Following the completion of the first phase of Young Americans recording sessions, on 24 August 1974 David Bowie embarked on a three-day train journey from Philadelphia to Los Angeles.
Bowie arrived in LA on 27 August, and began preparing for seven nights of sold out shows at the Universal Amphitheatre.
Last updated: 31 May 2023
Also on this day...
- 1990: Live: Olympiastadion, Stockholm
- 1987: Live: Canadian National Exhibition Stadium, Toronto
- 1983: Live: Scope Arena, Norfolk, Virginia
- 1969: Live: Three Tuns, Beckenham
Want more? Visit the David Bowie history section.
I was on the flight with David from Chicago to Los Angeles.
He came back from first class, sat down next to me.
He was a very inquisitive man, truth is the first time I met him was in the early 70 s when he bumped into a Armellini tractor trailer in downtown Manhatten and a week later with Lou Reed in the Village.
The very last time I saw him other in shows, a gang of us were walking the streets of Manhatten clubbing and Andy Warhol walked by, what was interesting it was David Bowie.
On that flight to LA he gave me his card and his mother’s phone number to make contact to accept a position in Security.
I was in the Marine Corps at the time.
It was after landing I took the squad into Santa Monica, it was there that in the midst of the walk we past a concert and there was the man on stage.
Later I photographed an album cover for a guy with a big mustache, later to find out the album was Ned Lagina Seastines and so I eventually realized it was David Crosby, Jerry Garcia, Ned Lagin and another musician. The moog synthesizer was being used to tape frying foods on a stove.
Interesting album to say the least.
In reprint now.
Bowie’s Santa Monica, only 10,000 copies made, the proceeds went to Mick Ronson Estate. A true musician creator.
You look at his tour record of his lifetime especially the first four years, amazing.
The music will live on.
Ground Control to Major Tom.
Great story – thanks for sharing!