When David Bowie Crashed at a Hull Home: Rock History Unplugged!

David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians in history, once stayed in a modest house in Hull, England, thanks to his friend and drummer John Cambridge. In 1970, Bowie needed his car serviced, but the cost in London was very high. John suggested he come to Hull, where it was much cheaper, and even convinced his parents to let Bowie stay at their home on Brisbane Street. John joked that in Hull, you could buy a car for the price of a London repair. This visit was just one of many adventures the two shared during the early days of Bowie's career.

John Cambridge played drums for Bowie in a band called The Hype and later helped form The Spiders from Mars, Bowie's legendary backing band. They lived together in Haddon Hall, a large house in London, with producer Tony Visconti. John remembers their time together as fun and a bit silly, with water pistol fights in the house. When Bowie needed a new guitarist, John reached out to Mick Ronson, who was working as a gardener in Hull. Mick was painting lines on a rugby field when John convinced him to go to London and meet Bowie. Soon, Trevor Bolder and Mick Woodmansey, also from the Hull area, joined the band. The Spiders from Mars, made up of these working-class musicians, helped create Bowie's unique glam-rock sound and style.

As The Spiders from Mars became famous, appearing on shows like Top of the Pops and touring the world, John Cambridge found himself back in Hull, working as a plasterer. He sometimes felt left out, hearing their songs on the radio while working on building sites, but he was proud to have been part of Bowie's journey. John also remembers taking Bowie and his wife Angie to local pubs, where people sometimes recognized Bowie but didn't believe it was really him. Suzi Ronson, Bowie's hairdresser and wardrobe assistant, later married Mick Ronson. She recalls how quickly the Hull musicians adapted to the bold stage outfits and makeup, even joking about borrowing mascara from each other. Bowie once told drummer Woody Woodmansey, 'It takes a real man to wear pink. ' The Spiders from Mars broke up in 1973, but their influence on music remains strong. A special exhibition about David Bowie, featuring costumes and instruments from this era, will be held in Hull in 2028, celebrating the city's important role in Bowie's success.