David Bowie: 50 years of his influential Berlin era

Fifty years ago, David Bowie moved to West Berlin, marking a transformative period in his career that lasted until approximately 1979. Seeking anonymity and a creative reset following a restless period of rapid album releases and the retirement of his Ziggy Stardust persona, Bowie settled in the city in August 1976.

During this era, Bowie was influenced by Berlin's art history, including the works of Bert Brecht and Christopher Isherwood, as well as the electronic music innovations of German bands like Kraftwerk, Neu!, and Tangerine Dream. His time in the city is closely associated with Hansa Studios, where his influential work ‘Heroes’ was produced.

The period was characterized by a search for stability amidst the city's unique atmosphere, which at the time was marked by both historical ruins and a complex social landscape. This era remains a pivotal chapter in pop music history, blending personal reinvention with significant musical and technological evolution.