Rebel Rebel

The brilliance of 'Rebel Rebel' lies in its harmonic simplicity. Using just three chords (D, E, A), Bowie and guitarist Alan Parker crafted one of rock's most recognizable riffs. The non-diatonic E major chord — borrowed from D Mixolydian or functioning as a secondary dominant — gives the riff its distinctive edge, creating a tension that perfectly mirrors the song's rebellious lyrics. The harmony owes a clear debt to Rolling Stones-style blues-rock, with the raw, open chord voicings and driving rhythm recalling Keith Richards' guitar style.

Originally conceived in late 1973 as part of an aborted Ziggy Stardust musical, "Rebel Rebel" became Bowie's last single in his signature glam rock style. In the studio, Bowie told bassist Herbie Flowers and guest guitarist Alan Parker that he wanted the song to 'sound like the Stones,' then picked up Parker's black Les Paul and played the iconic riff for them. Parker refined the riff, adding a distinctive downward trail at the end of each line, before the rest of the backing track was recorded.

Released in 1974 as the lead single from Diamond Dogs, "Rebel Rebel" is David Bowie's definitive glam rock anthem and his most-covered song. Built around an instantly recognizable guitar riff reminiscent of the Rolling Stones, the track celebrates youthful rebellion and gender-bending identity, serving as both a glam rock culmination and a proto-punk statement.