Janelle Mone says she time traveled to the 1970s to see David Bowie in concert: 'I was backstage'

Published: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 3:11 pm

Janelle Monáe Claims Time-Traveling Experience Inspired Artistic Journey

Singer-songwriter and actor Janelle Monáe has shared a surprising anecdote about her artistic inspiration, claiming to have traveled back in time to witness a David Bowie concert in the 1970s. The revelation came during a recent conversation with fellow musician Lucy Dacus for Rolling Stone's "Musicians on Musicians" series.

Monáe, who uses she/her and they/them pronouns, stated that seeing Bowie perform as Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars was a pivotal moment. She described being backstage at the concert, an experience that solidified her desire to pursue a career in music. Following her time-traveling experience, Monáe returned to the 2000s, determined to create music, write lyrics, and foster a community centered around transformation and embracing queerness, extending beyond just sexuality to encompass a broader perspective on the world.

Monáe also discussed her connection to the future, referencing her android alter ego, Cindi Mayweather, from her 2010 album, *The ArchAndroid*. She described Cindi as representing her future self, emphasizing a collaborative relationship between the two.

The comments section of a TikTok post featuring the interview saw a mixed reaction to Monáe's claims. Some users expressed belief in her time-traveling experience, while others viewed it as a playful or sarcastic remark.

BNN's Perspective:

While the specifics of Monáe's story are certainly unconventional, her emphasis on transformation and embracing individuality resonates with a broader audience. Whether or not one believes in time travel, the core message of pursuing artistic passions and fostering community is a positive one. It's a reminder that creativity can be sparked by the most unexpected experiences.

Keywords: Janelle Monáe, David Bowie, time travel, Ziggy Stardust, music, artist, concert, Lucy Dacus, The ArchAndroid, Cindi Mayweather, queer, transformation, Rolling Stone, Musicians on Musicians

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