I like artists who generate art by themselves, artists who are of themselves. To have that creative spark or engine inside, and then to be able to cut and paste a track on to someone’s soul, is very admirable.
David Bowie worked in all parts of the art world since the 1960s. He was a session sax player early on, then moved to the blues, finally arriving when Ziggy took over the world. He morphed and twisted his art, aligning himself with artists of the time, oozing artless charm while consistently kicking out the hits. Little wonder he is considered one of the greatest artist of all time.
One day we found ourselves working a Bowie television gig at the BBC. Jonathan Ross was the show that day. We turned up at 10 a.m. to unload their lorry, set up and then wait for the band to show up after lunch. They all looked like regular guys and gals: the opposite of classic rock and roll clones consumed by the general public. Save the best for showtime, right? The girl with a shaved head on bass was really cool to observe! They were all seasoned pros who slowly plugged in for soundcheck, drank coffee and waited for Bowie to join them.
As time dragged on, I phased out of the scene and thought about anything but the tedium that crewing could become. Music, playing with my Leatherman, drinking coffee…then I turned my head up to see a tall man in acid wash jeans and jacket, wearing a white painters/cyclist hat. After chuckling to myself about his fashion choice, I quickly recognized this man with two different coloured eyes to be Bowie himself!! He acknowledged me with a smile and a look as if to say “ yes, it’s me! “ Everyone there started to plug in mentally and electronically as soundcheck commenced.
Later on that evening at showtime, he came out in a full black leather suit, bell bottoms and all, and slayed the place with astonishing stage presence, talent and skill. He transformed himself into an art wizard who blew everyone away.