Chic star guest-curates David Bowie Centre display

Nile Rodgers, the legendary musician from the band Chic, has taken on the role of guest curator for a new display at the David Bowie Centre. This centre, which is part of the V and A Museum in London, will open its doors on September 13 at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London. Rodgers and Bowie shared a close friendship and a successful creative partnership, and the new display highlights their connection through personal letters and unique memorabilia. Among the items Rodgers has chosen for the exhibition is a custom-made Peter Hall suit that David Bowie wore during his Serious Moonlight tour, which promoted the iconic Let's Dance album. Visitors to the David Bowie Centre will also be able to see rare photographs of Bowie, Rodgers, and guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan as they worked together in New York to record the Let's Dance album.

The exhibition will feature some of Bowie's most famous stage costumes, including those from his Ziggy Stardust era. These outfits are known for their bold colors and dramatic designs, such as a striking lightning bolt on the thigh. The display will not only focus on Bowie but will also include costumes worn by other influential musicians like Sir Elton John and PJ Harvey. Nile Rodgers expressed how meaningful his collaboration with Bowie was, saying that their creative partnership brought about the greatest success of Bowie's career, but that their friendship was just as important. Rodgers explained that their bond was built on a shared love of music, which had a profound impact on both of their lives. Rodgers produced Bowie's hit single Let's Dance and the entire 1983 album of the same name, as well as Bowie's 1993 album Black Tie White Noise. Some of the personal letters included in the exhibition relate to their work on the latter album.

The exhibition also features contributions from The Last Dinner Party, a Brit Award-winning indie rock band. They have curated a section of the display and described David Bowie as a constant source of inspiration for their music. Their part of the exhibition includes Bowie's handwritten lyrics for his song Win, as well as notes and set lists from his 1976 Isolar tour. The band said that Bowie continues to inspire new generations of artists to be confident and true to themselves. The David Bowie Centre will be free to visit, but tickets will be required and released closer to the opening date. The centre promises to be a fascinating destination for music fans, offering a chance to explore Bowie's creative process, his collaborations, and his lasting influence on the world of music.

The display will also include historic photographs of Bowie, such as one from 1973 where he is seen with flaming red hair, meeting fans in Bournemouth. Another black and white photo shows Bowie as Ziggy Stardust, wearing a loose silk top and dramatic makeup. These images, along with the costumes and personal items, will help visitors understand the impact Bowie had on music, fashion, and culture. The David Bowie Centre aims to celebrate his legacy and inspire future generations of musicians and fans. The exhibition is expected to attract visitors from around the world, all eager to learn more about the life and work of one of music's most influential figures.