Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

David Bowie: Rare demo of 'Starman' sells for £41,000 at auction

Hit single featured on Bowie's 1972 concept album Ziggy Stardust

Clara Hill
Wednesday 13 March 2019 14:34 GMT
Comments
David Bowie speaks to Jeremy Paxman about the future of the internet in 1999

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A rare David Bowie demo was sold for £41,000 at a Merseyside auction house on Tuesday – more than £30,000 over its predicted value.

The tape, which includes what is believed to be the first ever recording of Bowie’s hit “Starman” among with other songs, was given to guitarist Mick Ronson’s friend Kevin Hutchinson in 1971.

Labelled “David Bowie Rehearsal Tape”, the demo lay forgotten in Hutchinson’s attic for over four decades until he remembered it after watching a Bowie documentary on TV.

“I remember listening to it and thinking, ‘This is OK.’ I didn’t think, ‘This is fantastic,’” Mr Hutchinson said of the discovery. “At 16, you’re not totally impressed. Nothing impresses you.”

Kelly, the successful buyer who bid for the tape over the phone, apparently paid over £20,000 more than she intended to, and far more than its initial estimated price of £10,000.

“I’m impulsive, and if I want something I will have it,” she said.

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in