In the annals of rock history, certain moments stand out like shining stars, forever etched in the collective memory. One such moment is the iconic Ziggy Stardust album cover shoot by the legendary David Bowie.
However, what remains lesser-known is the intriguing tale behind the borrowed Les Paul guitar that played a pivotal role in capturing that ethereal essence.
Mark Pritchett, a guitarist, and neighbor of Bowie in Beckenham, unwittingly became a part of rock folklore when Bowie casually requested to borrow his prized possession, a vibrant red Gibson Les Paul. Bowie’s magnetic charm and persuasive demeanor masked the true purpose of the request, leaving Pritchett in the dark.
Despite the lack of explicit details, Pritchett entrusted Bowie with his cherished guitar, unaware of its imminent iconic status. Little did he know that his Les Paul would soon be in the hands of the enigmatic Ziggy Stardust, immortalized in music history.
Bowie’s return of the guitar, dampened by the night’s rain, offered no clue to its newfound celebrity status. Pritchett’s discovery of its role in the Ziggy Stardust shoot came as a surprise, shedding light on the mysterious events of that fateful night.
In an interview in the May edition of Uncut, Pritchett says:
“David knew my guitars and there was one l used on the Arnold Corns session that was bright red, a Gibson Les Paul I bought in Lewisham High Street. He said he couldn’t stop but could he borrow my red Les Paul for a photo shoot. I said he could if he looked after it. Then he disappeared into the night.”
In retrospect, Pritchett’s unwitting contribution to Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era adds another layer of intrigue to an already legendary narrative. His willingness to lend a piece of his musical soul to Bowie exemplifies the camaraderie and artistic synergy that defined an era of boundary-pushing creativity.
As we reflect on this captivating anecdote, let us not forget the unsung heroes whose contributions, however serendipitous, have left an indelible mark on the tapestry of music history.
The borrowed Les Paul may have returned to its rightful owner, but its journey through the cosmos of rock and roll will forever echo the timeless allure of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust.
Source: www.guitar.com
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