The Man Who Sold The World is 50 today

“In the corner of the morning in the past...”

Here's an exclusive photograph kindly donated by writer/journalist/musician and occasional photographer, John Mendelssohn.

John took the shot during a session at the Holiday Inn in San Francisco in February 1971, while Bowie was in the city for a brief press junket in America to promote The Man Who Sold The World.

We've posted it in celebration of what is recorded as the 50th anniversary of the release of The Man Who Sold The World in the US, Wednesday, 4th November, 1970.

The accuracy of that date has been called into question recently, but we'll present the findings of our investigation to those that care about such details in the near future. If you have any actual real evidence of the release date, aside from the myriad Bowie books where the date is repeated, then we’d love to hear from you.

The inset in our montage is from John’s Rolling Stone review for The Man Who Sold The World, dated 18th February, 1971.

Here’s a short excerpt from it:

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In an album that, save for the impotently sarcastic 'Running Gun Blues', is uniformly excellent, at least four tracks demand special attention: 'Saviour Machine' demonstrates that Bowie far from exhausted his talent for quietly moralistic rock sci-fi in his earlier 'Space Oddity'. The almost insufferably depressive 'After All' contains the strangest refrain perhaps ever conceived — a haunting, mantric "Oh, by jingo". 'The Width of the Circle' is both a hallucination with religious overtones that recall both Dante and Adam and Eve and a sound of enormity.

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That last phrase was even picked up for the strapline for the only advert we've managed to find for this first release of the album.

For those of you wondering about the DailyBowieThing hashtag, search #DailyBowieThing on Instagram and Facebook to find out what it’s all about.

#DailyBowieThing #Bowie1970 #BowieMetrobolist #BowieTMWSTW #BowieMendelssohn

Ouvrez Le Chien out now

“Zane, Zane, Zane”

David Bowie’s Ouvrez Le Chien (Live Dallas 95) is out now.

Further details here for those that missed the original news item.

#BowieDallas95 #DBBLA #BrilliantLiveAdventures

A Bowie Celebration streaming event

“Just for one day”

For those of you who don't subscribe to Mike Garson’s newsletter, he has just sent out a mailshot to subscribers regarding “an amazing star-studded streaming show”, in the form of A Bowie Celebration: Just For One Day which livestreams on January 8, 2021 at 6pm PT and will be available to stream for 24 hours to follow.

We are duty bound to point out, however, that though we are happy to publicise this event, it isn't officially endorsed by or affiliated to the Bowie Estate.

Here’s an edited excerpt from the newsletter with links...

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The Celebration Returns January 8!

We're performing an amazing star-studded streaming show for the world and you're the first to know with tickets available now!

In 2016, David Bowie left this planet far too soon. In 2020, our A Bowie Celebration tour and the live music industry was shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Today, we're announcing to you first exclusively that on January 8, an enormous group of fabulous artists are coming together with Mike Garson for the weekend of the fifth anniversary of David's passing and what would have been his birthday to reconnect, heal, and share the music. David's music means so much to so many that we can't wait to perform a beautiful setlist of some of his most memorable hit songs along with a collection of deep cut Bowie gems... and we would love for you to join the Celebration!

The concert will feature performances from Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails), William Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), Bowie’s good friend and Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, Gavin Rossdale (Bush), Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Joe Elliott (Def Leppard), Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray, Ian Astbury (The Cult), Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Gail Ann Dorsey (David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz), Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones), Corey Glover (Living Color), Tony-winning rocker Lena Hall, vocal phenom Judith Hill (Grammy winner for 20 Feet From Stardom), and many, many more still to be announced!

We're bringing together dozens of Bowie alumni band members spanning David's career from his 1969 self-titled album to Blackstar including David’s complete final touring band of Mike Garson, Gail Ann Dorsey, Earl Slick, Sterling Campbell, Gerry Leonard, and Catherine Russell along with Zack Alford, Carlos Alomar, Kevin Armstrong, Alan Childs, Robin Clark, Emm Gryner, Omar Hakim, Clare Hirst, Erdal Kızılçay, Tim Lefebvre, Martha Mooke, Holly Palmer, Mark Plati, Carmine Rojas, Charlie Sexton, Bowie’s long-time record producer and musician Tony Visconti, and many more to be announced...

