November 29, 2000 – In a year-long survey carried out for the newly published "Under the Influence" issue of NME (England's New Music Express), artists have talked for the first time about their major artistic influences, the band or artist that made them pick up the guitar or write their first lyrics, etc.

Legendary rock star David Bowie has come out top of the pops, being voted the most influential artist in the survey published in the NME.

On David Bowie, Radiohead's Ed O'Brien said: "I just admire David Bowie in the '70s. Sometimes he brought out two albums a year. He was on a mission. His albums were hit and miss sometimes, but he was brilliant because of that."

Marilyn Manson said of Bowie: "Today there seems to be a lack of icons and rock stars in general. When I grew up, there was David Bowie and Iggy Pop – people who had something to say and had quite an impact on music and society. I thought that's what rock 'n' roll should be all about – too much make-up, setting things on fire and pissing off parents."

In other areas of pop, Spice Girl Victoria Beckham chose her hero as Stevie Wonder, saying: "I was brought up with a lot of Stevie Wonder. I think he's brilliant. I've always listened to him and I always will."

Nominated in second place were Radiohead, of whom U2's front man Bono said: "I saw the new Radiohead show and it was beautiful, so beautiful, perfect sound, beautiful songs, and when he sings it breaks my heart. I just wanna see Radiohead at the top of the pop charts. Cos that makes your day, and driving into work, better. That's all. Which is selfish. They've made some extraordinary music and they can do what they like."

"UNDER THE INFLUENCE" TOP 20

1. DAVID BOWIE - Nominated by Suede (Brett Anderson), Placebo (Brian Molko), Marilyn Manson, Radiohead (Ed O'Brien), Mansun (Paul Draper)
2. RADIOHEAD - Nominated by Bono
3. THE BEATLES - Nominated by Marilyn Manson
4. PUBLIC ENEMY - Nominated by Nicky Wire (The Manic Street Preachers)
5. MILES DAVIS - Nominated by: Mick Head (Shack)
6. KRAFTWERK - Nominated by Rob Mitchell (Boss of Warp Records)
7. SEX PISTOLS - Nominated by Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream)
8. EMINEM - Nominated by Shaun Ryder
9. NICK DRAKE - Nominated by Stuart Braithwaite, Mogwai
10. THE SMITHS - Nominated by Rick Witter (Shed 7)
11. STEVIE WONDER - Nominated by Victoria Beckham
12. APHEX TWIN - Nominated by Laurence Bell (Head of Domino Records)
13. SCOTT WALKER - Nominated by Jarvis Cocker
14. CHEMICAL BROTHERS - Nominated by Richard Ashcroft
15. FLAMING LIPS - Nominated by Danny McNamara (Embrace):
16. BOB DYLAN - Nominated by Tim Burgess (Charlatans):
17. MOS DEF - Nominated by Chris Martin (Coldplay)
18. THE VELVET UNDERGROUND - Nominated by Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals)
19. BECK - Nominated by Jimi Goodwin (Doves)
20. JOY DIVISION - Nominated by Finley Quaye

More Bowie:

• August 16, 2000 - David and Iman Bowie Have Baby Girl
• July 3, 2000 - Bowie Takes UK by Storm
• June 21, 2000 - Bowie Rocks New York with Exclusive Showcases
• May 3, 2000 - Bowie's Summer Schedule
• February 1997 - Interview with David Bowie
• January 1997 - Bowie at the Garden with Friends