The series concludes with Kate Moss exploring the lasting legacy of David Bowie and the story behind Diamond Dogs, an album that carried themes from Bowie’s unrealised Orwell adaptation. Released on May 24, 1974, it marked a shift—Tony Defries had convinced Bowie to drop “David,” and all promotional material referred to him simply as Bowie.

Unable to stage his 1984 concept, Bowie transformed it into a theatrical U.S. tour, bringing in Broadway designers and choreographer Toni Basil. After months of rehearsals, the Diamond Dogs Tour launched in Montreal, pioneering large-scale rock theatrics and earning rave reviews.

During the tour, Bowie began recording Young Americans in Philadelphia, where filmmaker Alan Yentob captured his volatile state in the documentary Cracked Actor. Bowie, inspired by the new sound, incorporated it into the tour’s final leg and completed the album with Tony Visconti. The last track, Fame, was co-written with John Lennon.

Cracked Actor aired in January 1975, catching the eye of director Nic Roeg, who cast Bowie in The Man Who Fell to Earth, sparking the birth of his next persona: The Thin White Duke.

In just five years, Bowie evolved from a shy outsider into a global icon—constantly reinventing himself through music, fashion, and art.

With contributions from Tilda Swinton, Dave Gahan, Robbie Williams, Florence Welch, Nick Knight, Christine & The Queens, Toni Basil, Jules Fisher, Mark Ravitz, Elton John, Geoff MacCormack, Tony Zanetta and Edward Enninful,

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Following the end of Ziggy Stardust, David Bowie entered a period of reinvention. While Tony Defries negotiated a complex publishing deal, Bowie owed RCA another album—so he recorded Pin Ups, a collection of covers that paid tribute to the songs that shaped his early musical journey. He and Angie spent the summer of 1973 at Château d’Hérouville in France working on the project.

That same year, Bowie was invited by NBC to film a concert for their Midnight Special series. Unable to secure rights to adapt Orwell’s 1984 for the stage, Bowie channelled his vision into a theatrical performance titled The 1980 Floor Show, filmed at London’s Marquee Club. Still in Ziggy mode for one final outing, Bowie was joined by guests including The Troggs, Carmen, and Marianne Faithfull.

With contributions from Marianne Faithfull, Chrissie Hynde, Cherry Vanilla, Mike Garson and Gene Simmons.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

In April 1973, David Bowie fulfilled a long-held dream by touring Japan. Designer Kansai Yamamoto gifted him a collection of flamboyant stage outfits that Bowie wore with confidence—looks that continue to inspire fashion today.

On April 19, Bowie released Aladdin Sane, featuring the iconic lightning bolt artwork that became one of rock’s most enduring images. As Ziggy Stardust’s fame soared, Bowie’s reality blurred with fantasy. Within just 18 months, Ziggy had become a global phenomenon.

But fame came at a cost. The pressures of touring and financial strain began to mount. On July 3, 1973, at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, Bowie dramatically retired Ziggy Stardust, closing a defining chapter in his career.

With contributions from Mike Garson, Geoff MacCormack, Dana Gillespie, Lady Gaga, Chris Duffy, Harris Reed and Sir Paul Smith.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Kate Moss digs into how Bowie brought Ziggy Stardust to life, through a striking transformation. Though Hunky Dory showed him with flowing golden hair, Bowie was already embracing a bolder look inspired by Warhol’s circle and Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange.

Despite the daring style, early gigs drew small crowds—some nights just ten people—and not everyone embraced the new aesthetic. One early show featured Roxy Music, another band pushing boundaries.

Bursting with creativity, Bowie wrote and produced All the Young Dudes for Mott the Hoople, an anthem that defined the era. Then in June 1972, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was released. A month later, Bowie’s electrifying Top of the Pops performance of Starman in full Ziggy costume became a cultural milestone.

That summer, riding the wave of Ziggy’s success, Bowie produced Lou Reed’s Transformer.

With contributions from Suzi Ronson, Trevor Bolder, Woody Woodmansey, Michael Watts, Mick Ronson, Phil Manzanera, Mick Rock, Ian Hunter, Lou Reed & Boy George.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

David Bowie was captivated by Tony Zanetta—known as ‘Z’—who played Andy Warhol in Pork, and asked him to arrange a meeting with Warhol in New York. During that trip, Bowie also met Lou Reed and Iggy Pop, both of whom would profoundly influence his music.

Kate Moss explores Bowie’s journey back in the UK where he was creatively recharged. Inspired by the artists and sounds he encountered, he began writing new material and shared his vision for a new persona: Ziggy Stardust.

His next album, Hunky Dory, showcased Bowie’s immense potential. Released on December 17, 1971, it featured tracks like Changes and Life on Mars, which marked a turning point in his career.

With contributions from Iggy Pop, George Underwood, Tony Zanetta, Woody Woodmansey, Anya Wilson and Leee Black Childers.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Amid writing, recording, and performing, David Bowie married Angie on March 20, 1970. With no time for a honeymoon, Bowie was back in the studio working on new material that explored themes of isolation and alienation.

