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Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie
For many fans, Bowie's Ziggy Stardust era remains the most extraordinarily creative period in his career. As a member of Bowie's legendary band at the time - The Spiders From Mars - Woody played drums on four seminal albums: The Man Who Sold The World, Hunky Dory, The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars and Aladdin Sane.
Woody's memoir, which he started work on in 2014, focuses on this key period and brings it to glorious life. With the confidence of youth, Woody always thought he'd be in a famous band but the nineteen-year-old rocker from Hull never expected to be thrust into London's burgeoning glam rock scene, and also into a bottle-green velvet suit and girl's shoes. Playing with Bowie took him on an eye-opening and transformative journey. In Spider From Mars he writes candidly about the characters who surrounded Bowie, recalling the album sessions as well as behind-the-scenes moments with one of the world's most iconic singers. The result is an insightful, funny, poignant memoir that lovingly evokes a seminal moment in music history and pays tribute to one of the most outstanding and innovative talents of our time.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2016
35 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Woody Woodmansey
2 books17 followersMichael "Woody" Woodmansey was the drummer for David Bowie's The Spiders from Mars from 1969-1973 on the hit albums The Man Who Sold the World, Hunky Dory, and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars. Born in Driffield, Yorkshire, in 1951, he is the last surviving member of The Spiders from Mars. He continues to play with his band Holy Holy and lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 6, 2017
The title of the book "Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie" by Woody Woodmansey for me was a bit misleading. Yes Mr. Woodmansey was a "Spider from Mars" (the bands amazing drummer) and according to this book he did live in the same house as Me. Bowie there are little and few mentions of interactions with the MAN.
The book is well written, and reads like a documentary concerning the arc of the bands existence and a complete index to the songs performed and concert locations the book revolves for the most part on Mr. Woodmansey's life as a musician, and the history of events from youth through his musical legacy.
Since the other two 'spiders' (Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder) have now departed this earth I don't see much of a chance to get more of an insight into the dynamics of the group. According to Mr. Woodmansey, David Bowie was a man apart from the other members of the band and spent most of his personal time, when not rehearsing or performing with his then wife Angie Bowie or away from the others.
The anecdotes that are related in the book are mainly not ones that a person would expect to be told by a man in his early twenties (at the time) regarding the massive impact that this group of musicians had on the world in general who toured the entire planet. But that time period is now 40 or fifty years gone.
I hold out a bit of hope that perhaps Tony Visconti will one day give a better telling of the story that I know is there. Visconti (now 71) produced 13 albums for David Bowie starting with his self-titled breakout through his final statement BlackStar. He was also a friend of the band and knew David Bowie for forty some years.
Mr. Woodmansey has absolutely no disparaging remarks about anyone or anything, perhaps the book was heavily edited and no toes could be stepped upon, either living or dead, this does not ring true as we all know how vicious the music business can be and is.
The book is well written, and reads like a documentary concerning the arc of the bands existence and a complete index to the songs performed and concert locations the book revolves for the most part on Mr. Woodmansey's life as a musician, and the history of events from youth through his musical legacy.
Since the other two 'spiders' (Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder) have now departed this earth I don't see much of a chance to get more of an insight into the dynamics of the group. According to Mr. Woodmansey, David Bowie was a man apart from the other members of the band and spent most of his personal time, when not rehearsing or performing with his then wife Angie Bowie or away from the others.
The anecdotes that are related in the book are mainly not ones that a person would expect to be told by a man in his early twenties (at the time) regarding the massive impact that this group of musicians had on the world in general who toured the entire planet. But that time period is now 40 or fifty years gone.
I hold out a bit of hope that perhaps Tony Visconti will one day give a better telling of the story that I know is there. Visconti (now 71) produced 13 albums for David Bowie starting with his self-titled breakout through his final statement BlackStar. He was also a friend of the band and knew David Bowie for forty some years.
Mr. Woodmansey has absolutely no disparaging remarks about anyone or anything, perhaps the book was heavily edited and no toes could be stepped upon, either living or dead, this does not ring true as we all know how vicious the music business can be and is.
January 7, 2017
I absolutely love this book! First things first: If you're looking for a David Bowie tell-all, this is definitely not it. That said, there are numerous interesting anecdotes about the dynamics between Bowie/Ziggy and his Spiders.
