TRAVELS With Bowie

Backing singer and boyhood friend GEOFF MacCORMACK talks to Ken Sharp

Geoff MacCormack was a childhood friend of David Jones (later better known to the world as David Bowie). In 1973, years after they’d first met, MacCormack received a phone call that would change his life forever. Joining Bowie on the road as background singer, percussionist and sometime dancer, for the next few glorious years he would serve as an integral part of Bowie’s entourage, both on a personal and professional basis.

Now Geoff has written a book chronicling his travels with Bowie around the world via train and ship, singing background vocals on much of Bowie’s seminal work. From Station To Station: Travels With Bowie, 1973-1976 is a fascinating behind-the-scenes document of three halcyon years spent with one of the world’s biggest rock stars.

What’s the first Bowie record that featured you singing background vocals?

I probably did something for Hunky Dory but I’m not listed on it. I did stuff on Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, six albums from there. Anyhow, in ’73, I was working for a company called Construction News, selling advertising space. But before that I’d worked in London with Emperor Rosko, the radio DJ. I used to sing his jingles on the radio and used to go on his radio tours and work for him as a …

by Ken Sharp
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