Unveiling David Bowie's Secret Project: The Spectator Musical

David Bowie, the iconic musician and multihyphenate, was working on a secret project in the final months of his life. He was brainstorming ideas for a musical inspired by an 18th-century London periodical called The Spectator. The notes detailing his ideas were discovered in his New York City office after his passing and have since been donated to London's V&A East Storehouse for display at the David Bowie Center, opening on September 13.

The Spectator was a daily publication printed between 1711 and 1712, featuring essays on various topics like politics, the arts, and English society. Bowie's notes on the periodical's essays reveal his interest in 18th-century London, particularly in exploring themes of crime and punishment, art development, and the intersection of high and low culture. He considered incorporating characters like Jack Sheppard, a notorious petty thief, and the Mohocks, a group of young upper-class men who gained media attention.

Bowie's notes also include a timeline of 18th-century artistic contributions in London, indicating his fascination with the era's creative works, especially politically charged, satirical musicals. While Bowie is primarily known for his music, he had a longstanding interest in theater and acting, making his Broadway debut in 1980 and appearing in various on-screen roles throughout his career.

Although fans won't see a fully-realized version of The Spectator, they can explore its early iteration at the David Bowie Center, where the notes and Bowie's office desk will be on display alongside other items from his collection. Enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to view items from the center's extensive collection in person, offering a deeper insight into Bowie's creative process and inspirations.