In this memoir, Woody Woodmansey chronicles his journey to becoming one of Ziggy's Spiders from Mars. He really drew me in with his explanations about how some of Bowie's most famous songs were crafted. So much so, that I found myself listening to them after reading about them. Woodmansey played on Bowie's albums The Man Who Sold the World (1970), Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) and Aladdin Sane (1973). Needless to say, this read has given me a new layer of appreciation for these albums in my Five Years 1969-1973 vinyl box set.
This book does touch on Bowie's death, so be prepared to shed some tears. I'll definitely read this one again. 5/5 stars.
In this memoir, Woody Woodmansey chronicles his journey to becoming one of Ziggy's Spiders from Mars. He really drew me in with his explanations about how some of Bowie's most famous songs were crafted. So much so, that I found myself listening to them after reading about them. Woodmansey played on Bowie's albums The Man Who Sold the World (1970), Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) and Aladdin Sane (1973). Needless to say, this read has given me a new layer of appreciation for these albums in my Five Years 1969-1973 vinyl box set.
This book does touch on Bowie's death, so be prepared to shed some tears. I'll definitely read this one again. 5/5 stars.
October 31, 2017
3.5 rock stars
This are the memoirs of Mick 'Woody' Woodmansey, from childhood to 2016. Is the story about a musician from Yorkshire (Driffield) , who knew and knows all the musical scene of UK - since the 60s and the following times. About his love for R&B, for the rock, and all what happen in those times for a post-war child who wants to rebel and follow the pipe dream.
And , oh yeah, he knew Mick Ronson from their time playing for The Rats (1969), and he recommended him to some fellow named Bowie for his band called The Hype.
Woody did not even like Bowie's music, but he decided to go to London thinking he might regret it after he did not.
Later is the famous Ziggy times. The extravaganza , the good times with the Spiders , the weird fashion, tourings and so... And the fallout - he was sacked after Hammersmith last show of Ziggy (1973).
And his times with others bands, his frienship with great musicians, playing for Art Garfunkel. Family. Creation of other bands. And , finally, Tony Visconti joining him for touring The Man Who Sold the World album with Holy Holy.
Review in Progress---
This are the memoirs of Mick 'Woody' Woodmansey, from childhood to 2016. Is the story about a musician from Yorkshire (Driffield) , who knew and knows all the musical scene of UK - since the 60s and the following times. About his love for R&B, for the rock, and all what happen in those times for a post-war child who wants to rebel and follow the pipe dream.
And , oh yeah, he knew Mick Ronson from their time playing for The Rats (1969), and he recommended him to some fellow named Bowie for his band called The Hype.
Woody did not even like Bowie's music, but he decided to go to London thinking he might regret it after he did not.
It might be difficult to imagine now, but in early 1970 Bowie seemed like a one-hit wonder. His single ‘Space Oddity’, which got to Number 5 in the charts, had come and gone, and the follow-up, ‘The Prettiest Star’, had flopped.
[...] I’d been listening to bands such as Led Zeppelin and Cream over the previous couple of years; Bowie’s influences were obviously completely different. My friends wouldn’t even know who Bowie was if I asked them about him.
Later is the famous Ziggy times. The extravaganza , the good times with the Spiders , the weird fashion, tourings and so... And the fallout - he was sacked after Hammersmith last show of Ziggy (1973).
And his times with others bands, his frienship with great musicians, playing for Art Garfunkel. Family. Creation of other bands. And , finally, Tony Visconti joining him for touring The Man Who Sold the World album with Holy Holy.
Review in Progress---
October 24, 2018
If you love David Bowie then you should read this book
As a lifelong Bowie fan I was always going to enjoy Woody Woodmansey's book. Woody was Bowie's Ziggy-era drummer and was part of Bowie's Spiders From Mars backing band in the early 1970s. As such he witnessed Bowie going from playing to a handful of people in pubs to mid-size venues and onto Earls Court, Hammersmith Odeon, Carnegie Hall etc.
In the early day Woody lived with Bowie and the rest of the band in Haddon Hall in Beckenham whilst Bowie was still relatively unknown (well, he was then a one hit wonder) and has some great anecdotes from this era. If you're not a fan then a lot of this might seem a bit inconsequential, however if you have an interest then this book is solid gold.
