Kate Moss describes David’s early life in Brixton, South London and the family influences that began to shape his early interest in music. School friend George Underwood describes going with David to see his first rock concert, which was Little Richard, when they were both 14 and Peter Frampton explains the help and advice his art teacher father gave Peter, George and David. Once he decided he wanted to become a musician, David moved quickly through several bands, each with a slightly different style - and in 1967 he became enamoured with the art of mime and met mime artist Lindsay Kemp, with whom he studied for several months. Then after years of struggle and experimentation, fuelled by a desperation to become famous, David finally scored his first hit in 1969 with ‘Space Oddity’.

With contributions from Brian Eno, St. Vincent, Sinead O’Connor, Rick Wakeman, Peter Frampton, George Underwood and Lindsay Kemp.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Episode ID: 1000725825619

GUID: urn:bbc:podcast:m002jmwx

Release Date: 10/09/2025, 08:55:00