A Bowie Celebration: Just For One Day livestreams on January 8, 2021 at 6pm PT and will be available to stream for 24 hours to follow. More info and ticket bundles here.

Mike Garson

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Photo of Mike and David backstage at Glastonbury 2000 by Mark Adams

#ABowieCelebration #BowieGarson

Watch Bowie’s Lennon tribute now

“Imagine all the people”

To mark what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday today, David Bowie’s tribute to his friend (an emotional performance of Imagine live in Hong Kong on 8th December, 1983), has been restored from the original film to 4K and is available to view here.

#BowieLennon

Geoff MacCormack Bowie exhibition in Brighton

“No one else I’d rather be…”

You may have already heard about this one and usually we try not advertise events outside of the country that they are happening in.

But it would be mean to deprive anybody of the wonderful image on the left of Geoff and David having a bit of a caper in Moscow in 1973.

The previously unpublished image has just come to light at the eleventh hour and we got the exclusive. Here's the blurb...

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An exhibition of unique photographs taken by David Bowie’s close friend and travelling companion Geoff MacCormack between 1973-76.

From Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and the ground-breaking Diamond Dogs’ tour across the USA, Japan and the UK via Russia (on the Trans-Siberian Express) to Bowie’s first major film The Man Who Fell To Earth, and the recording of Station To Station, this exhibition of intimate photographs gives a glimpse of a close friendship and life on the road with one of the greatest rock stars of all time.

The exhibition includes recently rediscovered and never previously seen images of Bowie alongside rarely seen film footage shot by Bowie of the May Day Parade in Moscow, 1973, film of Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, and a specially created exhibition playlist.

Royal Pavilion & Museums Trust

73-76 Rock ‘N’ Roll With Me

Photographs by Geoff MacCormack

17 October 2020 - 6 June 2021

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

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The exhibition commences next week in Brighton in the UK and after a false start, tickets are on sale now.

#GeoffMacBowie

The Man Who Sold The World (2020 mix) digital single

“You’re face to face”

Parlophone is proud to announce DAVID BOWIE's THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD (2020 MIX) digital single release.

The track is taken from the 2020 re-release of Metrobolist (AKA The Man Who Sold The World), due on 6th November, which has been remixed by original producer Tony Visconti.

THE MAN WHO SOLD THE WORLD (2020 MIX) is available from Friday, 9th October, some of you in certain time zones may have already had a listen.

Here’s the press release regarding Metrobolist which we posted last month.

#Bowie1970 #BowieMetrobolist #BowieTMWSTW #TMWSTW2020Mix

Brilliant Live Adventures slipcase box update

“Then I got the small red box”

As you are more than aware, last week we posted details of the Brilliant Live Adventures six album live set and the first release from it, Ouvrez Le Chien.

Along with other associated merchandise, we also offered LP and CD sized slipcase boxes to house the releases for those that intended to buy the full set of six albums.

Of course, estimating the demand for such a thing is far from an exact science. Even when trying to gauge quantities by asking people to register their interest beforehand, as did the DIG! site.

Clearly we underestimated and all copies from both the Official David Bowie Store and the Dig! (Rhino) store have now sold out.

HOWEVER… Due to the incredible interest and the fact that so many of you have been left disappointed, we will be manufacturing more of both slipcase boxes to meet the demand.

The new batch won’t go on sale till the new year, around the time of the sixth and last release of the Brilliant Live Adventures campaign. We’ll post details of how to pre-order well before then.

Thanks again for your enthusiasm and apologies for any distress caused.

#DBBLA #BrilliantLiveAdventures

Brilliant Live Adventures available for pre-order

“It’s happening now”

See below for the press release and pre-order links.

