Men Of The Year: David Bowie

5 new things we learned about David Bowie in 2013

The comeback of the year resulted in some new insights about the world’s most mysterious man (alien?)

1. He’s a puppet master

After all the stardust and space oddity, Bowie has an archive of puppets (of himself) he used in the Love Is Lost video, which cost £8 to make.

2. He can play the harpsichord (probably)

He’s always been in Fashion, but the newest face of Louis Vuitton is apparently good value at a Venetian shindig, as he played new number I’d Rather Be High on the harpsichord for its autumn/winter 2013 campaign.

3. Skinny isn’t the half of it…

The V&A’s David Bowie Is exhibition was the hottest ticket of 2013. His insane stage Lycra had to be displayed on specially-crafted whippet-thin mannequins due to his 26in waist.

4. He’s every alien’s favourite cousin

He’s firm friends with androgynous actress and The Stars (Are Out Tonight) co-star Tilda Swinton. She professed that the “gingery, boney, pinky, whitey person” inspired her teen self and he’s “every alien’s favourite cousin”.

5. He’s going cheap

With The Next Day at No1, Bowie also signed off tracks for The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty, Rush, Trance and Jack Reacher soundtracks in 2013. Daniel Radcliffe told us “Bowie is surprisingly inexpensive, because he likes his music being used in film.” Noted – ShortList: The Musical, coming soon.