![Earl Slick Recounts First Encounter with David Bowie in Revealing Rock Memoir 2 earl slick david bowie 106700826](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/earl_slick_david_bowie_106700826.jpg?w=1170)
In his tell-all book, “Guitar: Playing with David Bowie, John Lennon, and Rock-and-Roll’s Greatest Heroes”, guitarist Earl Slick delivers an inside look at the glam, grit, and grunge of rock-and-roll stardom. Written alongside Jeff Slate, a skilled musician and writer, Slick opens up about the pursuit of musical mastery, the peaks and pitfalls of the industry, and the camaraderie and chaos of working with iconic figures.
Slick’s quest for guitar greatness—all chronicled evocatively in “Guitar”—is underscored by a genuine humility not commonly seen among rock stars. Selling timeshares during tough times, the musician exemplifies the struggle for consistency in the tumultuous world of rock-and-roll.
The highlights of “Guitar” include Slick’s vivid recollections of meeting the legendary individuals who would leave an indelible mark on his life. His introduction to David Bowie is particularly memorable. Describing Bowie as the “strangest cat” he’d ever seen, he paints a picture of Bowie’s eccentric style and poise that defied rock norms. Slick describes the moment: Bowie, appearing with bright orange hair and lacking eyebrows, made a lasting impression on him.
Image from the book “Guitar: Playing with David Bowie, John Lennon, and Rock-and-Roll’s Greatest Heroes” Chapter 8: There’s Only One John and Yoko (Penguin Books)Later, Slick recounts his struggles with substance abuse during the making of the “Young Americans” album, which caused him to forget John Lennon’s contribution to the project.
Slick’s chance to work with Lennon on the “Double Fantasy” album was both exciting and nerve-wracking, a “holy s**t” moment that came with its own quirks—like Lennon teasing Slick about forgetting their previous interaction during the Bowie sessions.
Despite the thrills, Slick’s reflections are also marked by a sobering acknowledgment of the mortality of his friends and collaborators. Lennon’s tragic death and Bowie’s later passing would profoundly affect Slick, yet he continues on his rock-and-roll odyssey, ever inspired by the elusive “spark” of greatness.
Read more
on Earl Slick’s life and music partnerships
FAQ Section
What is the title of Earl Slick’s memoir?
The memoir is called “Guitar: Playing with David Bowie, John Lennon, and Rock-and-Roll’s Greatest Heroes.”
Who co-wrote the book with Earl Slick?
Jeff Slate, a musician and writer, collaborated with Earl Slick on the book.
What themes does “Guitar” cover?
“Guitar” covers the realities of life as a rock musician, Slick’s personal journey with the guitar, and his experiences with music legends like David Bowie and John Lennon.
How did Earl Slick describe his first meeting with David Bowie?
Earl Slick described Bowie as skinny, pale, and dressed in an eccentric fashion that combined Harlem pimp-inspired loose pants with Capezio dance shoes, topped with a grey fedora over bright orange hair and no eyebrows.
Did Earl Slick play guitar for John Lennon’s “Double Fantasy” album?
Yes, Jack Douglas invited Slick to play guitar for Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Double Fantasy” album.