Ongoing History Daily: David Bowie’s deceptively simple anonymity trip

David Bowie was one of the galaxy’s biggest rock stars and was instantly recognizable by millions. But he lived in New York for years in almost complete secrecy. How did he remain anonymous in such a big city? He had a trick he used anytime he wanted to walk around any big city unbothered.

Bowie would tuck a Greek-language newspaper under his arm that was still in full view of anyone. The thinking was that anyone who thought they were looking at Bowie would also see the newspaper—and then have second thoughts. Maybe it was just a Greek dude who looked just like Bowie.

By all accounts, this little ruse worked brilliantly for years.