David Bowie - All the Young Dudes Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who originally wrote and produced 'All the Young Dudes'?

   David Bowie wrote and produced 'All the Young Dudes'. He offered the song to Mott the Hoople to prevent them from breaking up, recognizing its potential as a hit and galvanizing their career.

2. Did David Bowie ever intend to include 'All the Young Dudes' in his own album?

   Yes, David Bowie initially wrote 'All the Young Dudes' for his concept album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars'. However, he decided to give the song to Mott the Hoople instead.

3. How did 'All the Young Dudes' impact Mott the Hoople's career?

   'All the Young Dudes' was crucial in reviving Mott the Hoople's career. Before the song, they were on the brink of breaking up due to lack of commercial success. The song became a hit and helped them gain a significant following.

4. Why is 'All the Young Dudes' considered a gay anthem?

   While Mott the Hoople was a heterosexual band, the song is considered a gay anthem because of its glam rock nature and lyrics like 'Jimmy looking sweet, though he dresses like a queen'. Glam rock often blurred gender roles, and Bowie was a major influence in the genre.

5. What happened to the line about Marks & Spencer in the lyrics?

   The original lyric 'Wendy's stealing clothes from Marks and Sparks' was changed to 'Wendy's stealing clothes from unlocked cars' for the song to be broadcast on UK radio and television. Broadcasting regulations considered it advertising, similar to issues faced by The Kinks with 'Lola'.

6. Who performed the song 'All the Young Dudes' at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert?

   At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in April 1992, David Bowie, Ian Hunter, and Mick Ronson performed 'All the Young Dudes'. They were joined by surviving members of Queen, marking a symbolic gesture as both bands were prominent in the glam rock era.