Ashes To Ashes: David Bowie's Iconic No. 1 Hit and Groundbreaking Music Video
David Bowie achieved another No. 1 hit with his iconic art rock song "Ashes To Ashes" in 1980. The track, featured on his album Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps), quickly climbed the UK Singles chart, becoming the song of the summer. Despite missing the Billboard Hot 100, it remains a standout in Bowie's discography.
The song's significance lies not only in its chart-topping success but also in its groundbreaking music video. Directed by David Mallet, the video for "Ashes To Ashes" was a visual spectacle, featuring Bowie in various roles and extravagant visuals. It was the most expensive music video ever produced at the time, costing around £250,000.
Continuing the story of Major Tom from "Space Oddity," "Ashes To Ashes" captivated audiences with its memorable tune and innovative visuals. The video's impact extended beyond its time, influencing the emerging New Romantic movement in music. Today, it is hailed as one of the greatest music videos of all time.