A Unique Encounter with David Bowie
David Bowie, known for his iconic and legendary status in the music world, was often described with words like ‘freak’ by those who knew him best. Earl Slick, the long-time guitarist of the late artist, is one such person who can say that without any hesitation.
Slick, now 73, shared a humorous story about how he once found himself in a recording studio alone, after receiving a call from Bowie’s management. The experience, which he called ‘a freak,’ was quite unusual as he was left waiting for hours without even seeing Bowie.
A Memorable First Impression
When Bowie finally entered the room, Slick was taken aback by his appearance. “It was the eyebrows thing that got me,” he said. “Man had no eyebrows. I almost wanted to ask him, ‘Did you burn those off? Or do you actually shave them?’ I’m serious.”
Despite this initial shock, Slick quickly warmed up to Bowie, and the two musicians began playing together, feeling completely at ease.
A Career Spanning Decades
Slick remained with Bowie for many years, contributing to some of his most famous works, including “David Live,” “Young Americans,” and “Station to Station.” He described their relationship on stage as being like brothers, but off stage, they kept a distance to avoid any potential conflicts.
Over the next two decades, Slick played with other notable artists like John Lennon and Yoko Ono. However, in the early 90s, he decided to step away from the music industry due to personal struggles.
A Return to the Spotlight
After four years of retirement, a cryptic request from Bowie brought Slick back to the stage. This time, it was during the 2000s, where he delivered some of his best live performances. One of these was Bowie’s legendary Glastonbury 2000 headlining set, which is considered one of the greatest performances in festival history.
Slick will be part of a special charity event called “Bowie: Live On The Loch” later this year, where he will perform alongside other members of Bowie’s band. The event aims to raise money for Save The Children and will take place in Loch Lomond, Scotland.
An Evening of Music and Memories
Hosted at Cameron House on November 7 and 8, the event will feature performances by Slick, Mike Garson, Gail Ann Dorsey, Mark Plati, and Sterling Campbell. Tickets are available now, and the event will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.
Slick reflected on the importance of Bowie’s legacy, emphasizing the profound impact of his music. “The music you do affects people in such a very profound way,” he said. “We had our ups and downs, but at the end of the day, best shows I’ve ever done in my entire life, I’ve been with David. Hands down. It always will be.”
Final Thoughts
As Slick prepares for the upcoming event, he remains grateful for the experiences he had with Bowie. His journey from an unknown musician to a key figure in Bowie’s career is a testament to his talent and dedication.
For those interested in learning more or sharing their own stories, there are various ways to get in touch with the entertainment team. Whether through email, phone, or online submission, the team is always eager to hear from fans and contributors.
