On August 1, 1971, David Bowie embarked on a transformative journey to New York, not only to sign a groundbreaking contract with RCA Records but also to meet his idol, Andy Warhol.
Sporting a Greta Garbo-esque look, Bowie, accompanied by his entourage, arrived at Andy Warhol's Factory, creating a scene that left Warhol's eccentric team perplexed.
Dressed in wide hats, Oxford pants, and mismatched socks, Bowie's eccentric persona captivated the Factory. His wife, Angie, joined the entourage, adding to the surreal atmosphere. A shy Bowie expressed his admiration for Warhol's work, recounting his experience watching 'Pork' in London. To the surprise of everyone present, Bowie delivered a delirious performance, symbolically removing his intestines and heart, a bizarre homage to Warhol.
Following this theatrical display, Bowie played his song 'Andy Warhol' on the guitar, a track from his upcoming album "Hunky Dory." This encounter and performance were later featured in the BBC film "Five Years," documenting Bowie's life during that period.
Lou Reed entered the picture when Bowie's associate, Tony Zanetta, contacted him, leading to a meeting between Reed and Bowie. Despite initial impressions of Bowie as "overly sophisticated," a profound artistic friendship flourished between them, accompanied by a degree of s---al complicity. Bowie, eager to support Reed, played a pivotal role in securing a record contract for him with RCA UK.
Reed's first album after leaving the Velvet Underground faced commercial disappointment, but Bowie remained steadfast in his support. In May 1972, Bowie assisted Reed in recording demos at Trident Studios, showcasing their collaborative efforts. Bowie's patronage extended beyond Reed to artists like Iggy Pop and Mott The Hoople, displaying a sense of mentorship reminiscent of Warhol's influence.
The infamous Dorchester Hotel incident in London, where Reed publicly kissed Bowie, fueled speculations about Bowie's s----lity. This incident, coupled with Bowie's earlier admission to journalist Michael Watts about being an "open homos---al," marked a notable moment in Bowie's public persona.
In retrospect, the meeting between David Bowie and Lou Reed not only solidified a remarkable friendship but also underscored Bowie's role as a patron of artistic talent, reminiscent of the mentorship he received from Andy Warhol himself. The encounter between these two iconic figures left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and roll history.
