Bowie conference draws scholars from across the globe

David Bowie fanatics from around the world descended on the University of Northampton for a conference which marked the first anniversary of the music legend’s death.

Scholars from North America, Australasia and mainland Europe attended Bowie’s Books: David Bowie, Literature and Language, which was held at Avenue Campus on January 13 and 14.

They examined 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 also featured 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.

Lecturer in English, Dr Sam Reese, who organised the conference, said: “The conference, which drew together scholars from four continents, was an enormous success, producing new ways for understanding the impact of literature on David Bowie’s work, and for reading Bowie as an artist, who in turn affected the world around him.”

Read PhD student Anthony Stepniak’s blog about the conference.

The University’s Associate Professor in Popular Music, Nathan Wiseman-Trowse, is pictured delivering the opening keynote speech.