Photographer Ron Gott has released his first photo book, "Bowies Back," showcasing his unique images of David Bowie from two distinct periods: the Ziggy Stardust era in 1972 and the Thin White Duke era in 1978. The book, published by Blurring Books, compiles photographs taken over 50 years ago, documenting pivotal moments in Bowie's career.
Gott's journey into music photography began in 1968. His early experiences included documenting major rock shows at venues such as the Fillmore East. This new publication brings his extensive archive of music photography to a wider audience for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- Ron Gott's first photo book, "Bowies Back," is now available.
- The book features previously unseen photos of David Bowie from 1972 and 1978.
- Gott documented Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust and Thin White Duke periods.
- The 1972 photos were taken during a soundcheck in Aylesbury, UK.
- The book is available at local stores and online.
A Lifetime of Documenting Music
Ron Gott started photographing rock concerts at just 13 years old in 1968. He recalls his first major show as either Iron Butterfly, Canned Heat, and The Youngbloods at the Fillmore East, or a Murray the K show featuring Tommy James & the Shondells and Rhinoceros.
For many years, Gott has been known for his work at Fabulous Fanny's, a vintage eyewear store located on Ninth Street, where he has been since 2016. However, his long history in music photography has remained largely unknown to the public until now.
Fast Fact
Ron Gott's photography career began in 1968, spanning over five decades of music documentation before his first book's release.
Early Exposure to Rock Legends
Gott's passion for music and photography led him to document numerous artists from the late 1960s through 1981. This period included two significant David Bowie concerts that form the core of his new book.
The first set of Bowie photographs comes from a 1972 concert in Aylesbury, UK. This performance occurred during the peak of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars era, a time when Bowie was rapidly transforming the music landscape.
The second collection of images was captured at Madison Square Garden in 1978, during Bowie's Thin White Duke period. This era represented another major shift in Bowie's artistic persona and musical direction.
The Aylesbury Encounter: A Fortuitous Meeting
The story behind the 1972 Aylesbury photographs is a tale of unexpected kindness. Gott and a travel companion arrived in Aylesbury a week before the Bowie concert, initially to see a band called Caravan. They had no place to stay.
A local music promoter offered them accommodation. This proved to be a pivotal moment for Gott's photography.
"The promoter said, 'Feel free to come over and stay with my wife,'" Gott recounted. "They had a 400-year-old home down this Dickensian street, and we went and stayed and talked all night about music."
Context: David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust Era
The Ziggy Stardust persona, launched in 1972, transformed David Bowie into a global superstar. It was characterized by elaborate costumes, theatrical performances, and a unique blend of glam rock and science fiction themes. This period marked a significant cultural impact, influencing fashion, music, and performance art.
Access to Bowie's Inner Circle
The generous promoter then extended an invitation that would shape a significant part of Gott's photographic legacy.
He [the promoter] said, 'You gotta come back next week because David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars are playing at the biggest show in England right now. Come early, hang out, and have lunch with them during sound check. So, I was in the auditorium during soundcheck and Angie [David's first wife] was there doing makeup for everyone.'
This unprecedented access allowed Gott to capture intimate, behind-the-scenes moments during the soundcheck. These images form half of the content in "Bowies Back," offering a rare glimpse into Bowie's early career.
"Bowies Back": A Visual Journey
The book "Bowies Back" presents a visual narrative of Bowie's evolving artistry. It highlights his chameleon-like ability to reinvent himself, moving from the flamboyant Ziggy Stardust to the sophisticated and enigmatic Thin White Duke.
These photographs are not merely concert shots. They represent a historical document of an artist in transition, captured through the lens of a photographer who had unique access. The collection offers fans and music historians new perspectives on Bowie's iconic career.
Key Dates
- 1968: Ron Gott begins documenting rock shows.
- 1972: Photographs David Bowie in Aylesbury, UK (Ziggy Stardust era).
- 1978: Photographs David Bowie at Madison Square Garden (Thin White Duke era).
- 2016: Joins Fabulous Fanny's vintage eyewear store.
- 2024: "Bowies Back" is published.
Availability and Local Support
"Bowies Back" is published by Blurring Books. It is available for purchase at several locations.
Local residents can find copies at Fabulous Fanny's, located at 335 E. Ninth St., between First Avenue and Second Avenue. Another local option is East Village Books, situated at 99 Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue.
For those outside the local area, the book is also available for purchase online directly through Blurring Books. This ensures wide accessibility for fans worldwide.
The Legacy of Ron Gott's Work
Ron Gott's book not only highlights David Bowie's career but also brings attention to Gott's own dedication to music photography. For over five decades, he quietly built an archive of images that tell important stories from rock history.
His work captures the energy and transformation of an era. The publication of "Bowies Back" serves as a testament to his enduring passion and the historical value of his photographic collection.
The book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of David Bowie's artistic journey. It provides a visual record from an insider's perspective, making it a significant release for music enthusiasts and photography collectors alike.