#DBBLA #BrilliantLiveAdventures

DAVID BOWIE ‘BRILLIANT LIVE ADVENTURES’ - A SERIES OF SIX DAVID BOWIE LIVE ALBUMS FROM THE 1990s

VINYL, CD AND LIMITED EDITION BOXES TO HOUSE THE COMPLETE SETS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY VIA THE DAVID BOWIE OFFICIAL STORE & WARNER MUSIC GROUP’S DIG! STORE

FIRST LIVE ALBUM TO BE RELEASED IS 'OUVREZ LE CHIEN (LIVE DALLAS 95)' CD AND 2xLP TO BE RELEASED ON 30th OCTOBER

Parlophone Records is proud to announce release details for DAVID BOWIE 'BRILLIANT LIVE ADVENTURES' a series of six live albums from the 1990s which will be released on vinyl and CD as limited one run only pressings. There will also be special limited edition boxes for both vinyl and CD to house the full collection. The albums and boxes will only be available via the David Bowie official store and Warner Music Group’s Dig! store.

The first three albums and the special limited edition boxes will be released pre-Christmas, with the remaining three albums coming early next year.

The first release on CD and double vinyl is DAVID BOWIE OUVREZ LE CHIEN (LIVE DALLAS 95), previously a streaming only live album which was recorded live at the Starplex Amphitheater, Dallas, 13th October, 1995, during the U.S. leg of the Outside tour. The title OUVREZ LE CHIEN ("open the dog" in French) originally appeared in the song ‘All The Madmen’ taken from The Man Who Sold The World album which celebrates its 50th anniversary later this year. Bowie also used the phrase in the lyrics of his 1993 single ‘Buddha Of Suburbia’, once again spelling “ouvre" without a Z. The Z was restored when the phrase and its English translation were prominently featured in the stage set of the 1995 Outside tour.

OUVREZ LE CHIEN was produced by David Bowie and recorded by Steve Guest. The musicians are David Bowie – vocals and saxophone, Carlos Alomar – rhythm guitar, Reeves Gabrels – lead guitar and vocals, Gail Ann Dorsey – bass and vocals, Zachary Alford – drums, Peter Schwartz - musical director, keyboards and synthesisers, George Simms – vocals, Mike Garson – piano and keyboards.

The cover image of OUVREZ LE CHIEN was taken by Iman during the ’95 tour.

DAVID BOWIE - OUVREZ LE CHIEN TRACKLISTING

CD:

Look Back In Anger

The Hearts Filthy Lesson

The Voyeur Of Utter Destruction (As Beauty)

I Have Not Been To Oxford Town

Outside

Andy Warhol

Breaking Glass

The Man Who Sold The World

We Prick You

I’m Deranged

Joe The Lion

Nite Flights

Under Pressure

Teenage Wildlife

LP

SIDE ONE

Look Back In Anger (David Bowie/Brian Eno)

The Hearts Filthy Lesson (David Bowie/Brian Eno/Michael Garson/Sterling Campbell/Erdal Kizilcay/Reeves Gabrels)

The Voyeur Of Utter Destruction (As Beauty) (David Bowie/Brian Eno/Reeves Gabrels)

SIDE TWO

I Have Not Been To Oxford Town (David Bowie/Brian Eno)

Outside (David Bowie/Kevin Armstrong)

Andy Warhol (David Bowie)

Breaking Glass (David Bowie/George Murray/Dennis Davis)

SIDE THREE

The Man Who Sold The World (David Bowie)

We Prick You (David Bowie/Brian Eno)

I’m Deranged (David Bowie/Brian Eno)

Joe The Lion (David Bowie)

SIDE FOUR

Nite Flights (Scott Engel)

Under Pressure (David Bowie/Freddie Mercury/Roger Taylor/John Deacon/Brian May)

Teenage Wildlife (David Bowie)

Recorded live at the Starplex Amphitheater, Dallas, 13th October, 1995

DAVID BOWIE - OUVREZ LE CHIEN (LIVE DALLAS 95) IS AVAILABLE ON PARLOPHONE RECORDS ON 30th OCTOBER ON CD AND 2xLP

Brilliant Live Adventures

“Sordid details following…”

#DBBLA #BrilliantLiveAdventures

David Bowie Era Five box set update

“Looking at the future solid as a rock because of you...”

On the day that we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Station To Station box set, we thought it would be a good time to bring you up to speed with the plans for the Era 5 set.