Frustrated with his lack of progress, Bowie parted ways with manager Ken Pitt and signed with Tony Defries, who believed in Bowie’s star potential. The Man Who Sold the World was released in the U.S. in November 1970, and Bowie headed to America—packing his Mr Fish dresses—for a short promotional tour.

Energised by the music scene there, Bowie returned to the UK and kept writing. In August 1971, he saw Andy Warhol’s Pork at Camden’s Roundhouse, a show that deeply influenced him. Bowie, Angie, and Defries connected with Warhol’s team, many of whom later helped shape Hunky Dory.

With contributions from Tony Defries, Tony Zanetta, Anya Wilson, Trevor Bolder, Ken Scott, John Mendelsshon and Woody Woodmansey. Narrated by Kate Moss.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Encouraged by the success of Space Oddity, David Bowie began working with producer Tony Visconti to craft another hit. He and his girlfriend Angie moved into a flat in Beckenham, South London, where Bowie drew inspiration from Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd and dabbled in musical theatre, influenced by Anthony Newley.

At Haddon Hall, Bowie met Freddie Buretti, who became central to his evolving visual style, designing bold outfits that matched Bowie’s artistic transformation. While developing new material in the basement studio, Bowie and his band—briefly known as The Hype—played gigs under various names.

This period of creative experimentation and reinvention is celebrated in a special event hosted by Kate Moss.

With contributions from Tony Visconti, John Cambridge and Wendy Kirby.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Kate Moss describes David’s early life in Brixton, South London and the family influences that began to shape his early interest in music. School friend George Underwood describes going with David to see his first rock concert, which was Little Richard, when they were both 14 and Peter Frampton explains the help and advice his art teacher father gave Peter, George and David. Once he decided he wanted to become a musician, David moved quickly through several bands, each with a slightly different style - and in 1967 he became enamoured with the art of mime and met mime artist Lindsay Kemp, with whom he studied for several months. Then after years of struggle and experimentation, fuelled by a desperation to become famous, David finally scored his first hit in 1969 with ‘Space Oddity’.

With contributions from Brian Eno, St. Vincent, Sinead O’Connor, Rick Wakeman, Peter Frampton, George Underwood and Lindsay Kemp.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

BBC Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

The UK Garage 30th birthday celebrations starts with a bang(er). Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony rewind through the genre’s hits and the party-starting classics. From Ms Dynamite's speaker-breaking ‘Boo’ to the delightful sounds of Shanks and Bigfoot’s ‘Sweet Like Chocolate’, this nostalgic ride through the 90s and 00s takes you through the soulful, gritty and pop-infused blend of genre-defying songs that rose to #1 success. In this episode, we hear from Reggie Yates, Matt ‘Jam’ Lamont, Fekky, Ms Dynamite, Grant Nelson, DJ Pied Piper, So Solid Crew’s Neutrino and MC Creed.

Archive footage in this Episode: Ms Dynamite on BBC Radio 1Xtra Richard McCourt & Dominic Wood on CBBC Bring It on

Artwork Image - Ewen Spencer

Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

Have you ever wondered how a genre gets made? You’re in the right place, because Jamz and Spoony explore the origins of UK Garage and meet the people who started it all. Exposed to US house and garage records in small pubs and the super club Ministry of Sound during the 90s, London ravers were inspired to create their own version of the sound. The Godfather of UK Garage, Grant Nelson, retells how some of the genre’s earliest records were created in a kebab shop basement. Matt Lamont’s South London afterparty turned Sundays into the new Saturdays as UK Garage’s iconic Sunday scene was born. In this episode, we hear from Matt ‘Jam’ Lamont, Grant Nelson and Omar Adimora.

Artwork Image - Ewen Spencer

Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

Jamz and Spoony discover the creative methods DJs used to launch UK Garage from the underground and reach people across the country. Ignored by the mainstream and evading the police, DJs took untold risks to spread the sound. Creating cult followings in London, Birmingham, Manchester and more, the illegal airwaves of pirate radio, recorded tape packs and underground raves became the megaphone for the sound. Experiencing chart success during the late 90s, the scene went all the way to the top of the pops in this great British takeover. In this episode, we hear from Matt ‘Jam’ Lamont, Omar Adimora and So Solid Crew’s Oxide and Neutrino.

Archive footage in this episode: Double 99 on Top of the Pops

Artwork image- Ewen Spencer

Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

Jamz and Spoony take to the international dancefloor as they find out what made UKG events like no other. Spotting rap royalty Jay Z, dancing with actor Wesley Snipes or even hearing a DJ mix from football legend David Beckham were just some of the many things that happened at the iconic Twice as Nice South London event. The UK Garage crowd were famously dressed up to the nines. So Jamz and Spoony find out what made the garage look and Spoony’s brown leather pants so legendary. Make sure to book your flights as we discover how the sounds of UKG took thousands of ravers abroad and transformed the small fishing resort of Ayia Napa into its International home

In this episode, we hear from Reggie Yates, Ms Dynamite, Kele Le Roc, DJ S and DJ Target.

