Main content

3. The Warhol Connection

Bowie鈥檚 obsession with Andy Warhol leads to a surreal encounter at The Factory. Discover how a failed mime act and a pair of yellow shoes shaped Bowie鈥檚 artistic entourage.

Amid writing, recording, and performing, David Bowie married Angie on March 20, 1970. With no time for a honeymoon, Bowie was back in the studio working on new material that explored themes of isolation and alienation.

Frustrated with his lack of progress, Bowie parted ways with manager Ken Pitt and signed with Tony Defries, who believed in Bowie鈥檚 star potential. The Man Who Sold the World was released in the U.S. in November 1970, and Bowie headed to America鈥攑acking his Mr Fish dresses鈥攆or a short promotional tour.

Energised by the music scene there, Bowie returned to the UK and kept writing. In August 1971, he saw Andy Warhol鈥檚 Pork at Camden鈥檚 Roundhouse, a show that deeply influenced him. Bowie, Angie, and Defries connected with Warhol鈥檚 team, many of whom later helped shape Hunky Dory.

With contributions from Tony Defries, Tony Zanetta, Anya Wilson, Trevor Bolder, Ken Scott, John Mendelsshon and Woody Woodmansey. Narrated by Kate Moss.

Artwork Photo Credit: Ellen von Unwerth

A Zinc Media Production.

Series Producer: Des Shaw

麻豆社 Commissioners: Will Wilkin & Hannah Clapham

Available now

16 minutes

Broadcast

  • Mon 22 Sep 2025 00:30

Podcast