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The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (often shortened to Ziggy Stardust) is the fifth studio album by English musician David Bowie, released on 16 June 1972 in the United Kingdom. Ken Scott and Bowie produced the album. It features contributions from Bowie's backup band, the Spiders from Mars, who consisted of Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder and Mick Woodmansey. The album was recorded in Trident Studios, London, the same place where his previous album was recorded. The initial sessions, which produced a large part of the album, went from 8 to 17 November 1971, with final sessions from January to February 1972.
Described as a loose concept album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is about Bowie's titular alter ego Ziggy Stardust, a fictional androgynous bisexual rock star who acts as a messenger for extraterrestrial beings. Bowie performed as him on the Ziggy Stardust Tour through the United Kingdom, Japan and North America. The album, and the character of Ziggy Stardust, was known for its glam rock influences and themes of sexual exploration and social commentary. Besides that, the ambiguity surrounding Bowie's sexuality and a performance of "Starman" on Top of the Pops brought public attention to the album. A concert film of the same name, directed by D. A. Pennebaker, was recorded in 1973 and released a decade later in 1983. Official 180gr reissue
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