Archive footage in this episode: BBC Radio 1 Ayia Napa Weekender

Artwork image - Ewen Spencer

Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

Jamz and Spoony discover the voices behind some of Garage’s biggest records and our go-to karaoke songs. Colour Girl shares how she became one of the first British UK Garage vocalists when her 4x4 floor fillers became classics. Kele Le Roc and Sweet Female Attitude’s Leanne Brown share how their RnB and soulful records got a UKG 2 step remix / makeover and became legendary. Craig David tells the story of the anthem Re-Rewind and how it almost didn’t happen. In this episode, we hear from vocalists Colour Girl, Kele Le Roc, Leanne Brown and Craig David.

Archive footage in this episode: Craig David and Artful Dodger on Top of the Pops

Artwork image - Ewen Spencer Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

Jamz and Spoony bubble and vibe to the wicked lyrics and flows of the UK Garage MCs. The Godfather, MC Creed, shares how he changed the scene hidden behind a DJ booth, becoming the genre’s first ever MC. Taking inspiration from the Jungle scene and Caribbean sound system culture, in the early 2000s, London crews Heartless, So Solid and Pay As You Go emerged as UKG's next superstars. The versatile, unapologetic and high energy MC-led records became the hot and new sound from the Garage scene. The raw sound changed the lives of artists overnight but also brought problems. The music brought widespread criticism and the untimely demise of the garage scene. In this episode, we hear from MC Creed, So Solid Crew’s Oxide and Neutrino, DJ Fonti and MC Bushkin, and DJ Target.

Archive footage from this episode: BBC Crimewatch Former British MP Kim Howell on BBC Radio 4

Artwork image- Ewen Spencer

Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

Jamz and Spoony travel to the early 2000s, as a new rough-and-ready genre is forming: Grime. Inspired by the raw sound of garage MCs, jungle and more, Grime became the voice for the streets and inner city youth. As the sound spread, it created #1 records, international artists and took underground stars to the world’s biggest stages. In this episode, we hear from DJ Target, Fekky, Sir Spyro, Tinchy Stryder and Stormzy.

Archive footage from this episode: Stormzy at Glastonbury 2019

Artwork Image Ewen Spencer

Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

In Summer 2019, no one expected a summer garage anthem, but we definitely got it when AJ Tracey dropped Ladbroke Grove. Electronic music aficionado Eliza Rose became inspired by underground records and female vocalists to create the ultimate sing along with her hit record Baddest of Them All (B.O.T.A.). AJ Tracey and Eliza are part of a new school of British stars re-imagining garage music and introducing the genre to a brand new generation. Jamz and Spoony look at just how far UK Garage has come and some of the new voices creating their own UKG legacy. In this episode, we hear from AJ Tracey, Eliza Rose, Leanne Brown and Craig David.

Archive footage from this episode: AJ Tracey performance at Reading and Leeds Festival 2019 Eliza Rose performance at 2022 MOBOs

Artwork image - Ewen Spencer

Presenters: Jamz Supernova and DJ Spoony Producer: Tommy Dixon Written by Tommy Dixon Technical production: Ant Danbury Additional production: Ibz David Thompson, Zayna Shaikh, Dan Jones Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin A BBC Audio production

During the 90s and 00s the sonics of UK Garage took the country by storm. In a short few years the genre emerged from underground events and transformed into Britain’s #1 party-starting sound. UKG Pioneer DJ Spoony and Music Aficionado Jamz Supernova rewind through the hits, pivotal figures and moments that took UKG to unprecedented.

As jungle rapidly morphs, a groundbreaking new record label and club night becomes a nerve centre for this dynamic new movement: Metalheadz, founded by Goldie, Kemistry and DJ Storm is as wild and innovative as the DJs and producers who created it. Revellers flock to a tiny basement club in Hoxton Square, each week, to hear this new sound taking shape. But with the increased exposure, the first bad press begins making its mark on the scene, forcing an identity crisis for the original junglists.

After a period of being shunned by the press, the mainstream makes its first step towards accepting the music. Goldie’s debut album is heralded as a masterpiece, Roni Size and Reprazent face off against the Spice Girls at the Mercury Music Prize, and D&B finds a new home on Radio 1. Suddenly, all the major labels want a piece of the action. It’s a rags to riches moment, but all that success comes at a cost. Then, on the brink of the new millennium, the scene is torn apart by a devastating loss.

Drum & Bass approaches the 2000s on the brink of disaster: the spirit has left the music, eaten up by the major labels and the money. Kemistry’s death has torn a hole in the heart of the community. So how do you recover from that? The combined optimism of a fresh wave of young talent and an old guard, ready to be revitalised, creates a new, exciting form of D&B – ready to deliver the music to new audiences and new heights.