Second Helpings: Neil Arthur Of Blancmange's Favourite Albums | Page 5 of 14 | The Quietus

Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

4. David BowieZiggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars

I had ticket no.4 to see Bowie when he played Blackburn in 1973. I sat in front of Mick Ronson and it was the best thing ever. It was a life-changing gig. I was meant to see T. Rex but my mum wouldn’t let me. But I was old enough to see Bowie and The Spiders. I’d never seen anyone dressed like they did or play a guitar like that. We were so close – on the front row. There was an electricity about them. We sat there with our posters between our legs like giant phalluses.

I was up with the kids getting them ready for school recently and all of a sudden Bowie was on Today. That got me: he was everywhere having been nowhere. I have the new album but I haven’t really listened to it yet. I bought Let’s Dance because of the incredible production but I stopped after the three Berlin albums.

Selected in other Baker’s Dozens: Mark Radcliffe
PreviousNext Record

Don’t Miss The Quietus Digest

Start each weekend with our free email newsletter.

Help Support The Quietus in 2025

If you’ve read something you love on our site today, please consider becoming a tQ subscriber – our journalism is mostly funded this way. We’ve got some bonus perks waiting for you too.

Subscribe Now