Meta Description: Discover how Alan Edwards worked with David Bowie, including the star’s clever disguises and humble nature. Insights from Edwards’ memoir and Jennifer Connolly’s reflections on Bowie.
Music public relations guru Alan Edwards has shared intriguing insights about working with David Bowie, including how the late star cleverly disguised himself at the height of his fame. Edwards, who founded the PR firm The Outside Organisation, has worked with a wide array of artists, including Prince and The Rolling Stones. He reflects on his remarkable career in his new memoir, I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll.
Alan Edwards on David Bowie’s Disguise Techniques
Edwards met David Bowie during a pivotal moment in his career. He told NME, “It was just after he had done Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. He was being treated like a movie star, but he had also been dropped by his label because Low and Heroes weren’t deemed as commercially successful as stuff like Bay City Rollers!” Despite being incredibly recognizable, Bowie wanted to live an ordinary life. To avoid being recognized, he devised a clever disguise. “He told me his secret to not being recognized was to wear a cloth cap and carry a Greek newspaper,” explained Edwards. “If anyone questioned whether it was him, they’d look closer and think, ‘Well, it can’t be him; he’s obviously Greek.’”
Humble Nature of David Bowie
Although Edwards admired Bowie’s elaborate scheme, he claimed Bowie’s humble nature also helped him fly under the radar. “It was the same for interviews. We’d often take the train, no first-class or anything, and you’d be amazed how many people would do a double take, then think: ‘It can’t be him; he’s just a guy sitting with us going to Manchester.’”
Jennifer Connolly Reflects on Working with David Bowie
Meanwhile, Jennifer Connolly, who starred opposite Bowie in one of his most significant acting roles in Labyrinth, recently reflected on her positive experience working with the musician. Speaking to The Guardian, Connolly recalled how she became a “super-fan” by the time filming finished. Directed by Jim Henson, who also created The Muppets, the film remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, gaining cult status.
“His persona was so elaborate and crafted, but he just seemed kind of goofy,” she explained. “There’s something about how gracious he was, and how he was with me, which was so kind and gentle and comforting,” Connolly added.
