Sane, commonly referred to as the Ziggy sequel). Ziggy Stardust had only one single, “Starman,” but it is best known for the songs “Ziggy Stardust” and “Suffragette City.” The album is a very loose concept album about an alien who comes to Earth and becomes a rock star, falling into all of the common vices associated stardom – alcohol, drugs and sex. The character of “Ziggy” had a message of peace and love, but it gets lost in his antics.
“Ziggy Stardust” is one of Bowie’s more well-known songs, so I’m giving you the original demo. Just Bowie and an acoustic guitar. Brilliant.
One more thing before I go.
Today is Steven Tyler’s birthday, he’s 64. Give it up to the original Bad Boy of Boston.
Keep rockin' brother!
In honor of his birthday, here’s an Aerosmith classic. Enjoy!
