David Bowie (September 30, 1972) – “Bowie's A Kemp Follower” Feature - Unknown Publication

Sep 30, 1972

2 min read

This feature profiles dancer and actor Lindsay Kemp and explores his creative relationship with David Bowie. Through a detailed interview, Kemp discusses Bowie's artistic development, his early ambitions and the theatrical influences that helped shape one of rock's most distinctive performers.

Publication: Unknown Publication

Date: September 30, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

The article centres on Lindsay Kemp, the Edinburgh-born actor, dancer and mime specialist who played a significant role in David Bowie's artistic development. Kemp speaks warmly about Bowie, describing him as both a talented performer and an individual with exceptional potential.

Recalling their first meetings, Kemp explains how Bowie became interested in mime and theatrical presentation after attending one of his performances. According to Kemp, Bowie approached him backstage and expressed a desire to study with him. The relationship developed into a creative partnership in which Kemp introduced Bowie to different artistic ideas and performance techniques.

Kemp describes Bowie as highly determined and eager to learn. He recalls encouraging Bowie to explore movement, theatrical expression and visual storytelling. The article suggests that Bowie absorbed these lessons quickly, developing a stage presence that would later become a defining feature of his career.

Throughout the feature, Kemp emphasises Bowie's originality and intelligence. He explains that Bowie was not interested in simply copying others but instead used artistic influences as part of developing his own identity. The interview also highlights the theatrical aspects of Bowie's performances and the importance of visual presentation within his work.

A photograph of Lindsay Kemp accompanies the article, while a caption identifies him as "the man behind Bowie." The feature presents Kemp as an important influence on Bowie's emergence as a performer capable of combining music, theatre and visual art.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during the Ziggy Stardust era, the article appeared at a moment when David Bowie's popularity was expanding dramatically. As journalists and fans became increasingly interested in Bowie's background, attention naturally turned to the people who had influenced his creative development.

The feature is significant because it documents one of the most frequently discussed artistic relationships of Bowie's early career. Kemp's recollections provide insight into the theatrical foundations that contributed to Bowie's evolving stage persona and growing reputation as a performer.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Lindsay Kemp discusses his relationship with David Bowie

Era: 1972 Ziggy Stardust era

Tone: Reflective and biographical

Photography: Portrait photograph of Lindsay Kemp accompanying the interview

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Lindsay Kemp discussing his influence on David Bowie

• Recollections of Bowie's early interest in mime and theatre

• Commentary on Bowie's artistic development and ambition

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