In a time of love beads and bellbottoms, tye dye and birkentstocks, Brian Slade definitely stood out. His plethora of hair styles and outfits made him one of the most memorable pop icons of his time. Jonathon Rhys Myers puts a lot into this character based solidly on David Bowie and his Ziggy Stardust alter ego. Although Brian Slade is extremely Bowie-ish, Myers manages to put enough edge on him to give Brian his own personality.
Brian Slade, the puzzling, yet intriguing charmer of millions was born in a respectable English town, yet was raised over the summers in the elegant air of London. Here was where he learned of the people who were different, the people who were themselves, the people who didn't mind others staring, who liked the feel of eyes following them down the street. From childhood he had performed for various family members and only after meeting and marrying his American turned British party girl wife, Mandy, did he finally get a chance in the spotlight.
Brian gets a spot at the Sombrero Club, a wacked out, turn of the century club in London. Here he meets his first manager, who although doesn't get him the best of deals, cares deeply about Brian. He also indirectly introduces him to the charm of Brian's later love, Curt Wilde. Well, before long, the deal with his manager tapers off after he meets the pompous and promising Jerry Devine.
With this encounter his career takes off, sending him through the many twists and tuns of pop life, from sex, to drugs, to rock n roll....