Alan Edwards On Bowie's High Standards

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Post on Oct 28, 2024

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Bowie's High Standards: A Masterclass in Perfectionism

David Bowie was a legend. A visionary. An artist who pushed the boundaries of music and performance. But there was another side to Bowie, one that often got overlooked: the relentless perfectionist. This side of him was crystal clear when working with his longtime producer, Alan Edwards, who had a front-row seat to Bowie's creative process.

Edwards was a key player in Bowie's career, producing albums like "Space Oddity," "Hunky Dory," and "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars." He witnessed firsthand Bowie's drive to create something special. It wasn't just about creating hits, it was about creating art, something that would stand the test of time.

Bowie's high standards weren't just about the music, it was about everything. He was meticulous about the sound, the lighting, the costumes, everything. He demanded the best from himself and everyone around him. He was constantly striving to push the envelope, to create something unique and groundbreaking.

Think about it – from the early days of "Space Oddity" to the glam rock extravaganza of "Ziggy Stardust," Bowie was always evolving. He was a chameleon, constantly reinventing himself, pushing himself to the limits.

Edwards once described working with Bowie as "a rollercoaster ride," a chaotic and exciting experience. Bowie was a demanding artist, but he was also a generous one. He was always willing to share his vision with his collaborators, to give them the freedom to experiment and explore.

Bowie's high standards were a double-edged sword. They pushed him to create some of the most iconic and influential music of all time, but they also made him a difficult person to work with. He could be intense, demanding, and even a bit scary.

But for Edwards, it was worth it. He knew he was working with a true genius. He knew that Bowie's obsession with perfection, his unrelenting drive to create something truly special, would ultimately lead to something extraordinary.

So the next time you listen to a Bowie record, remember the man behind the music. Remember the perfectionist, the visionary, the artist who wouldn't settle for anything less than greatness. He was a master of his craft, and he demanded the best from himself and everyone around him. That's what made him so special.