An exhibition opens at the Royal Academy in Piccadilly, London, today on the theme of “Happiness”. Various famous people have donated objects which represent an idea of personal happiness. Neil Tennant has given a signed photograph of David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust explaining:
“In June, 1972, I went to see David Bowie perform at the City Hall in Newcastle on his Ziggy Stardust tour. At the climactic moment of the concert when Bowie sang “Wham! Bam! Thank you ma’am!” in the song “Suffragette City”, the audience was showered with these promotional posters of Bowie as Ziggy and I grabbed one. Later my friends and I waited in a crush of fans outside the stage door. Bowie emerged and signed my poster in pencil. The late Mick Ronson, his legendary guitarist and musical arranger, signed it also. I was very happy.”
(Behind the poster is an original vinyl copy of the Ziggy Stardust album.)
The free exhibition continues until December 20^th and all items are for sale in aid of the Royal Academy Schools.