Bowie’s Books – music legend’s life in literature to be explored at commemorative conference

The first anniversary of David Bowie’s death will be marked with a commemorative conference at the University of Northampton.

‘Bowie’s Books: David Bowie, Literature and Language’ will examine what the legendary rock star read, and how it influenced his performances and creativity.

In addition to a host of fascinating presentations on Bowie’s lesser-known literary side, the conference will also feature a performance of the highly acclaimed one-man show, From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads.

Currently touring the UK, the show follows the story of a young Bowie fanatic, and has drawn critical acclaim from Time Out, The Telegraph, Sunday Times and The Guardian.

‘Ibiza…’ writer and director, Adrian Berry, will also be taking part in a special round table discussion with Carole Hayman, who co-authored Ladies of Letters, which was adapted into a popular Radio 4 comedy series.

“The death of David Bowie, just two days after the release of his album Blackstar had a profound effect, not limited to the world of music,” said conference organiser Dr Sam Reese, an expert in twentieth-century fiction and its relationship to music. “Artistically, Bowie faced in two directions. As an avid and often experimental reader, his work played with language and the literary to an extent unparalleled in popular music; his work in turn influenced other artists in ways that transcended form, with a range of authors speaking of their debt to his music and lifestyle.”

Keynote speakers at the two-day event, which will be held on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 January, include the University’s Associate Professor in Popular Music, Dr Nathan Wiseman-Trowse. His colleagues, Professor Richard Canning and Dr Reese will also be presenting.

Visit the conference website for the full programme and to purchase tickets.

Pictured from left are Dr Nathan Wiseman-Trowse, Dr Sam Reese and Professor Richard Canning.