Bowie: A Biography - JFK247

thereby reinforce the lyrics. “I … I can remember,”
Bowie shouts; “I remember,” Eno and the band echo,
doing much to gin up the emotions, and deftly
complement the swirling drone of the multitracked
guitars.
Bowie took time out from the “Heroes” album
sessions to play keyboards on Iggy’s tour in support
of Lust for Life. Amazingly, tour rehearsals actually
marked the first time Bowie ever saw Iggy perform
live. Tickets sold quickly, largely because of the
rumors that Bowie would be singing as well. Fans
clamored to see Bowie play in small theaters and
large clubs. When the tour opened in Canada in the
summer of ’77, many were puzzled. Bowie sang
background vocals exclusively and remained seated
at his piano bench to the side of the stage for the
entire set. The concerts were Iggy showcases. If
Bowie’s status as band member was the bait, all
were confident the newly healthy Iggy would be the
hook. If people could see the man perform live, they
would be won over. While many new fans were
indeed converted, if one looked at the stage from the
lighting rig, with a bird’s-eye view, it would have
been obvious that Bowie was the draw. The generaladmission
floors were lopsided: thinned out at the
center and packed in front of the keyboardist. Bowie
didn’t encourage any of this attention, barely
glancing at the crowds as he played. His regard for
Iggy kept his ego in check. He even deigned to fly
from gig to gig when the tour bus was too slow,
evidence, if any was needed, of his commitment to