Bowie has been an inspiration to multiple generations, changing the face of music and the creative expression within it forever. He is the definition of a true innovator, taking a novel approach to both music and popular culture. He willingly sought out and went into unknown and under-appreciated sonic territory, all the while paving the way for future artists who would soon emulate the man that seemed like an alien.

Bowie was a dreamer with massive aspirations from a young age and was well aware of his potential before those around him were. Creating music videos before the conception of MTV, it was increasingly apparent that he was working on a different level from anyone else. He took an unusual approach to his career, achieving immense initial success in the late 60s followed by a cycle of continued reinvention. Before the many phases/faces of Madonna, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga there was Bowie and his numerous alter egos including Major Tom, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Halloween Jack, and The Thin White Duke just to name a few. More than simple publicity stunts, Bowie created these characters to use his physical form as a medium for personal expression. Even more amazing is that his sound would change accordingly with each new persona; another testament to his music knowledge, prowess, and appreciation. Ziggy Stardust was a particularly innovative character as it was one of the first examples of gender blurring in popular culture as well as the first incidence of the controversial mullet hairstyle. With each step Bowie did not look for existing popular opinion, but redefined it; now evident in examples of androgyny and alter egos in popular music which followed.

He took massive risks, allowing his creative expression to flow freely often to the chagrin of existing fans. Even with these sweeping changes in his life he managed to grow his cult following and collaborate with a diverse list of musicians including John Lennon, Queen and Arcade Fire. He has inspired generations of people to pursue their own aspirations and also contributed to the spawning of creative movements including punk, glam rock and make-up clad dreamers for years to come.

Our design is inspired by Bowie’s legacy and serves as a combination of various visual cues from some our personal favorite Bowie work including Ziggy Stardust, the Heroes album, The Man Who Fell to Earth (a movie he starred in), and Aladdin Sane.

Heroes is now available for pre-sale at Old Boys Shop.

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