David Bowie auditions musicians for The Buzz

Following his split from the Lower Third on 29 January 1966, five days later David Bowie held auditions for a new backing band.

Bowie’s manager Ralph Horton had placed an advertisement for musicians in the Melody Maker. The auditions took place on Thursday 3 February 1966 at the Marquee Club in London.

Among the musicians taking part on this day was drummer John Eager, who was offered the job shortly afterwards.

Also joining Bowie was bass guitarist Derek ‘Dek’ Fearnley, who was introduced to Bowie at Horton’s Warwick Square flat.

More auditions were held on 6 February, again at the Marquee Club, during which guitarist John ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson was recruited. Hutch also brought in keyboard player Derek Boyes to complete the band.

Bowie’s friend, London disc jockey Earl Richmond (John Dienn), suggested The Buzz as a name for the group, which was adopted once the line-up was finalised.