Unreleased version of David Bowie’s Starman announced for Ziggy Stardust anniversary

Virgin Radio

16 Jun 2022, 11:01

A previously unreleased mix of David Bowie’s Starman has been revealed to celebrate 50 years of The Rise And of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars.

The track has been based on the singer’s iconic Top of the Pops performance in 1972 using the BBC’s broadcast recording, which was first released on the Starman 7 picture disc a decade ago.

When artists appeared on the popular show back then, they had to re-record their track and sing live over the top of it during the performance, according to the Musicians Reunion rules.

Starman (Top of the Pops Version 2022 Mix) takes that backing track recorded at Trident Studios for the show, and the lead vocals from the album version to create a brand-new mix.

Ken Scott, who served as co-producer on the original album, is the man behind this fresh mix, which he created earlier this year from the multi-tracks.

This comes as a “limited edition 50th anniversary half speed mastered LP and picture disc” is released in celebration of the iconic album, which also includes the same master and replica promotional poster.

Bowie’s legendary record was first released on 16 June 1972 as his fifth studio album and featured the musician’s then alter-ego Ziggy Stardust. It has since become one of his most loved albums and is still regarded by both fans and critics as revolutionary for its time.

If you're looking for another away to celebrate, Tim Burgess is hosting a listening party of the album at 10:3-pm on Twitter today (16 June) to celebrate the occasion.

Speaking about the milestone, he said: "I'm really excited to be hosting a Ziggy Stardust Listening Party on the 50th anniversary of the album's release.

"Fans from all around the world can take part, and we've enlisted a few friends to help us out too." 

Bowie sadly passed away in 2016 from cancer, aged 69

Read our article on celebrating 50 years of The Rise And of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars here.