Rock ’n’ Roll Guns for Hire

There’s no room for ego in this untold story of the sideman

Documentary / 9.00pm / BBC4

Ladies and gentlemen, the Rolling Stones! Mick. Keith. Charlie. Ronnie… and Bernard? If you’ve seen the Stones live in the past 30 years you’ll likely have clapped eyes on singer Bernard Fowler.

His story and those of other sidemen and women are told in this excellent documentary presented by Earl Slick, David Bowie’s ‘sidey’ for 40 years. Backing vocalists, guitarists, keyboard players – these unsung heroes’ job is to be invisible and let the star shine. Featuring Prince collaborators Wendy and Lisa, Booker T and the MGS guitarist and Stax mainstay Steve Cropper and more, plus interviews with those whose names sell the tickets, including Mick Jagger and Billy Joel.

Earl Slick playedh with David Bowie Bernard Fowler sings with the Rolling Stones Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Colvin worked withprince