It seems that every time we make a post on the official channels regarding new releases, a great number of you use the opportunity to comment on the lack of news regarding the Era 5 set. That's to be expected and your frustration is understandable.

But first, here's a reminder of the first four era box releases:

Era 1 = Five Years (1969–1973) - Released 2015 = 42 years

Era 2 = Who Can I Be Now? (1974–1976) - Released 2016 = 40 years

Era 3 = A New Career in a New Town (1977–1982) - Released 2017 = 35 years

Era 4 = Loving the Alien (1983–1988) - Released 2018 = 30 years

As you can see, the amount of time between the last year covered by each era box and its release date is decreasing exponentially, if that makes sense.

So with the Era 5 box which was originally going to cover the years 1993 to 1999, the plan was to release last year. Though that meant it was only a 20 year gap between 'hours...' and the release of the Era 5 box, it was considered a set that many fans were clamouring for due to the titles that hadn't been released on vinyl originally or were hard to find.

However, we then decided to increase the span of the box up to 2001, so to keep at least a 20 year gap between the last year covered and release date, it means the box won't now be released till next year.

Also, due to the effect of COVID, not only on everyday life, but its impact on plans within the music industry as a whole too, this has been an evolving situation and we thank you for your patience.

Of course, that doesn't mean you won't be getting anything new until next year. You may have noticed that various other releases have peppered the months in-between the era boxes, including live albums and the Conversation Piece set last year, along with other releases.

Indeed, stay tuned for the announcement of another exciting project before the end of next week.

May we also take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and for the enthusiasm shown for the era boxes.

#BowieEraBoxes

Space Oddity 45 reissued 45 years ago today

“I’ll be your King Volcano”

In the very same week that David Bowie achieved his first ever #1 US single with Fame (September 20th, 1975), RCA issued the Space Oddity EP. Though the original 1969 Philips issue furnished Bowie with his first top five hit in the UK, it was the 1975 reissue that gave him his first #1 UK single.

The 3-track EP was released forty years ago today (September 26th, 1975), and that's the original 1975 UK press advert in our montage, along with Steve Schapiro's beautiful shot and the Yugoslavian sleeve, possibly the only country to utilise the full colour version of the shot, albeit reversed.

It’s easy to see why the single was such a success in the UK and other European territories. Space Oddity was already well-known and loved by even the most casual appreciator of Bowie’s back catalogue, as was one of the bonus tracks, Changes.

However, for the long-term fan, the previously unreleased Ziggy-era song, Velvet Goldmine (from where today’s lyric quotation was lifted), was too hard to resist. Originally recorded in November 1971, Bowie was a little peeved that the recording had been issued without his consent, complaining that it hadn’t even been mixed properly.

David’s reservations aside, the fans weren’t complaining at this 59 new pence, picture sleeve bargain.

#SpaceOddity45

Outside hits quarter of a century today

“I'm already twenty five years older”

David Bowie’s 1. Outside album was released on this day in 1995 (26th in the US), the same week that the first single from the album, The Hearts Filthy Lesson, entered the UK Top 40.

The Bowie/Eno/Richards produced LP peaked at #8 on the UK album chart and narrowly missed the US Billboard Top 20 when it reached #21 there.

The release was supported by the 1995/1996 Outside World Tour (which kicked off on September 14th in Hartford in the US), and the beautifully disturbing video for The Hearts Filthy Lesson single.

Various CD versions of 1. Outside were released around the globe, among other formats. Friday Music had the distinction of issuing the very first double vinyl Bowie studio album when they issued a white vinyl of the full 1. Outside five years ago. A single disc version titled Excerpts From Outside was released on vinyl originally, but it omitted several tracks and had edits of others.

#BowieOutsideLP

Nacho's 40th anniversary Elephant Man trailer

“I could take you to heaven, I could spin you to hell, Or take you to New York”

That jolly good egg, Nacho, has been in touch again with his David Bowie is The Elephant Man in New York City 1980 • 40th Anniversary Documentary Trailer. Over to you Nacho:

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There is a trailer I made 4 years ago, for an imaginary documentary that I honestly thought I would never actually get around to making. Well, here we are in 2020, the 40th anniversary of Bowie in the role of John Merrick, The Elephant Man, and the documentary will be out soon.

