Many people, perhaps like you, often wonder about the figures behind the music legends, especially when it comes to someone as iconic as David Bowie. It's almost natural to be curious about the personal lives that shaped such a creative force. So, too, a frequent question that pops up, is that, what truly became of his first wife? This isn't just about a name; it's about a person who played a very significant part in a transformative period of rock and roll history.

Her story, you know, is pretty much intertwined with the early, wildly inventive years of David Bowie's career. She was there, basically, as the legend began to take shape, helping to mold some of the most memorable looks and ideas that came to define an entire era. This connection, in a way, makes her a truly fascinating subject, even decades after their paths diverged.

We're going to explore the life of Angela Barnett Bowie, from her early days meeting David to their unique marriage, the eventual separation, and what her life has been like since then. It's a journey that, frankly, offers a glimpse into a relationship that was, by all accounts, full of passion and creativity, yet also rather tumultuous.

Table of Contents

• Angie Bowie: A Brief Biography
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• The Early Days: A Meeting of Minds
• A Marriage of Passion and Creativity
• Angie's Role in the Ziggy Stardust Era
• The Strains and the Separation
• Life After David Bowie
• Angie and Bowie's Passing
• Frequently Asked Questions

Angie Bowie: A Brief Biography

Mary Angela Barnett, born on September 25, 1949, is perhaps better known to the world as Angie Bowie. She's an American model, an actress, and also a journalist, you know, quite a versatile person. Her life took a truly interesting turn when she met David Bowie, and their relationship became a significant part of rock and roll history.

She was, in a way, a key figure in the very early stages of David's rise to global fame. Their bond was, arguably, one that fueled a lot of the creative energy we associate with that period. It's pretty clear that her presence was felt in many aspects of his work during those formative years, particularly with the Ziggy Stardust persona.

Angie, in her own right, has become a bit of a rock'n'roll legend, often spoken of as the woman who truly helped David Bowie create the iconic Ziggy Stardust. She was his first wife and, importantly, the mother of his son, Zowie, who is now known as Duncan Jones. Her story, you see, extends far beyond just being "Bowie's first wife"; she has her own journey and contributions.

Personal Details and Bio Data

The Early Days: A Meeting of Minds

The story of David and Angie's connection began in London, back in 1969. She was, you know, quite young at the time, just 19 years old, when she crossed paths with David Bowie. This was just before the release of his truly groundbreaking song, "Space Oddity," a moment that, in a way, really launched his solo career.

Their meeting happened when David was starting out as a solo act, with Kenneth Pitt managing him. It's interesting to think about that period, with all the artistic energy bubbling up in London, and these two creative people finding each other. They met, they connected, and things moved pretty quickly from there.

Just a year after their initial meeting, they decided to get married. The ceremony took place at Bromley Register Office on Friday, March 20, 1970. It was, in some respects, a quick progression from meeting to marriage, setting the stage for a decade that would be quite eventful for both of them, and for music history itself.

A Marriage of Passion and Creativity

Their marriage, which lasted for ten years, was by all accounts, a rather unorthodox and volatile one. It was, you know, full of a lot of passion and, perhaps more importantly for David's career, a great deal of creativity. This period was, arguably, a melting pot of ideas and personal dynamics.

David Bowie himself once said that he married Angie because she was, basically, the only person he could stand to live with. He had a way of scaring most people away, so that statement, in a way, speaks volumes about Angie's unique personality and resilience. It suggests a certain compatibility, even amidst the chaos.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing, as you might expect from such a dynamic pairing. David also, later on, rather candidly remarked that living with her was like living with a blowtorch. This phrase, you know, really captures the intensity and, perhaps, the challenging nature of their daily lives together. It was a relationship that, certainly, had its fiery moments.

Angie's Role in the Ziggy Stardust Era

Angie Bowie's influence extended significantly into David's artistic output, particularly during the creation of the iconic Ziggy Stardust persona. She wasn't just a partner; she was, arguably, a collaborator in the truest sense. Her contributions, in a way, helped shape one of the most memorable characters in rock history.

