David Bowie attends Guy Peellaert’s Rock Dreams exhibition

David Bowie attended the launch of Belgian artist Guy Peellaert’s book Rock Dreams on 7 March 1974.

The book was a collection of artworks showing airbrushed and stylised renditions of musicians, among them a double portrait of Bowie and Lou Reed. Bowie also featured on the cover, alongside John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, and Mick Jagger.

Mick Jagger had seen Peellaert’s work prior to Rock Dreams’s publication, and had commissioned Peellaert to design the sleeve for the Rolling Stones’ forthcoming album It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll. Jagger mentioned this to Bowie, who moved quickly to secure the artist for Diamond Dogs. Bowie received the final artwork the night before.

David tricked me into doing the cover artwork. It was only when we were at the session that he finally asked me if I would do a painting for him. The idea was so interesting I couldn’t refuse.

Peellaert’s one-day exhibition was held at the Rainbow Room, at the top of the Biba department store in Kensington, London. Bowie attended with his wife Angela.