Woody comes across as a lovely man. He was treated shabbily by Bowie and his manager, being unceremoniously booted out of the band, but the two were reconciled in later life and Woody is simply too nice to bear a grudge.
If you love David Bowie then you should read this book
4/5
Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie by Woody Woodmansey
As a lifelong Bowie fan I was always going to enjoy Woody Woodmansey's book. Woody was Bowie's Ziggy-era drummer and was part of Bowie's Spiders From Mars backing band in the early 1970s. As such he witnessed Bowie going from playing to a handful of people in pubs to mid-size venues and onto Earls Court, Hammersmith Odeon, Carnegie Hall etc.
In the early day Woody lived with Bowie and the rest of the band in Haddon Hall in Beckenham whilst Bowie was still relatively unknown (well, he was then a one hit wonder) and has some great anecdotes from this era. If you're not a fan then a lot of this might seem a bit inconsequential, however if you have an interest then this book is solid gold.
Woody comes across as a lovely man. He was treated shabbily by Bowie and his manager, being unceremoniously booted out of the band, but the two were reconciled in later life and Woody is simply too nice to bear a grudge.
If you love David Bowie then you should read this book
4/5
Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie by Woody Woodmansey
December 29, 2016
This was a fun read. I always think of Bowie as such a mysterious figure and its always interesting to go behind the curtain and get a glimpse of how he interacted with the Spiders. There were really great photos and so many personal touching accounts from Woody. Especially after Bowie's death, discussing the decision to continue to tour and bring music to the fans was filled with emotion. I would definitely recommend this book to any Bowie fans or drummers, really any music fans in general would love this. I received a copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
enjoyed reading about the spiders from mars and his earlier life in east riding and being the drummer
February 5, 2017
"The Spiders from Mars" is a book that captures the reader and brings him back at the time when Mick "Woody" Woodmansey, who from early age wanted to be a rock star, meets Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder and becomes the drummer for David Bowie's succes albums as The Man Who Sold the World (1970), Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972) and Aladdin Sane (1973).
Thus, we discover some anecdotes of the behind the scenes of their tour, stories of everyday life of the band, ups and downs of their relationship with Bowie / Ziggy, what happened to the Spiders from Mars (Woodmansey, Ronson and Bolder) once everything is went up in smoke, thus reaching the present day and the tragic news of David's death.
A book that every music fan should read. A slice of life of the London music scene that few have been able to live. With this book the reader is there, present, between studio sessions, appearances at Tops of the Pops, long international tours and meetings with other rock stars of that era.
Thus, we discover some anecdotes of the behind the scenes of their tour, stories of everyday life of the band, ups and downs of their relationship with Bowie / Ziggy, what happened to the Spiders from Mars (Woodmansey, Ronson and Bolder) once everything is went up in smoke, thus reaching the present day and the tragic news of David's death.
A book that every music fan should read. A slice of life of the London music scene that few have been able to live. With this book the reader is there, present, between studio sessions, appearances at Tops of the Pops, long international tours and meetings with other rock stars of that era.
May 7, 2017
Well, as I stated in an earlier rock book review, if you really want to know the dirt about a band you don't read the story from the band leader, you read a book written by the drummer or the bass player, hence the great book on Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars as told by the drummer. I'm just panting with ant...ici...pation.
Well, David Bowie's chameleonlike ways weren't always kind to his more dedicated colleagues, and so the Spiders From Mars very coldly got the boot after Pin Ups. They didn't even get to see their band last all the way to Diamond Dogs. What a shame.
Well, David Bowie's chameleonlike ways weren't always kind to his more dedicated colleagues, and so the Spiders From Mars very coldly got the boot after Pin Ups. They didn't even get to see their band last all the way to Diamond Dogs. What a shame.
November 30, 2016
I love this book! So down to earth. Woodmansey's autobio is wonderful; not a star turn, just a nice well written book. Unlike many of the autobiographies out there by rock stars, this one is readable and friendly! Just a great, read about an extraordinary life lived well, in interesting times with fascinating people. Well done, Woody!
June 23, 2019
A fun peek into the world of Bowie from the POV of a likable, average bloke. Woodmansey starts with his bleak Northern childhood, which he manages (just) to make interesting, but soon enough he meets DB and the book really takes off. If, like me, the very mention of a Bowie song or outfit or utterance gives you a little thrill, this section is golden. Alas, all good things come to an end and Woodmansey was eventually fired for no good reason (by a drugged out Bowie? Creepy management? Unclear). The last part of the book is an only slightly interesting account of Woodmansey's life as a third-tier rock musician, married father, session man, and celebrity on the Bowie tribute circuit. All in all, though, a fine read.
