UL to stage world’s first symposium on Starman Bowie

David Bowie is obviously a Starman for the University of Limerick, which is staging the world’s first symposium examining the career and cultural impact of the iconic British singer.

The event celebrates the 40th anniversary of Bowie’s 1972 single Changes, which coincided with the establishment of the university.

While the single failed to impact in either the US or British charts, it has become instantly identifiable with Bowie, whose early career saw him push the boundaries of pop culture, notably with his androgynous Ziggy Stardust alter ego.

The UL symposium is being organised by the university’s Department of Sociology. Co-organiser Dr Eoin Devereux said: “Our event has attracted interest from all over the world and has already had almost 8,000 ‘likes’ on David Bowie’s official Facebook page, where it has been featured.

“The three days will feature papers from Bowie experts from as far afield as New Zealand, Australia, and the US.

“Bowie is a truly iconic figure. His ability to reinvent himself, his capacity to capture the zeitgeist of the age in terms of mankind’s alienation and his versatility as a singer, performer, artist and actor are just a few of the many reasons Bowie will be examined at our event.”

Strange Fascination? A Symposium on David Bowie takes place on Oct 26-28.

The panellists will include Paul McLoone of Today FM and The Undertones, Stuart Clarke, deputy editor of Hot Press, and Chris Charlesworth of the Omnibus Press, London.