R.I.P. Singer/songwriter and guitarist Jon Dee Graham, 1959-2026

Sadly beloved Austin singer/songwriter and guitar ace Jon Dee Graham has passed away far too soon at 67. He'll be greatly missed. 

David Bowie doc "Moonage Daydream" screens at the Revue Cinema, Thursday

Celebrate David Bowie's birthday with Brett Morgen's acclaimed 2022 film "Moonage Daydream" at the Revue Cinema on Thursday (January 8) at 9:30 pm.

Here's the scoop...

It’s been 10 years since David Bowie released his final, incredible swan song album BLACKSTAR on his 69th birthday, January 8, 2016, and left our earth 2 days later on January 10th, leaving a void from which we haven’t really recovered.

Celebrate our greatest musical alien chameleon with MOONAGE DAYDREAM, the 2022 experimental, kaleidoscopic documentary by Brett Morgen (THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE, KURT COBAIN: MONTAGE OF HECK, JANE), a sublime visual experience narrated by David Bowie in his own words and music, interweaving personal archival footage, unseen performances, and Bowie’s own collection of art and poetry as well as extensive clips from legendary Bowie concert films and feature film performances, including ZIGGY STARDUST & THE SPIDERS FROM MARS, CRACKED ACTOR, THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, MERRY CHRISTMAS, MR. LAWRENCE, SERIOUS MOONLIGHT, LOVE YOU TILL TUESDAY, GLASS SPIDER and much more. (David Bertrand)

Brett Morgen's "Moonage Daydream" screens at the Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles) on Thursday (January 9) at 9:30 pm. Get tickets here. Watch the trailer below. 

David Bowie vs. Ron Davies

Ron Davies released his version of "It Ain't Easy" in 1970 which David Bowie reinterpreted it for his Ziggy Stardust album. 

Remembering David Bowie on his birthday

Raising a cuppa to David Bowie on his birthday with a 1974 performance of "Time," written in New Orleans in 1972.

Snapshots of David Bowie from 1971 surface in 'Peculiar To Mr. Bowie'

Rolling Stone writer John Mendelssohn's 1971 photographs of David Bowie are collected in "Peculiar To Mr. Bowie," a new book from Kicks Books.

Here's the scoop from Kicks Books...

Next up from Kicks Books is Peculiar To Mr. Bowie – A Day With David Bowie in 1971, a souvenir photobook by John Mendelssohn including his words and snaps of a day he spent with Bowie in February 1971, during DB's The Man Who Sold The World junket. Much to say about the man-dresses (yes, two) herein by John and also by fashion historian/ Bowie biographer Paul Gorman about this spot in time that set  the stage - all before the end of '71--  for  Hunky Dory and a trip to the hairdresser (Suzi Fussey aka Ronson) for a kookie cut n' color. I've had a peculiarly perfect replica of the the raw silk  Mr Fish dress made by couture tailor Lu  and prints are coming from Lys. Us ladies are looking for a wee fashionaire party-launch pad for the book, the photos, and... the dress,  so kids, rally to find a spot to help us show and celebrate! Hype and pre-sale coming soon. Please share! It's always about the back story. 

You can pre-order Peculiar To Mr. Bowie via Kicks Books right here. Read more from rock journalist John Mendelssohn (Rolling Stone, Creem, Mojo, Wired) at RockCritics.com right here. Check out a couple of David Bowie clips containing contemporaneous 1971 material below. 

R.I.P. bassist Herbie Flowers, 1938-2024

Sadly, British bassist Herbie Flowers – who played on hundreds of recordings – has passed away at 86. He'll be greatlly missed. 

That time David Bowie hosted the Midnight Special in 1973

David Bowie tried out numerous looks alongside guests Marianne Faithful, The Troggs and others during the London show. 

Happy Birthday Iggy Pop!

Celebrating Iggy Pop's 77th birthday with some interview clips and performance clips you may have missed.

Yep, Martin Phillipps of The Chills knows what's up. 

Listen to Iggy Pop chat with Rick Rubin for the Broken Record podcast

Iggy Pop talks about The Stooges, Jim Morrison, David Bowie, James Brown and more in a two-part chat with Rick Rubin. 

That time David Bowie appeared on Soul Train in 1975

Along with a short chat with host Don Cornelius, David Bowie does "Golden Years" and "Fame" for the Soul Train crowd. 

Happy Birthday Jean-Michel Basquiat!

Remembering artist Jean-Michel Basquiat with the recollections of his sisters Lisane & Jeanine, Julian Schnabel & David Bowie.

Don Pyle launches new photo book, Shot in a Mirror @ Two Twos, Saturday

Don Pyle's Shot in a Mirror, includes rare photos of Lou Reed, David Bowie, Fifth Column, Soft Cell, Gary Floyd, Matmos, etc.

Here's the scoop...

Midnight Mass Press and Susto are very poised to present a double launch for two (plus) new publications by Don Pyle! A release event will happen on Saturday (November 26th) at 7pm, in the Two Twos room at Toronto's Annex Hotel (296 Brunswick Ave). A select collection of photographs will be displayed and Pyle will give a slideshow/talk at 8pm. We are thrilled to be joined by Martin Sorrondeguy who will be our guest DJ for some fun before and after the talking part.

Shot In A Mirror is a new 100-page collection of 50 intimate portraits, and is the second book from Don Pyle. 

Spanning 1977 to 2016, this edition of colour and black and white photographs is published by Midnight Mass Press, 2022. 