“David Bowie is The Elephant Man in New York City 1980” is an approximately 30-minute documentary, ostensibly detailing Bowie in the role of The Elephant Man. In addition, the scope of the film contains an overview of Bowie’s time in New York during that pivotal period. The film includes all known scenes of Bowie as The Elephant Man character, and pertinent interview and other archive material.

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Go here for Nacho’s original 2016 version of the trailer and extensive notes.

#Bowie1980 #NachoBowie #BowieElephantMan

Fame #1 on BILLBOARD HOT 100 45 years ago today

“Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame…FAME!”

As we pointed out recently and you likely knew anyway, Fame hit the top spot on the BILLBOARD HOT 100, 45 years ago today, on 20th September 1975.

Here’s a bit from Tony Visconti expressing his disappointment about the recording of Fame:

“At the same time I was working on the strings and new mixes something was afoot in New York. David personally phoned me to tell me he had met up with John Lennon and got him into to the studio with a band now consisting of Carlos Alomar, Dennis Davis and bassist Emir Ksasan. They wrote and recorded ‘Fame’ in one evening, also recording Lennon’s ‘Across The Universe’ for good measure. David said, “I’m sorry Tony, but they have to be on the album.” I also met John Lennon earlier for the first time with David and responded with, “If you gave me a day’s warning I would’ve flown myself on the Concorde to do that session.” I was quite upset. Well, anyway, ‘Fame’ is a great song; a great record and we all love it.”

And who could disagree with that? David Bowie and Harry Maslin made a pretty good fist of things and America agreed by giving Bowie his first #1 45 there.

A side: Fame (Bowie/Lennon/Alomar)

B side: Right (Bowie)

Original UK release date: July 18 1975

Highest chart position: UK: #17 US: #1

Originally appeared on: Young Americans

Produced by: David Bowie, Harry Maslin

#BowieFame #YoungAmericansGold

Bowie and Garson and My Death

“As surely as our love is bright...”

Mike Garson was singled out on many occasions to perform with Bowie as a duo for a fair few memorable one offs. Back in 2016 Mike chose one such performance for an instalment of DB Deep Cut Of The Day.

It’s a heartbreakingly emotional rendition of My Death from September 18th 1995, 25 years ago this evening. The occasion was a benefit for The Joseph Papp Public Theater, at The Grand Ballroom, Manhattan Center, New York.

Over to Mike...

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When I played the first few notes with Lorde at the rehearsal in London ALL I could think was how at times I took the gig with David for granted.

I made a decision to appreciate every moment from there on. As humans that is difficult but I will continuously try.

This version of MY DEATH might be the most poignant version ever. David’s voice is low and rich and creamy.

Not too many fans no less the world have heard this. It is beyond gorgeous. David and I performed this in NYC for a fund raiser in 1995.

I never understood why David and I never did a duet tour. Hopefully posthumously we can put out all the songs the 2 of us did together over the years.

I think you might be able to play this song 100 times and never stop crying.

Mike Garson

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You can hear the performance here on YouTube.

Photos by KEVIN MAZUR

#DBDCOTD #BowieDeepCut #BowieGarson

Young Americans gold vinyl reminder

“Fame - what you need you have tomorrow” *

As previously mentioned, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of David Bowie’s Fame becoming his first #1 single in the US, Parlophone has issued a limited edition ‘bricks & mortar’ only, gold vinyl version of the album from whence it came, Young Americans.

The Young Americans gold edition is released tomorrow on Friday 18th September, Fame peaked at #1 on the BILLBOARD HOT 100 45 years earlier to the week, on 20th September, 1975.

Fame was preceded by the Young Americans single in the US, a release which was also a Top 30 hit in May of the same year.

* Yes, the original lyric is “Fame - what you need you have to borrow...”

FOOTNOTE: Due to the continued restrictions of the pandemic, you should be able to find the Young Americans gold edition in the online stores of your favoured high street vinyl emporiums.

#YoungAmericansGold #BowieFame #BowieVinyl

Bowie born 55 years ago today

“Fame, What's your name?”

