David Bowie (July 20 1974) "Bee’s Knees Bowie  Shrugs Off Stinging Attack" – New Musical Express

Jul 20, 1974

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SOURCE DETAILS Publication: New Musical Express (NME) Date: July 20 1974 Country: United Kingdom Section / Pages: Feature column by Lisa Robinson (New York) Title: Bee’s Knees Bowie Shrugs Off ...

This NME feature reports on David Bowie’s American tour and his ability to overcome setbacks with characteristic poise. The article opens by describing Bowie as “The Fragile Artist” yet “A Hearty Trouper,” noting that his tour had progressed smoothly except for one costly mishap.

After his Atlanta performance, Bowie’s elaborate stage set was loaded onto a truck bound for Tampa, Florida. The vehicle crashed off the road into a swamp, damaging equipment valued between $85,000 and $150,000. Despite the loss, Bowie continued performing, earning a twenty‑minute ovation in Tampa while playing without the stage sets.

The piece also references upcoming shows at Madison Square Garden, logistical challenges with venue access, and Bowie’s determination to keep the tour moving. Robinson situates Bowie within the broader New York music scene, mentioning Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Pete Townshend, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, Cher, and Chris Jagger.

A black‑and‑white photograph at the bottom shows Bowie mid‑performance, captioned: “Bowie: 

Went on in Florida minus stage sets.”

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This article captures Bowie’s professionalism and adaptability during one of his most theatrical tours. Even amid logistical chaos, he maintained his artistic poise and connection with audiences, reinforcing his reputation as a consummate performer.

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