What is the story behind Space Oddity?

Bowie wrote this after seeing the 1968 Stanley Kubrick movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. “Space Oddity” is a play on the phrase “Space Odyssey,” although the title does not appear in the lyrics. The song tells the story of Major Tom, a fictional astronaut who cuts off communication with Earth and floats into space.

What major Does David Bowie’s Space Oddity reference?

Major Tom
Major Tom in Bowie’s work. In “Space Oddity”, from the album David Bowie (1969, later retitled Space Oddity), Major Tom’s departure from Earth is successful and everything goes according to plan.

When did David Bowie Release Space Oddity?

1969
Space Oddity/Released

What genre is Space Oddity David Bowie?

Glam rock
Rock
Space Oddity/Genres

Why was Space Oddity banned?

Without the BBC onside, it was almost impossible to have chart success. However, ‘Space Oddity’ was deemed too controversial to play by the institution as it would stoke up a degree of angst towards the Moon Landings that was the antithesis of the nation’s mood.

Is Space Oddity based on a true story?

However, Bowie revealed in a 2003 interview with the magazine Performing Songwriter that it was actually inspired by the 1968 science-fiction film “2001: A Space Odyssey”: The lyrics describe the fictional Major Tom who blasts off into space, but then loses connection with ground control, and gets lost.

Why is Space Oddity so popular?

Just a few weeks earlier, another space-age event had rocked the world: David Bowie’s single “Space Oddity” hit airwaves. The song, whose lyrics tell the story of an astronaut’s doomed journey into space, helped propel the artist to icon status, and five decades later, it’s still one of his most popular works.

Is Major Tom a real person?

Bowie’s iconic character Major Tom was based on director Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. David Bowman, who was played by Keir Dullea in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Bowie began writing “Space Oddity” six months after seeing the movie, which came out in UK cinemas in May 1968.

What country is Madonna banned from?

Madonna, the queen of pop, found herself banned from entering Egypt in 2004, as she had previously visited Israel. Members of Egypt’s parliament ordered Madonna be denied entry to the country because of her trip to The Holy Land and her devotion to Kabbalah.

What song was banned in the 60s?

Bob Dylan’s song “Baby, Let Me Follow You Down” was banned in 1962, as it included the phrase, “God-almighty world”.

Who is David Bowie’s Major Tom?

Major Tom. Major Tom is a fictional astronaut referenced in David Bowie’s songs ” Space Oddity “, “Ashes to Ashes”, ” Hallo Spaceboy “, “New Killer Star” and ” Blackstar “. Bowie’s own interpretation of the character evolved throughout his career.

What key is Space Oddity in?

Space Oddity by David Bowie is in the key of C Major. It should be played at a tempo of 72 BPM.

Who sang Starman and Space Oddity?

Goodbye Starman.”. Hadfield gained Internet fame when he released a video in which he performed Bowie’s song “Space Oddity” (just one of the artist’s astro-themed ballads) while living on the International Space Station (ISS).

Who wrote Space Oddity?

“Space Oddity” is a song written and recorded by David Bowie. It was first released as a 7-inch single on 11 July 1969.