David Bowie is 55-years-old today...at least the name David Bowie is.

The most solid evidence of when David chose to go with Bowie over Jones as his professional name first appeared in Kenneth Pitt's book, David Bowie - The Pitt Report. In it Ken talks about the transition between David’s managers from one Ralph Horton to Ken himself. In a telephone conversation of the 15th, Ralph discussed with Ken the possibility of Ken taking over the management reins.

The time wasn’t right for Ken just yet. But, by his account, he did suggest a name change for the 18-year-old Davie Jones might be pertinent, due to similarly named entertainers in the public eye at that time, not least of all a young actor who was to find world-wide fame as a singing Monkee.

Ralph responded to Ken in a letter dated the 17th in which he wrote: “I have taken the liberty of writing to you and advising you that I have now changed Davie’s name to David Bowie.” It could be argued that the name change may have been made on the day the letter was written, but it seems the 16th is the popular conclusion arrived at by Bowie experts.

Obviously it's unlikely that Ralph had any hand in the selection of the new name, as David had already been toying with various stage personas. It's also highly likely that the name of Bowie had been kicking around in David's mind for some time, particularly as he says that Jim Bowie’s Bowie knife was the inspiration for the name, a weapon that he would have been aware of since his childhood. Indeed, it transpires he had been experimenting with variations of Bowie long before then with early band names such as the Bowmen being considered.

Ahead of the release of the very first record to bear the name Bowie (Can't Help Thinking About Me released January 14th 1966, as David Bowie and The Lower Third, The Lower Third are pictured here), It seems there was a concerted effort to make the public aware of the name change before the release of the new record, with lots of press on the subject and even a two inch square box ad in the back pages of the Christmas eve '65 issue of Melody Maker. The advert contained the simple legend: BOWIE

And what a legend the name was to become!

#JonesToBowie

Outside Tour commences 25 years ago today

“It’s Hartford’s filthy lesson” *

“How do you commit commercial suicide? Well, you do this: play songs from an album that hasn't been released yet, and complement it with obscure songs from the past that you've never done on stage.”

Thus spoke David Bowie to USA Today on the opening day of The Outside World Tour, hot on the heels of the release of The Hearts Filthy Lesson single and ahead of the release of the 1. Outside album.

Opening on 14th September 1995 at Meadows Music Theatre, Hartford, Connecticut, the ‘support’ act during the US leg of the tour was Nine Inch Nails, who segued their set with Bowie's to form a continuous show, with the crossover section performed by both artists and including three Bowie songs and two of NIN’s: Subterraneans, Scary Monsters, Reptile, Hallo Spaceboy and Hurt.

Bowie’s band comprised the following: David Bowie (vocals/saxophone), Peter Schwartz (keyboards), Reeves Gabrels (lead guitar), Gail Ann Dorsey (bass/vocals), Carlos Alomar (guitar), Zachary Alford (drums), Mike Garson (keyboards) and George Simms (backing vocals/keyboards).

As you know, Parlophone released a live recording from this first US leg of the tour: David Bowie Ouvre le Chien (Live Dallas 95) on 3rd July this year.

Were you at this opening show? If you were, please feel free to contribute your memories to the David Bowie Memory Map.

The image on the left in our montage is from Sam Beyer’s remarkable The Hearts Filthy Lesson video, while the photograph on the right was taken by Mark Allan at rehearsals in Hartford on this very day in 1995.

* Today's lyric quotation is a play on a lyric from The Hearts Filthy Lesson

#BowieOutsideTour #BowieOutsideLP #BowieDallas95

Scary Monsters is 40 today

“He opened strange doors that we'd never close again”

Today is the 40th anniversary of the UK release of David Bowie’s Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) LP. A lot has been said online about this record today, so why not join in and pop over to the official David Bowie FB page and join in the debate. It's your chance to tell us what you think of this landmark Bowie album.

~ When did you first hear it?

~ Which are your favourite tracks?

~ What do you think of Edward Bell’s artwork?

~ How influential do you think this release was?

~ If you heard it for the first time recently, how do you think it stands the test of time?

