The Rolling Stones’ Secret Influence On David Bowie’S Music

March 20, 2025

David Bowie stood in front of the mirror, guitar in hand, feeling a strange mix of excitement and fear. It was the early 1970s, and he was about to step into a world that would change everything about his music and identity. Although he had already released a few albums, something was missing, a spark that could ignite his career. In his heart, he knew he had one goal: to capture the wild, rebellious spirit of rock and roll, a spirit that had been brought to life by none other than The Rolling Stones.

As a teenager in England, Bowie had been captivated by the bold sound and daring style of Mick Jagger and his bandmates. The Stones’ music was electric, filled with a raw energy that resonated with his own longing to break free and create something extraordinary. He would listen to “Paint It Black” and “Ruby Tuesday,” feeling each note tug at his soul, urging him to embrace his individuality. It was in their songs that he found the courage to explore his own identity, experimenting with fashion, makeup, and persona. Bowie often dreamed of performing on stage like Jagger, moving with such confidence that it felt like he was flying.

In 1972, everything changed when Bowie released “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.” The album was a revelation, a cosmic explosion of sound and storytelling that redefined what music could be. But underneath the glitter and glam, Bowie recognized the influence of The Rolling Stones. He had adopted their audacious spirit, and their free-spirited attitude became his own. He took risks with his music, blending genres and pushing boundaries, just as the Stones had done before him. It felt as if Mick Jagger was there, silently cheering him on.

However, the road was not always smooth. As Bowie gained fame, he faced criticism and pressure to conform to what society expected from a rock star. There were moments when doubt crept in, whispering that he might not be able to live up to the dreams he’d spun so courageously. Yet, every time Bowie felt that weight of insecurity, he turned back to the music of The Rolling Stones. Their defiance and insistence on being true to themselves inspired him to continue forging his path, embracing the weirdness that made him unique. With each performance, he pushed through the fears and doubts, channeling the energy of Jagger and the band, letting it fuel his creativity.

Over time, Bowie’s explosive persona and musical genius earned him a legendary status of his own. Looking back, he recognized that The Rolling Stones had not just influenced his music; they had given him permission to be himself, to defy norms, and to dream bigger than anyone expected. Through their music, he learned about resilience—the ability to start again, to rise after every fall, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. He often said that without the Stones, he might never have found the courage to become Ziggy Stardust, the alien rock star who captured the hearts of millions.

In the end, David Bowie’s journey was one of transformation, fueled by the spirit of those who came before him. Their music taught him that every star has a story, and every story deserves to be told, no matter how unusual or complex. The Rolling Stones lit the fire within him, and through that flame, Bowie created a legacy that would inspire countless artists long after he had left the stage. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the magic we seek in our own lives can be sparked by the heroes we admire.