David Bowie’s Drummer Had No Idea He Was Taking Drugs
It’s pretty much common knowledge that David Bowie was all about sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll in the 70’s. But at the time, Bowie’s drummer says he had no idea. Woody…
NEWPORT, ENGLAND – JUNE 13: David Bowie performs on stage on the third and final day of ‘The Nokia Isle of Wight Festival 2004’ at Seaclose Park, on June 13, 2004 in Newport, UK. The third annual rock festival takes place during the Isle of Wight Festival which runs from June 4-19. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)
It's pretty much common knowledge that David Bowie was all about sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll in the 70's. But at the time, Bowie's drummer says he had no idea.
Woody Woodmansey, who played drums in Bowie's Spiders From Mars, says he and the rest of the band were "unaware" that Bowie was using drugs, chalking any odd behavior up to 'ego' or 'he's a bit tired'.
Even after Woodmansey bumped into a drug dealer backstage, he assumed the guy was selling to the road crew, not to David.
But in later tours, Bowie's erratic behavior became more and more apparent, and Woodmansey says "unfortunately, it was taking over".
These days, Woodmansey plays in a Bowie tribute band along with longtime Bowie producer Tony Visconti.