August 12, 2024
When you think of rock musicians you usually think what 2 things? Sex and drugs. Spider from mars is the exact opposite of that. Every album, every song we get some type of in depth explanation on. A lot of going back and forth between countries to do shows. Nothing nitty gritty and dirty.
Also David Bowie seemed like a huge asshole. The real villain in this story is Mike Garson who introduced the author to Scientology.
Also David Bowie seemed like a huge asshole. The real villain in this story is Mike Garson who introduced the author to Scientology.
February 12, 2017
The only book specifically written about the Ziggy Stardust days by one of the Spiders From Mars himself.One of the best, most enjoyable biographies I've ever read.Best drummer name ever too.
May 20, 2020
I picked up Spiders From Mars for two reasons. One: I've yet to review a David Bowie biography or related work, and this one was readily available at my library. Which brings us to the second reason: before the libraries went into lockdown I grabbed all my holds and some extras the night before. Spiders made the cut because the other books were not rock-related, and I hoped to review a few titles while staying at home. I feel I've done right by this blog over the last few months, so let's talk about spiders.
Rather, drummers. Spiders' full title is somewhat of a misnomer. Bowie's there in the title, because of course Mick "Woody" Woodmansey worked as his drummer over four pivotal albums and his breakthrough Ziggy Stardust tour. Bowie is not the complete story, however, nor the focus. Woodmansey's early small-town life and struggle to work post-Bowie take up good portions of the book as well, stories that parallel the memoir of another drummer, Dennis Bryon.
The despair of a future in a small town with no opportunities, the discovery of music as a means to escape it, the serendipitous introduction to people who set the wheels in motion... Spiders details the union with Bowie and early days at the now legendary Haddon Hall. Yet, there's nothing in Woodmansey's voice that comes off as salacious. If you're looking for stories of Bowie banging people of various genders on coffee tables or sidewalks, while rolling in a veneer of coke, this isn't the book. Granted, Bowie isn't drawn as a saint here, but Woodmansey's narrative of whatever conflicts he endured with the singer is diplomatic.
There is a graphic novel about this era of Bowie's life called Haddon Hall that I'd like to read, to compare Woodmansey's experience.
Rather, drummers. Spiders' full title is somewhat of a misnomer. Bowie's there in the title, because of course Mick "Woody" Woodmansey worked as his drummer over four pivotal albums and his breakthrough Ziggy Stardust tour. Bowie is not the complete story, however, nor the focus. Woodmansey's early small-town life and struggle to work post-Bowie take up good portions of the book as well, stories that parallel the memoir of another drummer, Dennis Bryon.
The despair of a future in a small town with no opportunities, the discovery of music as a means to escape it, the serendipitous introduction to people who set the wheels in motion... Spiders details the union with Bowie and early days at the now legendary Haddon Hall. Yet, there's nothing in Woodmansey's voice that comes off as salacious. If you're looking for stories of Bowie banging people of various genders on coffee tables or sidewalks, while rolling in a veneer of coke, this isn't the book. Granted, Bowie isn't drawn as a saint here, but Woodmansey's narrative of whatever conflicts he endured with the singer is diplomatic.
There is a graphic novel about this era of Bowie's life called Haddon Hall that I'd like to read, to compare Woodmansey's experience.
July 3, 2017
Interesting story of the life of drummer Woody Woodmansey, who I admit I'd never heard of before reading this. Sounds like he is quite a talent, which Bowie took for granted, along with the intangible chemistry among all the band members. Made me want to delve into some Bowie albums which I've never heard before. A recommended read for fans of Bowie or of rock music in general. The storyline is not as dramatic as the synopsis on GoodReads might lead one to believe. Woodmansey sounds like a down-to-earth guy who happens to be a fantastic drummer who was definitely in the right place at the right time.
September 25, 2017
Review originally posted on my blog: https://rathertoofondofbooks.com/2017...