She assisted David in conceptualizing the costumes for the Ziggy Stardust stage show, which was, you know, a pretty big deal at the time. The visual aspect of Ziggy was absolutely crucial to its success and lasting impact. So, her input on the look and feel of that character was, really, quite important.

Because of this, Angie Bowie, at 66 years old, is very much a part of rock'n'roll folklore. She is remembered as the woman who, basically, helped David Bowie bring Ziggy Stardust to life. This role, in some respects, cemented her place in the narrative of that groundbreaking musical period, far beyond just being his wife.

The Strains and the Separation

Despite the passion and creativity that marked their marriage, it faced, you know, numerous challenges over its ten-year span. These were, in a way, common pressures for a couple living in the public eye, especially one so deeply involved in the rock scene. Their relationship, sadly, began to unravel.

Among the significant issues that contributed to the strain were David Bowie's increasing substance abuse issues. This was, arguably, a difficult thing for anyone to deal with, and it certainly took a toll on their bond. His infidelity also played a part, creating further cracks in their marital foundation.

The separation and divorce between David and Angela Bowie marked a truly significant turning point in both their lives. Their relationship, after a decade, eventually came to an end. The divorce was officially granted and settled on February 8, 1980, in Switzerland, after a rather lengthy procedure.

Following the divorce, Angie was awarded £500,000, which was, you know, a substantial sum at the time. However, a deeply impactful decision was made regarding their son, Zowie. Angie left her son in David's custody, a choice that, understandably, caused an emotional fracture between her and Bowie. This custody arrangement, in some respects, shaped their future relationship, or lack thereof.

Life After David Bowie

After her marriage to David Bowie ended, Angie Bowie didn't just fade away; she, you know, really carved out her own path. She became a writer and a media personality, and she's remained quite active in those fields over the years. This shows, in a way, her continued drive and presence.

While David, understandably, didn't speak much about Angie after their divorce in 1980, Angie herself has been quite open about her former husband. She has, you know, shared insights and reflections on their time together, providing a perspective that David, of course, rarely offered publicly. This openness, in some respects, has kept her story in the public eye.

She's continued to be a public figure, appearing in various media roles and sharing her experiences. Her life since the divorce has been, basically, about pursuing her own interests and career, proving that she was much more than just "David Bowie's first wife." It's pretty clear she has her own identity and story to tell. Learn more about Angie Bowie on our site.

Angie and Bowie's Passing

The world was, you know, truly shocked when glam rock icon David Bowie passed away on January 10, 2016, due to liver cancer. This was a moment that, in a way, marked the end of an era for many fans globally. His death was a significant event that resonated deeply.

Interestingly, his first wife, Angela, was not told of his death until the Monday afternoon following his passing. This was because, at the time, she was a contestant on the reality show "Celebrity Big Brother." Her access to news and outside information was, you know, very restricted as part of the show's rules. This circumstance, in some respects, created a unique and rather delayed moment of realization for her.

Since David's passing, Angie Barnett Bowie, whom he divorced over 40 years ago, has continued to open up about their shared history. Her reflections, you know, offer further insights into their complex relationship and the impact it had on both their lives. It's a testament to her willingness to share her experiences, even decades later. We also have more information about this topic on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was David Bowie's first wife?

David Bowie's first wife was Mary Angela Barnett, widely known as Angie Bowie. She was an American model, actress, and journalist. They met in London in 1969 when she was 19, and they got married just a year later. She was, you know, a pretty important figure in his early career, helping with the Ziggy Stardust concept.

When did David Bowie and Angie divorce?

David and Angie Bowie's divorce was officially granted and settled on February 8, 1980. This happened in Switzerland, after a marriage that lasted for ten years. It was, arguably, a significant turning point for both of them, marking the end of a very passionate and creative, yet also volatile, period in their lives.

What did Angie Bowie do after her divorce from David Bowie?

After her divorce from David Bowie, Angie Bowie became a writer and a media personality, remaining active in those fields. She has, you know, continued to be a public figure, often opening up about her experiences with David Bowie. She pursued her own interests and career, showing her own independent spirit. You can find more details about her post-divorce life in various interviews and her own writings, like this external reference about David Bowie's life, which often touches upon his relationships.