Reunion of David Bowie’s D.A.M. Trilogy takes stage for UK tour
Carlos Alomar and George Murray, the surviving members of David Bowie’s backing band from 1975 to 1980, are set to tour their Bowie-era material for the first time since December 1979, as they embark on a journey across the UK starting in Sheffield this weekend, reports BritPanorama.
The reunion of Alomar and Murray comes as they revisit their contributions to Bowie’s experimental albums, known as the D.A.M. Trilogy. Their collaboration during a seminal period in music history included classics such as 1976’s Station to Station and the illustrious Berlin Trilogy. The tour kicks off after a rehearsal in Berlin, coinciding with their visit to the Hansa studios, once a creative hub for Bowie during the Cold War.
Notably, this tour marks a poignant moment as the musical trio originally comprised Alomar, Murray, and drummer Dennis Davis, who passed away in 2016. Alomar recalled the significance of the Berlin Wall during their sessions, emphasizing the historical context that shaped their creative output. “When we looked out the window, we saw the Wall,” he stated, reflecting on the atmosphere that influenced their work.
Alomar and Murray expressed pride in their collaborative spirit with Bowie, highlighting how they contributed diverse genres ranging from Kraftwerk-inspired sounds to reggae. “We gave him anything he wanted,” Alomar noted, illustrating their versatility and commitment to his vision. In an era of tumultuous personal struggles for Bowie, including his well-documented battle with addiction, Alomar insisted that the working environment remained focused and professional.
Despite the challenges, including Bowie’s tumultuous relationship with substances during the Station to Station sessions, Murray stressed the importance of their teamwork. While some have speculated on the effects of Bowie’s lifestyle on his music, both musicians attest to his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Berlin became a period of great experimentation for Bowie, yet Alomar also pointed out how the contributions of producers like Tony Visconti and Brian Eno often overshadowed the role of the band members. He remarked on the underrecognized contributions of musicians of colour within the industry, bringing attention to broader themes of identity and recognition.
As the band prepares for the tour, Alomar’s sense of reclaiming visibility resonates strongly. “This is our chance to illustrate the unique role we played,” he asserted, indicating a desire to address historical oversights while celebrating their musical legacy. The tour promises to focus on upbeat anthems rather than slower, more experimental works, catering to fans eager for a vibrant live experience.
“Expect guitar-heavy bangers,” he teased, underscoring the energetic direction of the upcoming shows. The D.A.M. Trilogy is set to shine a light on their roles in crafting some of the most memorable moments of Bowie’s career as they take to the stage, proving that their legacy is anything but forgotten.