Also launching that evening is a Don Pyle edition of Susto. Susto is a 24” x 30” double-sided screen-printed portfolio/poster of select photos, designed and printed by Martin Sorrondeguy, encased in a custom-screened envelope. Photographer, filmmaker, artist and vocalist, Sorrondeguy is the sassy front-man in Los Crudos, Limp Wrist and his latest Chicago-based outfit, Canal Irreal. The wildly successful Susto series has traditionally featured Sorrondeguy’s own work, but he has expanded that base to include new editions by LA photographer Dawn Wirth, with the latest one focusing on Pyle’s punk photos, including rare shots of the Dead Boys, The Cramps, The Dils, Divine, Tyranna, Teenage Head and Johnny Thunders/Heartbreakers.

Shot In A Mirror features pictures of Stephen Andrews, Martin Sorrondeguy, Paul Henry, Paul and Miki Zone, Piano Rain, Dax Pierson, Bruce McCulloch, Kirby, Matt Wobensmith, Jess Scott, Diane Anastasio, Marc Manning, Matmos, Caroline Azar and Beverly Breckenridge of Fifth Column, Bryan Fisher, George Salmoni, John Teaves, The Reds, Kevin Hegge, Extra Fancy, Soft Cell, Fred Schneider, Christeene, KP Kendall, David Bowie, Lou Reed, The Dishes, The Runaways, Long Branch, Lisa Myers, Gary Floyd, Shary Boyle, Arno Kazarian, Richard Gullo, Meg Hewings, Patti Schmidt, Edmund White and Wendy Coburn.

Each book is accompanied by a companion volume, Reflections In A Mirror, featuring an interview with Don Pyle conducted by Chris Colohan and Matthew Finner. Pyle provides images relating to the conversation from his photo and personal archive. Risograph printed, 8.5” x 11”.

Each set includes a deluxe colour postcard portrait of Gary Floyd from 2016, and a Shot In A Mirror bookmark designed by Ashley Hohman. Cover of Shot In A Mirror was designed by Ashley Hohman. Interior of both volumes designed and laid out by Ali Qadeer.

Admission to the launch is free and with a cash bar.

Writes Don Pyle: 

"At long last, I have a site to sell books and photos. There will be copies of Shot In A Mirror and Susto at the launch, along with a selection of 13" x 19" prints from the two publications. You can order both from here along with some favourites from Shot In A Mirror, Susto and Trouble In The Camera Club." 

Visit Don Pyle's merch site here: https://donpyle.bigcartel.com/

One For The Weekend: David Bowie

Here's David Bowie performing "Five Years" on the BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test back in 1972. 

Happy Birthday Seu Jorge!

Celebrating Seu Jorge's birthday with a 2010 Tiny Desk Concert and a 2016 solo appearance on KEXP saluting David Bowie.

Happy Birthday Tony Visconti!

Celebrating the birthday of producer Tony Visconti with his memories of recording Marc Bolan, David Bowie and his first single.  

R.I.P. iconic rock photographer Mick Rock, 1948-2021

Sadly, rock photographer extraordinaire Mick Rock has passed away at the age of 72. He'll be greatly missed.

"You’ll notice that my most famous pictures are very simple. You’re not going to find lot of props in them, it’ll all be done by lighting, attitude, angle, energy and focus. These are all the important things for me." – Mick Rock

 

Nico's Drama of Exile reissued with bonus alternate mixes

Modern Harmonic's update of Nico's post-Velvets return to rock, 1981's Drama of Exile, includes eight remixes.  

Here's the scoop...

As one critic memorably put it, when Nico spoke it was like coffin-lids creaking. When she sang it was like listening to ravens taking off 13 at a time. Nico was like nothing rock music had ever seen or heard before or since. Features originals along with stoic takes on Bowie and The Velvet Underground. Includes the complete original album plus alternate versions!

Get a copy of Nico's Drama of Exile via Bandcamp right here. Check out the track listing following a version of the original album, an unsettling 1982 performance of David Bowie's "Heroes" and a haunting rendition of "Genghis Khan" from 1978 which is actually creepier than the studio version. Nick Cave recalls a chance encounter with Nico in the links below. 

Nico - Drama of Exile

1. Genghis Khan 3:56

2. Purple Lips 4:16

3. One More Chance 5:44

4. Henry Hudson 3:59

5. Waiting For The Man 4:18

6. Sixty Forty 4:55

7. The Sphinx 3:34

8. Orly Flight 4:02

9. Heroes 6:09 

10. Genghis Khan (Alternate Mix) 3:34

11. One More Chance (Alternate Mix) 4:12

12. Henry Hudson (Alternate Mix) 3:46

13. Waiting For The Man (Alternate Mix) 4:17

14. Sixty Forty (Alternate Mix) 4:36

15. The Sphinx (Alternate Mix) 4:02

16. Orly Flight (Alternate Mix) 2:47

17. Heroes (Alternate Mix) 5:41

LINKS 

The Red Hand Files Nick Cave recalls a strange encounter with Nico 

Listen to Nick Lowe chat with Gary Kemp & Guy Pratt

Hear Nick Lowe discuss Tennessee Ernie Ford, his Bay City Rollers salute and being underwhelmed by Chrissie Hynde's songs.

Durand Jones & The Indications vs. David Bowie & Cher

Durand Jones and crew do a fine job with "Young Americans" but it would be tough for anyone to top a David Bowie and Cher medley. 

Donny McCaslin Group @ The Rex Hotel, Thursday

Saxophonist Donny McCaslin – who collaborated with David Bowie on Blackstar – brings his quintet to The Rex.