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David Bowie Was Detained for Possessing Nazi Memorabilia on This Day 50 Years Ago

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27.04.2026

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David Bowie Was Detained for Possessing Nazi Memorabilia on This Day 50 Years Ago

David Bowie once spouted Nazi rhetoric and praised Hitler, but later recanted his comments as coming from a place of poor mental health.

By Stephen Andrew Galiher

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We all know that David Bowie spent some time in the 70s toying with notions of nazi worship and fascism. It was super weird, and it all came to a head 50 years ago today.

The date was April 27, 1976, per This Day in Music. Bowie was travelling in Europe when he was detained at the Russia/Poland border. Authorities stopped the Thin White Duke for questioning after he was found in possession of nazi memoribilia on a train. Ultimately, it seems he was released without the situation escalating further.

Bowie’s nazi comments came during his time as the Thin White Duke persona

That same year, Bowie gave a handful of interviews wherein he explained his........

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