I couldn’t resist requesting this book when it was available on NetGalley. I’m a huge David Bowie fan and love every era of his including Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. Woody Woodmansey is from a place near where I’m originally from so I feel like I was aware of the Spiders from Mars from a really young age.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a real insight into Woody’s life and his time with the Spiders from Mars. It’s a candid look back over the years and it felt very open and honest. The way the Spiders came to be and how Woody end up a part of the band was really interesting. It’s obvious that there was a genuine camaraderie between the band and Bowie during their early days together, and I loved reading the stories. I enjoyed reading about David Bowie their recording process and how the songs came to be.
There are a lot of funny stories in this memoir too – the way the band felt when Bowie first suggested some of the more outrageous stage outfits is amusing. The ways they would wind each other up in the early days just shows how for a time they were just normal young men in a band trying to make it big. There is a real warmth in the way Woodmansey tells his story.
Bowie famously killed off Ziggy Stardust on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo on the last night of the tour, which came as a shock to the Spiders from Mars and Woodmansey gives his side of the story in this memoir. It obviously became quite tumultuous for everyone as David Bowie’s fame grew and the cracks began to show between him and the rest of the Spiders from Mars, which is plain to see was very painful for Woodmansey.
It’s incredibly moving to read about the deaths of members of the Spiders from Mars – Mick Ronson and later Trevor Bolder, and I hadn’t realised before that Woodmansey’s current band Holy Holy were on tour in America when the news broke that David Bowie had died. The chapter covering how he found out and his reflections on his friend were incredibly moving – it really did make me cry.
This memoir is about Woody Woodmansey looking back at his life and in particular his time in the Spiders from Mars, and David Bowie is a part of that but it’s very much Woodmansey’s life story. It’s another perspective on that incredible period of time in music. There are also some great photos in this book that I hadn’t seen before and I loved having the chance to see those.
After finishing the book I immediately had to listen to the albums from this period out of the Five Years vinyl boxset to really immerse myself, yet again, in the amazing music of David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I couldn’t resist requesting this book when it was available on NetGalley. I’m a huge David Bowie fan and love every era of his including Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars. Woody Woodmansey is from a place near where I’m originally from so I feel like I was aware of the Spiders from Mars from a really young age.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a real insight into Woody’s life and his time with the Spiders from Mars. It’s a candid look back over the years and it felt very open and honest. The way the Spiders came to be and how Woody end up a part of the band was really interesting. It’s obvious that there was a genuine camaraderie between the band and Bowie during their early days together, and I loved reading the stories. I enjoyed reading about David Bowie their recording process and how the songs came to be.
There are a lot of funny stories in this memoir too – the way the band felt when Bowie first suggested some of the more outrageous stage outfits is amusing. The ways they would wind each other up in the early days just shows how for a time they were just normal young men in a band trying to make it big. There is a real warmth in the way Woodmansey tells his story.
Bowie famously killed off Ziggy Stardust on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo on the last night of the tour, which came as a shock to the Spiders from Mars and Woodmansey gives his side of the story in this memoir. It obviously became quite tumultuous for everyone as David Bowie’s fame grew and the cracks began to show between him and the rest of the Spiders from Mars, which is plain to see was very painful for Woodmansey.
It’s incredibly moving to read about the deaths of members of the Spiders from Mars – Mick Ronson and later Trevor Bolder, and I hadn’t realised before that Woodmansey’s current band Holy Holy were on tour in America when the news broke that David Bowie had died. The chapter covering how he found out and his reflections on his friend were incredibly moving – it really did make me cry.
This memoir is about Woody Woodmansey looking back at his life and in particular his time in the Spiders from Mars, and David Bowie is a part of that but it’s very much Woodmansey’s life story. It’s another perspective on that incredible period of time in music. There are also some great photos in this book that I hadn’t seen before and I loved having the chance to see those.
After finishing the book I immediately had to listen to the albums from this period out of the Five Years vinyl boxset to really immerse myself, yet again, in the amazing music of David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.
March 23, 2017
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
Woody Woodmansey is the last living member of the legendary Spiders from Mars who accompanied Ziggy Stardust in his adventures on the planet Earth.
As someone who was close to David Bowie at that time, Woodmansey decided to tell the story from his own perspective; and this is exactly what you get from reading this book – Woodmansey’s unique perspective. Don’t expect big revelations or sensational descriptions about David Bowie’s lifestyle in the ‘70s. This book is merely Woody Woodmansey’s point of view and his sporadic life memoir.
