Bowie’s Maidstone band leads a blue plaque celebration
Music legend David Bowie has been immortalised in Maidstone thanks to a blue plaque commemorating his association with the town.
Nick ‘Topper’ Headon, former drummer with The Clash, and Bowie’s ex-bandmate Bob Solly unveiled the tribute inside the town’s Royal Star Arcade shopping centre.
Around 150 people packed out the venue – formerly the Royal Star Hotel Ballroom – where Bowie played with Maidstone band The Manish Boys between 1964-65.
The commemoration was arranged by Radio Kent, and is part of 47 plaques popping up across the country to mark BBC Music Day. They are based on listener nominations.
Topper Headon said: “I was given a list about three months ago to choose a suitable recipient – a place or person – connected to Kent.
“There were various gigs such as the Chislehurst Caves, the start of the Canterbury music scene.
“There was Noel Redding from Fat Mattress and the Jimi Hendrix Experience, born in Folkestone. But when David Bowie was mentioned he stood out a mile.
“Legendary and iconic are words banded around nowadays , but a blue plaque for David Bowie is so fitting.
“He died last year, but up until his death he didn’t tell anyone he was ill. If there is such a thing as dying with style, he did it.”
Unfortunately, while Bowie’s links to the town aren’t in doubt, he was on record as saying he did not enjoy his time in Maidstone, explaining he once got badly beaten up in Mote Park.
However, his experience with the Manish Boys was a significant stepping stone towards his stellar success.
Bob Solly, a founder of the band, said: “We quickly built up a foundation around the London clubs, so when Bowie joined we were already quite well known.
“We had the same agent and he sent us to a manager who had a singer he wanted to place – David. He was desperate to join a band.
“It’s fabulous seeing the plaque here, and one which recognises The Manish Boys. After 55 years, is quite something.”
For more on Kent’s contribution to global music, see pages 32-33.