David Bowie & Brett Anderson (Mar. 1993) Getting On Famously – Cover Feature

A landmark New Musical Express cover story pairing David Bowie and Brett Anderson in conversation — two generations of British art‑rock icons exploring fame, creativity, and the legacy of glam.

WRITER / ARTIST / DATE / LENGTH

Writer: Steve Sutherland (New Musical Express)

Portraits: Pennie Smith

Artist: David Bowie & Brett Anderson

Date: March 20, 1993

Length: 10 min read

OVERVIEW

Published on March 20, 1993, this NME cover feature — “Getting On Famously!” — brought together David Bowie and Brett Anderson for a generational dialogue on artistry and identity. The article coincided with Bowie’s Black Tie White Noise release and Suede’s debut album, framing both as pivotal moments in British music. The tone is witty and reflective, capturing Bowie’s mentorship and Anderson’s emerging confidence as glam’s new torchbearer.

Bowie: “I’m always suspicious of anybody who says they’re into Crowley because they’d better have a handle on Greek and Latin otherwise they’re talking bullshit.”

Brett: “You mention him in ‘Quicksand.’”

Bowie: “Yes… Haha! Caught out!”

PUBLICATION

Publication: New Musical Express

Date: March 20, 1993

Country: United Kingdom

Section / Pages: Cover Feature (pp. 28–29)

Title: Getting On Famously!

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Joint interview between Bowie and Anderson

Era: Early 1990s / Black Tie White Noise and Suede debut period

Tone: Playful, philosophical, cross‑generational

Photography: Pennie Smith’s black‑and‑white portraits of Bowie and Anderson

Audience: NME readers and British music press follower

THE STORY BEHIND IT

The feature captures Bowie and Anderson’s meeting at a transitional moment for both artists. Bowie, preparing to release Black Tie White Noise, reflects on emotional honesty and reinvention, while Anderson discusses Suede’s rise and the pressures of fame. Their exchange is equal parts mentorship and mutual admiration — Bowie offering philosophical musings on creativity and individuality, Anderson responding with youthful candour. The conversation bridges eras, linking Bowie’s glam legacy to Suede’s modern romanticism.

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Event: NME cover feature pairing Bowie and Anderson

Era: 1993 / Early 1990s British art‑rock scene

Tone: Analytical, personal, cross‑generational

Photography: Studio and outdoor portraits by Pennie Smith

Audience: Music press readers and Bowie/Suede fans

CONTEXT & NOTES

The layout features bold blue and yellow typography typical of NME’s early‑1990s design. The cover headline “Getting On Famously!” and sub‑caption “Bowie and Brett whoop it up!” set a playful tone. The interior pages juxtapose candid shots of Bowie laughing and Anderson in contemplative poses, underscoring their dynamic contrast. The article’s conversational structure mirrors its theme — two artists trading insights on fame, individuality, and the evolution of glam rock.

Bowie: “When I broke a rule, it really produced something of interest. Glam was a way of saying, ‘Don’t be afraid to be

SOURCES

New Musical Express (March 20, 1993)

Publication verified from NME archives

Context cross‑checked with 1993 Bowie and Suede press coverage

External anchors: Discogs / 45cat / Wikipedia (where applicable)

RELATED MATERIAL

• David Bowie (Mar. 1993) Jump They Say – Single Advert

• David Bowie (Apr. 1993) Black Tie White Noise – Album Advert

• David Bowie – Glam Slam Guide

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.