What made Bowie hate town?
While some of the biggest names in music are mourning the loss of David Bowie, tributes have been paid by a former band member who knew him as Davie Jones from Maidstone’s The Manish Boys.
The 69-year-old, who had battled cancer for the past 18 months, sadly passed away on Sunday, just two days after celebrating his birthday and the release of his latest album, Blackstar.
Born Robert David Jones on January 8, 1947, in Brixton, he has been hailed as one of the world’s most influential performers, particularly for his work in the 1970s- 80s, for which he achieved iconic status.
Before releasing Space Oddity in 1969 and catapulting into stardom, the singer was part of Maidstone band, The Manish Boys, and in 2003 spoke of his memories of living in a cramped flat with the band members in the county town.
One enduring memory was getting a senseless beating from a local thug.
He said: “It was just this big Herbert walking down the street.
“He just knocked me down on the pavement proceeded to kick me for no reason that I can fathom to this day.
“I haven’t got many good memories of Maidstone.”
During rehearsals in a band member’s living room, in Coxheath, a fresh- faced Bowie walked in with his manager, Leslie Conn, and played with the band before smiling and saying he had found what he was looking for.
The band toured between 196465, playing The Royal Star Hotel, now the Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone.
They also played live on TV, despite locking heads with producers over their long hair.
Drummer Mike Whitehead recalled fond memories of the times they spent together before Bowie became Ziggy Stardust.
He said: “We knew when we saw him he had star quality; what impressed us is that he was never normal in terms of sound – he was determined to make a go of it and wanted to get on and make it big.
“He was a very friendly, normal, guy – much like anybody on the street, it’s amazing really. I don’t think he ever put on any airs and graces, put it that way.”
Mr Whitehead, who now lives in Rotherham, added: “I’m very fortunate and will never forget the experience.
“I’m really thankful for knowing Bowie in his early days.”
David Bowie is survived by two children – Duncan Jones, born in 1971, and Alexandria Zahra Jones, born in 2000 – and his second wife, Iman.