Released in June 1972, "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" is David Bowie's fifth studio album.
Considered as a concept album and rock opera, the album is about Bowie's titular alter ego Ziggy Stardust, a fictional androgynous bisexual rock star who acts as a messenger for extra-terrestrial beings. The album reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and as of January 2016 had sold 7.5 million copies worldwide.
The album received widespread critical acclaim with Rolling Stone magazine ranking it 35th on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The album cover photograph by Brian Ward was taken outside furriers "K West" at 23 Heddon Street, London in January 1972, looking south-east towards the city centre. Bowie said of the albums packaging "The idea was to hit a look somewhere between the Malcolm McDowell thing with the one mascaraed eyelash and insects.
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