In case you missed this exclusive interview on my YouTube Channel or Daily Bowie Blog, I had the opportunity to speak with Gerry Leonard, the acclaimed guitarist and long-time collaborator of David Bowie. Our conversation delved into Leonard’s experiences working with Bowie both in the studio and on stage, offering insights into their creative partnership.
Leonard shared details about co-writing songs like
Boss of Me and I’ll Take You There for The Next Day, describing Bowie’s spontaneous approach to songwriting—often building melodies from rough sketches with lyrics emerging organically. He also reflected on the challenges of adapting Bowie’s atmospheric studio recordings for live performances during the Reality Tour, capturing their essence despite the limitations of a live setting.
The interview also previewed Leonard’s performances at the upcoming Dublin Bowie Festival, running from February 26 through March 2. The festival’s highlight is a March 2 concert at Dublin’s 3Arena, where Leonard will perform alongside Gail Ann Dorsey, Mike Garson, Mark Plati, and Sterling Campbell, accompanied by a full orchestra. Leonard discussed the power of blending rock instrumentation with orchestral arrangements, which adds a new dimension to Bowie’s music. He also mentioned participating in a roundtable discussion on February 29 with Dorsey, Garson, and Plati, and an intimate club show at Whelan’s on March 1, offering fans a raw, spontaneous performance.
If you haven’t watched or read the full interview yet, be sure to check it out to hear Leonard’s reflections on his time with Bowie and the excitement surrounding the Dublin Bowie Festival.
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