Channel 4 in the UK, had a two hour programme on Saturday night, TV to Die For : The Best Music Show In The World, which covered all of the best ever moments of music television. Items featured included Elvis' 68 comeback special, Madonna's TV debut, and The Sex Pistols swearing outbreak, which looked very very tame in 2001. David was featured in the title images, and the moment chosen to represent him was that rush of excitement and sheer newness, Starman on TOTP. The commentator was Mick Wall, the editor of Classic Rock magazine, who was obviously remembering the moment with great warmth and affection and had this to say :-
I remember the first time Bowie appeared on TV in Ziggy Stardust guise and it was greeted mainly with contempt. Suddenly, here comes a guy dressed as a gay alien from outer space, singing gay alien songs from outer space. I was 14 and I genuinely didn?t understand the concept of ?gay? or ?straight?. I remember TOTP was family viewing, and I remember watching it with my Mum and Dad. "Oh, shouldn?t be allowed". And there was one bit in the chorus when Bowie puts his arm round Ronson?s neck and they sing together? My Dad was like "Poofter" I remember feeling it was very strange and very different from everything else that had gone on TOTP that week. My mother?s intense disapproval made me think ?Well, there must be something GREAT going on here", and I mean, at that moment I was totally hooked. First album I ever bought as a kid...
:))
(*two)