A petition has been started by David Bowie fans to change the name of Aylesbury to “Aylesbowie” in honour of the late star. Legend has it that his Ziggy Stardust persona made his first appearance in the Buckinghamshire town, specifically at the Friars venue in the early 70s. David Stopps, who first came up with the idea, insists it isn’t as outlandish as it first sounds, saying: “Since records began there have been 57 variations of the town’s name.” Buckinghamshire County Council responded dryly: “It’s an interesting idea and perhaps on 25 March we could all think Aylesbowie – just for one day!”
The council were referring to a successful crowd-funding appeal, again by Stopps, to build a Bowie statue in the market square. The finished article – depicting Bowie in full Ziggy regalia amongst other famous looks – was vandalised less than 48 hours after it was unveiled. The words “feed the homeless first” had been spray-painted on the ground in front of the statue, while “RIP DB” was painted on the wall behind the sculpture.