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David Bowie Forever: Neil Tennant on Bowie's impact on queer culture

6 Music Artist CollectionDavid Bowie

Huw Stephens and Neil Tennant celebrate Bowie’s fearless reinvention and lasting impact on queer culture, through the artists, stories and remixes that keep his legacy evolving.

Huw Stephens shares hosting duties with Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys, diving deep into the world of David Bowie.

Together, they explore Bowie’s lifelong commitment to reinvention—from Ziggy Stardust to the Berlin years and beyond—and how his fearless creativity reshaped the musical landscape. Neil reflects on Bowie’s profound influence on queer culture, celebrating the ways his fluid identities and boundary-breaking artistry opened doors for generations of LGBTQ+ listeners and performers.

With a spotlight on some of Bowie’s music from many different eras—how they reframed his songs, expanded his sonic palette and kept his music evolving—Huw and Neil share rare insights, favourite reworks and thoughtful conversation. They also consider what Bowie’s legacy can teach us today about authenticity, curiosity and the power of continually reimagining who we are.

To hear other artists reflecting on Bowie's life and career, including Ezra Furman, Henry Rollins and Neil Tennant, search 'David Bowie Forever' on BBC Sounds.

Produced by BBC Audio in Cardiff for BBC Radio 6 Music

27 days left to listen

1 hour

Last on

Friday18:00
BBC Radio 6 Music

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Music Played

  • David Bowie

    Where Are We Now?

    • (CD Single).
    • ISO Records.

  • David Bowie

    London, Bye, Ta Ta

    • Sound + Vision.
    • Parlophone UK.
    • 4.

  • T. Rex

    Ride a White Swan

    • Telstar.

  • Elton John

    Your Song

    • Diamonds.
    • Virgin EMI Records.

  • David Bowie

    Five Years (Old Grey Whistle Test - broadcast 8th February 1972)

    • Rock 'n' Roll Star!.
    • Rhino.
    • 12.

  • Pet Shop Boys

    New London boy

    • Nonetheless.
    • Parlophone UK.
    • 4.

  • David Bowie

    Space Oddity

    • EMI.

  • David Bowie

    Ashes to Ashes

    • David Bowie - Best Of Bowie.
    • EMI.

  • Grace

    Not Over Yet

    • Columbia.

  • David Bowie

    Hallo Spaceboy (Pet Shop Boys remix) (feat. Pet Shop Boys)

    Remix Artist: Pet Shop Boys.
    • David Bowie - Best Of Bowie.
    • EMI.

  • David Bowie

    Stay

    • Station to Station (Deluxe Edition).
    • Parlophone UK.
    • 5.

  • David Bowie

    After All

  • Lou Reed

    Walk On The Wild Side

    • Lou Reed - NYC Man.
    • BMG.

  • David Bowie

    1984

    • BMG.

  • David Bowie

    Win

    • BMG.

  • David Bowie

    I Can't Give Everything Away

    • RCA.

Broadcast

  • Friday18:00
    BBC Radio 6 Music