A Jean Genie Rainbow Return Published in the UK on December 9, 1972, Melody Maker’s full-page advert screamed BOWIE'S BACK! — announcing David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust UK Christmas tour and the release of his new single “The Jean Genie.” The tour kicked off December 24 at London’s Rainbow Theatre, hitting Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and Preston. A triumphant glam-rock victory lap. Advert Overview Publication Details Magazine: Melody Maker (UK). Date: December 9

A Major Tom Glam-Folk Resurrection Released as a vinyl LP reissue in the US on November 10, 1972, on RCA Victor (catalogue: LSP-4813), David Bowie’s Space Oddity — originally issued in the UK as David Bowie (1969) — was the first US release under the Space Oddity title. Produced by Gus Dudgeon (A1) and Tony Visconti (A2–B5) at Trident Studios, this 9-track folk-psych gem featured “Space Oddity,” “Letter To Hermione,” and “Cygnet Committee.” Issued in Hollywood, Indianapolis,

Bowie's Swishiest Outrage Return Published in the UK on January 22, 1972, Melody Maker’s cover and article “Oh! You Pretty Things” heralded David Bowie’s return to live performance after three years since “Space Oddity.” The cover described him as “rock's swishiest outrage,” a self-confessed lover of effeminate clothes, noting that critics in the US had hailed him as the new Bob Dylan. The feature highlighted the imminent chart success of his album Hunky Dory and the single “

Bowie's Maida Vale Ziggy Preview Recorded on January 18, 1972, at Studio 5, Maida Vale Studios, London, for BBC Radio’s Sounds of the 70s hosted by Bob Harris, David Bowie performed five songs with the Spiders from Mars: Mick Ronson (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass), and Mick Woodmansey (drums). Produced by Jeff Griffin, engineered by Chris Lycett and John Etchells. The session aired on February 7, 1972. Tracks Recorded Hang On To Yourself – 2:48 Ziggy Stardust – 3:23 Queen Bitc