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The Dandy Warhols Reflect on Being David Bowie's Favored Band

Published March 1, 2024

The rock band The Dandy Warhols recently took a moment to reminisce about a significant point in their career: being acknowledged as one of the legendary David Bowie's favorite groups. This fond memory, amongst others, was brought up during a candid conversation with the band's lead vocalist Courtney Taylor-Taylor.

Courtney Taylor-Taylor Reminisces

Taylor-Taylor had a sit-down for the Does Rock 'N' Roll Kill Braincells?! series, an occasion that allowed him to stroll down memory lane. The discussion covered various topics from his road experiences to notable collaborations.

It was during this interview that Taylor-Taylor was prompted to remember who played right before and after The Dandy Warhols at Glastonbury in 2000. While Saint Etienne and Muse were the actual answers, the question triggered a more remarkable memory: crossing paths with David Bowie and his band, who had been observing The Dandy Warhols' performance from the sidelines, dressed in sharp, black Gucci attire.

Name-Dropping Bowie and Glass

Another highlight Taylor-Taylor shared was recalling Bowie and Philip Glass' hospitality in providing the band free access to their Midtown studio. This is where The Dandy Warhols recorded their fourth album 'Welcome to the Monkey House'. He shared an amusing anecdote about finding the phone number of the Beastie Boys’ dealer hidden behind one of Glass' platinum records, an incident Bowie found 'cool'.

Further extending on his Bowie encounters, Taylor-Taylor expressed how validating it felt to have the music icon regard his band so highly, likening it to receiving divine confirmation of his life choices. He also mentioned Bowie's surprising skill at playing pool and shared an amusing recollection of the star running a game in a bar.

Joining Forces on Stage and Beyond

The relationship between The Dandy Warhols and Bowie extended to touring together. The band supported Bowie on his 'A Reality Tour' and was also featured when Bowie curated the Meltdown festival in 2002. These experiences offered Taylor-Taylor a unique insight into Bowie's character, describing him as akin to a mysterious but distant uncle during his attempts at humor.

In a touching tribute, Taylor-Taylor recounted an instance where they performed on stage together, sharing how Bowie had only once before allowed another artist, Lou Reed, to share his stage. This moment solidified the importance of The Dandy Warhols in Bowie's musical realm, which evidently made a significant impact on the band.

The Dandy Warhols continue their musical journey with the release of their new album 'Rockmaker', showcasing the enduring influence and inspiration drawn from their past interactions with the music legend.

DandyWarhols, DavidBowie, Memory