A home truly fit for all the young dudes

THE STUDENTS who are about to move into Auckland Avenue in Hull were not even a twinkle in their parents eyes when Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars burst on to the charts in 1972.

But they are about to receive an extraordinary education on one of the most exciting moments in musical history.

Their rental property is a remarkable bricks and mortar tribute to David Bowie and one of the greatest bands of all time, which originated from Hull. All three of the “Spiders” – guitarist Mick Ronson, bass player Trevor Bolder and drummer Mick “Woody” Woodmansey – grew up in and around the city where they honed their talents before stardom called.

The story is told through a themed interior with Seventiesstyle furniture and fittings, specially commissioned artwork by Lucy Thorpe, framed lyrics, gig posters and photographs. There is also memorabilia in the form of drumsticks, drum skins and posters donated by Woody Woodmansey. He is the last surviving member of the band that worked with Bowie to captivate a nation with outrageous costumes, androgynous looks and a mindblowingly original sound. The idea of a rental home that pays homage to the rock phenomenon came from Richard Stott, managing director of Hull-based Kexgill Group, one of the UK’s largest private owners of student accommodation. The property is one of 100 student houses acquired by Kexgill in a £20m deal with the University of Hull, which is aimed at upgrading the accommodation and creating a smart new University Quarter. Mr Stott is a big fan of Bowie and the Spiders from Mars and wanted to celebrate Hull’s connection with the band responsible for classic albums and songs such as Life on Mars, Starman and Changes.