The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars is the fifth studio album by David Bowie, released on June 16, 1972, through RCA Records. Described as a loose concept album and rock opera, Ziggy Stardust is about Bowie's titular alter ego Ziggy Stardust, a fictional androgynous and bisexual rock star who is sent to Earth as a saviour before an impending apocalyptic disaster. In the story, Ziggy wins the hearts of fans but suffers a fall from grace after succumbing to his own ego. The character was inspired by numerous musicians, including Vince Taylor. Most of Read more on Last.fm.