April 13, 1973: Ziggy Goes To America

Aladdin Sane was released by David Bowie, it was the first album he wrote and released from a position of stardom. It was co-produced by Bowie and Ken Scott and features contributions from Bowie's backing band the Spiders from Mars — Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolderand Mick Woodmansey — with the pianist Mike Garson, two saxophonists and three backing vocalists. Recorded in London and New York City between legs of the Ziggy Stardust Tour, the record was Bowie's final album with the full Spiders lineup.

The image was the most expensive cover art ever made at the time. The make-up designer was artist Pierre Laroche, who remained Bowie's make-up artist for the remainder of the 1973 tour and the Pin Ups cover shoot.

Brain Duffy and Laroche copied the lightning bolt from a National Panasonic cooker in the studio, onto Bowie’s face and a purple wash was added.