The Memorable Encounter: David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and Adrian Belew

TLDRAdrian Belew shares a story of his encounter with David Bowie and Frank Zappa during a tour in 1978. After impressing Brian Eno with his guitar skills, Adrian recommended himself to Bowie, leading to an invitation to join his band. However, the situation became awkward as Frank Zappa had plans for Adrian after the tour. Eventually, Adrian chose to join Bowie, and the tour ended with a surprising onstage occurrence.

Key insights

🎸Adrian Belew's exceptional guitar playing impressed Brian Eno and led to an introduction to David Bowie.

💥Adrian faced a dilemma when David Bowie offered him a tour while Frank Zappa had plans for editing concert footage and keeping Adrian on salary.

⚡️During the tour, the band played in Berlin, where Adrian had a chance encounter with David Bowie and Iggy Pop backstage.

🌟Frank Zappa and David Bowie had an awkward interaction during the Berlin concert, leading to tension between them.

🛫After the tour ended, Adrian flew to Dallas for rehearsal with David Bowie, while Frank Zappa fired his band members.

Q&A

How did Adrian Belew impress David Bowie?

—Adrian Belew impressed David Bowie through his outstanding guitar playing, which caught the attention of Brian Eno and led to a recommendation to Bowie.

What was the dilemma faced by Adrian Belew?

—Adrian Belew faced a dilemma when David Bowie offered him a tour while Frank Zappa had plans for editing concert footage and keeping Adrian on salary.

Did Adrian Belew join David Bowie's band?

—Yes, Adrian Belew chose to join David Bowie's band, leaving behind Frank Zappa's plans and the rest of the band.

What happened during the Berlin concert?

—During the Berlin concert, Adrian Belew had a chance encounter with David Bowie and Iggy Pop backstage, leading to an awkward interaction between Frank Zappa and David Bowie onstage.

What happened after the tour ended?

—After the tour ended, Adrian Belew flew to Dallas for rehearsal with David Bowie, while Frank Zappa fired his band members on the flight back to LA.

Timestamped Summary

00:02Adrian Belew shares a story about David Bowie, Frank Zappa, and himself.

00:08Adrian Belew impresses Brian Eno with his guitar skills during a tour with Frank Zappa in Cologne, Germany.

00:23Brian Eno introduces Adrian to David Bowie and recommends him as a guitar player.

00:37Adrian encounters David Bowie and Iggy Pop backstage at a concert in Berlin.

01:46Frank Zappa and David Bowie have an awkward interaction during a concert in London.

03:38The tour ends, and Adrian joins David Bowie's band, while Frank Zappa fires his band members.

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