Boy George, the iconic singer of “Karma Chameleon,” has shared a heartfelt reflection on his deep admiration for the late David Bowie. In a recent appearance on The Lulu Podcast: Turning Points, Boy George revealed how he once emailed Bowie “tirades of love and worship,” recounting the connection that marked their relationship. “I used to send him emails,” said Boy George, “and I’d get like a line back.”
Boy George, now 63, fondly reminisced about his obsession with Bowie, who passed away in 2016, explaining how the legendary musician’s approval was both rare and impactful. “If Bowie liked you, it was like, ‘Oh, I’m absolutely cool, don’t even try to consider that I’m not,'” Boy George laughed, reflecting on the sense of validation he felt from Bowie’s rare but meaningful responses.
The Karma Chameleon star also shared a personal story from his youth when he first encountered Bowie’s influence. “My brother was the original Bowie fan,” he recalled. “I’d hear The Man Who Sold the World through the walls.” But it wasn’t until the release of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust in 1972 that Boy George’s fandom truly skyrocketed. He even recounted the wild experience of sitting outside Bowie’s house in Beckenham, London, with his brother, only for Bowie’s ex-wife Angie to open the window and tell them to “f— off.”
Boy George, never shy about his devotion, confessed that he used to stalk Bowie’s gigs and moments in public. One story that stood out was when he found a picture of himself at Victoria Station at age 14, waiting for Bowie to return from Berlin. “He arrived in a big Cadillac, and I remember being photographed. I thought, ‘I might get in trouble because I’m being photographed. What if my mum sees it?’” Boy George laughed, recalling the bittersweet memories of his teenage years.
Despite his fandom, Boy George did meet Bowie several times, even sharing dinner with him on occasion. He considers Bowie one of his greatest influences, so much so that he even has a tattoo of Bowie’s likeness on his arm.
When Bowie passed away in January 2016, Boy George penned an emotional tribute to the musician in The Daily Mail, writing, “I always dreaded this day. I hoped he was immortal. I was sure of it. Today feels like the end of everything!” Boy George later participated in a tribute concert for Bowie in 2021, A Bowie Celebration: Just For One Day!, which raised funds for Save the Children.
As for Boy George’s future, fans can look forward to his return to Broadway this March, where he will take on the role of Harold Zidler in the hit musical Moulin Rouge.
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