My memory of David Bowie

I had been thinking a lot about Bowie in the week before his death, so I was shocked, but maybe not surprised, when I read about it. In 1978 I was in London and tried to get tickets to the concert for what came to be known as the Low/Heroes tour. The London show was sold out, so I hitchhiked up to Stafford where he was playing in a vast agricultural exposition hall. Had tickets to the second night, but got there in time for the first; a group of kids had a spare ticket which they gave me, and this young woman who was being treated for her birthday grabbed my hand and squeezed toward the front saying, “Excuse me, I’m 4’10”! Excuse me, I’m 4’10”!” We made it to the very front of the stage, stage right. Incredible concert.

Bowie and Adrian Belew

That night I slept in a field next to the hall, and was the first person in line the next day. Again made it to the very front, stage left. Another incredible show. Adrian Belew jamming with himself in feedback like a joyful, demented madman maybe ten feet above me. Bowie looked me in the eye and I’m sure recognized me from the night before, and gave me that unforgettable, unique smile. Whenever I see it in The Man Who Fell to Earth (I don’t think it happens in any of his music videos) it takes me right back to that night.