SPACE SHUTTLE - Peter Schilling

MAJOR TOM is a fictional astronaut created by David Bowie, appearing in his songs "Space Oddity," "Ashes to Ashes," and "Hallo Spaceboy." Bowie's own interpretation of the character evolved throughout his career. 1969's "Space Oddity" depicts an astronaut who casually slips the bonds of a crass and material world to journey beyond the stars. In the 1980s song "Ashes to Ashes," Bowie reinterprets Major Tom as an oblique autobiographical symbol for himself. Major Tom is described as a "junkie, strung out in heaven's high, hitting an all-time low". This lyric was interpreted as a play on the title of Bowie's 1977 album Low, which charted his withdrawal following his drug abuse in America. A short time later, there is another reversal of Major Tom's original withdrawal, turning 'outwards' or towards space. Other major artists who have featured Bowie's character include Peter Schilling in his "Major Tom (Coming Home)" (remade recently by Shiny Toy Guns in 2009); "I'm A Soldier" by Stefán; "Mrs. Major Tom" by KIA; "Rocket" by Def Leppard; and "Rain or Shine" by Five Star; among others. Due to some similarities in Elton John's "Rocket Man", some presume this song might also be an allusion to Major Tom. In fact, Bowie made the connection during concerts, calling out during the song, "Oh, Rocket Man!". While this reference would make the Major Tom circle more complete, "Rocket Man" was released by Elton John in 1972 while "Space Oddity" was released in 1969. Major Tom ist eine ...



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