The late music legend famously deflowered a 14-year-old groupie—before she was stolen away by Jimmy Page. Why it’s important for us to take our heroes to task for their predatory behavior.
(via the Daily Beast)
by Stereo Williams
Since the death of David Bowie on January 10th, fans and media have dissected much of his musical and cultural legacy. Bowie stands as a towering figure over the last 45 years of music, and as a celebrity famous for an ever-changing, enigmatic approach to his life and art, there is much to be analyzed in the wake of his passing. But not all of it is pleasant or even musical. One uncomfortable facet of the iconic rocker’s past has suddenly been thrust into the center of the dialogue, and it’s raised questions about both Bowie and the world that has enabled him and so many others.
The high-profile controversies surrounding contemporary stars like R. Kelly (who was famously accused of statutory rape and taken to court on child pornography charges in the early 2000s) and the backlash against rapper Tyga (following his relationship with a then-underage Kylie Jenner) have led to a broader discussion surrounding legal consent and adult male stars who engage in predatory behavior. And since his death, more fans and commentators have had to question Bowie’s own past with teen girls as well. In a Thrillist piece entitled, I Lost My Virginity To David Bowie: Confessions of a ‘70s Groupie, Lori Mattix recalls a sexual encounter with Bowie when she was only 14 years old…
Every Moment Has A Song 
Feb 08, 2016 @ 09:32:42
Disturbing.
Why the Bowie headline, tho, on a long list of musically famous sexual predators?
And does Ringo’s “You’re Sixteen” qualify in condoning or encouraging it?
Feb 08, 2016 @ 11:07:52
I assume it’s because Bowie had just passed away at the time of the article’s writing and thus was in the public consciousness. A headline’s job is to get your attention after all.
As for the Ringo song, it’s bothered me ever since I was old enough to realize it was about a relationship that was technically illegal.
But my dad owned the 45 and I grew up liking it so I guess sometimes a song is “just a song”.