Unearthed: Rare Photo of Young David Bowie at Stockport Gig Resurfaces After 56 Years
A recently unearthed photo of a young David Bowie backstage at a gig organized by a group of Stockport teenagers has surfaced after 56 years. David Maynard, a member of the Stockport Schools' Student Union, booked Bowie for a performance at the Poco A Poco Club in Heaton Chapel in 1970. The photo, which has been digitally colorized, captures Bowie in his stage attire surrounded by seven sixth formers from the student union. Maynard, who rediscovered the photo while clearing out his loft, shared that the memories of the event were somewhat hazy due to the hectic nature of the night.
The photo, which had been thought lost, was found by Maynard after a water leak in his loft prompted him to sort through old boxes. Despite other photographs being damaged by the leak, this particular image remained intact. Maynard, positioned second from the left in the photo, described the night as a significant step up for the group of teenagers who had previously organized events on a smaller scale. Bowie, who had already achieved success with his hit "Space Oddity," was noted for his quiet yet personable demeanor during the event.
Bowie's visit to Stockport had already been commemorated with a plaque at Stockport train station, where he stayed overnight after missing his train following the gig. The re-discovered photo has garnered attention on social media, with Bowie's official Instagram page sharing the news with its three million followers. Maynard mentioned that press photographer Derek Martin, who worked for the Stockport Express, had taken several photos that night. He expressed hope that Martin or someone familiar with him would come forward upon hearing about the discovery.
The emergence of this long-lost photo provides a glimpse into a significant moment in David Bowie's career and highlights the role of a group of Stockport teenagers in organizing the event. The image captures a young Bowie in his element, surrounded by enthusiastic fans who were instrumental in bringing him to their town. The rediscovery of this photo serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Bowie's music and the memories created during his performances.