Prostitutes Bowie
David Bowie’s artistic work frequently engaged with themes of sex work. His operetta about male prostitutes, “Sweet Thing,” performed live in 1974, featured a masterclass sax performance by David Sanborn. Similarly, “‘Tis a Pity She Was a Whore” from the Blackstar (2016) album explicitly references prostitution in its title drawn from John Ford’s play. Bowie’s song “Girls” (the B-side to “Time Will Crawl” in 1987) reflects on fleeting relationships, while Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” (1972), which Bowie produced, addresses cross-dressers becoming prostitutes in NYC. The controversial “The Next Day” video contained religious and sexual imagery that sparked debate.
Bowie’s Controversial Associations
Allegations that David Bowie slept with underage girls, including Dana Gillespie’s statement about their encounter when she was 14 in 1964, have circulated online. Bowie reportedly called Mick Jagger a “brothel keeper,” and his stage acts sometimes simulated sexual acts, such as a controversial scene appearing to show oral sex. Real-world connections include a November 2014 incident where a Bowie man was charged in a Denton County prostitution sting, and January 2016 cases involving prostitution accusations in Mason City. Ads for escort services in Bowie, MD, and listings for Kuala Lumpur escort model “Bowie” directly tie the location and name to sex work.
Cultural Depictions and Historical Context
Bowie’s film role in “Christiane F.” depicted prostitution in 1920s Berlin through the character Paul von Przygodski. Collectibles like “Prostitutes Bowie Knife Dagger + Perfume Bottle (Tiffany & Co)” appeared in auction listings, blending violent and erotic symbolism. Brothels feature in East Freo’s history, while Western Australia’s sex work laws framed local discussions. Artistic explorations include “Sex And The Church (2021 Remaster)” and covers by bands like Hookers & Blow. The persistent online searches combining “prostitution interdiction” with “David Bowie putting out fire” underscore his enduring association with the subject.
*TAGS* – Bowie sex work lyrics, prostitution allegations Bowie, historical brothels music