SIDE 1

1. IT’S NO GAME (PART 1)

2. UP THE HILL BACKWARDS

3. SCARY MONSTERS (AND SUPER CREEPS)

4. ASHES TO ASHES

5. FASHION

SIDE 2

1. TEENAGE WILDLIFE

2. SCREAM LIKE A BABY

3. KINGDOM COME

4. BECAUSE YOU’RE YOUNG

5. IT’S NO GAME (PART 2)

Here’s a Spotify link to remind you in case you haven’t already got it on repeat today:

SCARY MONSTERS FACT FILE:

Released in the UK as RCA BOWLP 2 (PL 13647) on 12th September, 1980.

Peak UK chart position: #1

Peak US chart position: #12

#BowieScaryMonsters

Bowie joins Trading Faces 45 years ago today

“Peter met Bowie formed a dummy run gang” *

Konrads, King Bees, Manish Boys, Lower Third, Buzz, Riot Squad, Turquoise, Feathers, Zeroes, Tin Machine and no doubt others we've neglected to mention. All popular(ish) beat combos that David Bowie has been a member of, albeit fictional in the case of Zeroes. However, the very short-lived Trading Faces isn't a name you’ll come across in too many Bowie biographies.

On 8th September, 1975, Peter Sellers celebrated his 50th birthday. Naturally he had a party at his L.A. home to mark the event for which he invited along various celebrities, including several musicians. Bowie did the same for his own 50th party, albeit on a bit of a larger scale.

Anyway, there is some debate as to whether the party actually took place on Peter’s birthday or a few days before. But who cares, it happened and Terry O'Neill was there to record the event for posterity, visually at least, no known sound recordings of the impromptu gig exist.

As was frequently the case with Terry’s Bowie photographs, a tabloid centrespread including the images in our montage of David with Ron Wood and Keith Moon appeared in the UK.

Here’s a bit from Bowie by O'Neill:

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When Bowie attended Peter Sellers’ fiftieth birthday party in Los Angeles, he ran through a few blues numbers with an impromptu group called Trading Faces. Comprising: Bowie (saxophone), Bill Wyman (bass), Ron Wood (guitar), Joe Cocker (vocals), Jesse Ed Davis (guitar), Danny Kortchmar (guitar), Bobby Keys (saxophone) Nigel Olsson (drums), Keith Moon (organ, vocal, drums) and Steve Madaio (trumpet).

“When Peter celebrated his birthday, everyone who was in town came to the party. If you were anyone in Hollywood in 1975, this was the party to be at.” - Terry O’Neill

And this from Terry in 2003: “I was invited to what I thought was just a small private party by Peter, who was a close friend and didn’t realise he’d invited so many stars. I’m glad I took my camera – it was a one-off moment in rock 'n' roll history. I never knew Bowie could play the sax.”

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Apparently Bill Wyman wasn’t quite as enthused about it as Terry was: “It was hopeless – we couldn’t get one song together between us.”

David related his own recollection of the evening in 2002:

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“Bill Wyman was already discontent with being a Stone and coaxed Ronnie Wood and me into forming the band Trading Faces. The idea was to cover the big hits of the time with each of us impersonating a popular singer while the others played in the style of a band discordant to the chosen singer. This would lead to hybrids like Wayne Newton with The Troggs or my personal favourite, The Singing Postman with Tower Of Power.”

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David’s close friend, Geoff MacCormack, was in attendance but neglected to pack a camera or his vocal chords and so just ‘enjoyed’ the entertainment with the other non-participants. We’ll leave you with his account from 2007:

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“Neither David nor any of the other musicians seemed to be playing the same songs and they made such a racket it disturbed the neighbours. The police were called and Keith Moon, of all people, tried to politely reason with them whilst they threatened to arrest Sellers. Sellers didn't say a word: he just looked bemused by it all. He looked exactly like Chance, the character he later played in Being There.”

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FOOTNOTE: Following the end of filming The Man Who Fell To Earth a couple of weeks earlier, David had returned to L.A. and a few days before Sellers’ party he contributed backing vocals to Keith Moon’s song, Real Emotion.

* One of the names in today’s lyric quotation has been changed to protect the innocent.

#BOWIEbyONEILL #BowieTradingFaces