This book is recommended to all Ziggy Stardust fans and it is a good reminder that behind every great man (and David Bowie was one of the greatest), there are many others who have contributed to his success. It is nice to get to know them as well. If anything, in this day and age, Woodmansey’s life story is a good reminder that it’s worth pursuing our dreams for no other reason that we won’t regret later that we haven't tried.
Thank you Mr Woodmansey!
Woody Woodmansey is the last living member of the legendary Spiders from Mars who accompanied Ziggy Stardust in his adventures on the planet Earth.
As someone who was close to David Bowie at that time, Woodmansey decided to tell the story from his own perspective; and this is exactly what you get from reading this book – Woodmansey’s unique perspective. Don’t expect big revelations or sensational descriptions about David Bowie’s lifestyle in the ‘70s. This book is merely Woody Woodmansey’s point of view and his sporadic life memoir.
This book is recommended to all Ziggy Stardust fans and it is a good reminder that behind every great man (and David Bowie was one of the greatest), there are many others who have contributed to his success. It is nice to get to know them as well. If anything, in this day and age, Woodmansey’s life story is a good reminder that it’s worth pursuing our dreams for no other reason that we won’t regret later that we haven't tried.
Thank you Mr Woodmansey!
August 5, 2018
Not just about his life with Bowie, but before and after his Bowie phase. From a steadfastly working class background his parents did not exactly approve of Woody turning down an excellent job opportunity to become a pop star. His father was not overly impressed with his hairstyle and fashion when Starman put both Bowie and the Spiders from Mars into the big time. Despite being sacked by Bowie no grudge has ever been held, well after a period of time that is. Fascinating and uplifting story from Woody Woodmansey. Not just for Bowie fans, also a fine music biography.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
August 10, 2017
Was doing great with this book until Woody revealed he's a Scientologist. The Bowie memories? Thankfully, that part of the book is fine, although he repeats himself quite a bit. Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is the shock of his getting fired by Bowie.
March 15, 2020
Those who claim that the 1970’s were the decade that style forgot weren’t actually there. It was a time of experimentation and a contrast to the hippie dream of the late ‘60’s. How can you shop at Primark after having shopped at Biba?
As someone who became a teenager in that decade I remember waiting for our culture to happen, for a new idol to worship. Too young for the Beatles and punk was too far away in the future. But a supposed ‘one-hit wonder’ who had had a huge hit around the time of the Moon landings and then nothing. A man had had a lot of false starts in the music business but had kept going until the stars finally aligned and it was his time at last.
David Bowie aka Ziggy Stardust was that man and this is the biography of one of his band members. The last Spider from Mars still standing. Woody Woodmansey.
The book begins with an introduction from Tony Visconti, a long time Bowie collaborator, who discusses the recording of The Ma Who Sold the World. This and the Ziggy era has been described as the most creative time of Bowie’s career. He saw his chance and he went for it full throttle. The prologue discusses the legendary rediscovered Top of the Pops performance of the Jean Genie form the 4 Jan 1973 which was re broadcast at Christmas 2011. I remember it vividly as it was Bowie and the Spiders at their very best. Absolutely mesmerising.
Woody was always destined and determined to be a rock star despite growing up in Driffield in Yorkshire. No I haven’t heard of it either. He recalls outside bathrooms and toilets even in the 1970’s. The division at the 11 plus – separated by either going to the grammar or secondary school which would determined your life – problems with parents and the all important clothes. But he is determined despite the old joke that he quotes:
‘A kid says to his mother, ‘When I grow up I want to be a drummer,’ and she says ‘You can’t do both , son.’
And then comes the choice – travel to London to be in Bowie’s band or stay in Driffield and have a normal life. We all know the answer to that one.
The album Hunkydory was when Bowie really started to break through and be noticed. The Spiders take shape with Mick Ronson, Woody, Trevor Bolder and Bowie and then we’re on the road.
This is portrayed warts and all. Identical Holiday Inn hotels and the bubble in which they lived – no mobile phones, no laptops, no internet as they hadn’t been invented – so out of contact during the tour. The pressure on Bowie and the band was immense as Ziggy and then Aladdin Sane had to be written and produced and the tours. I remember the Croydon Greyhound gig with Roxy Music supporting Bowie from which 1000 kids were turned away from. And then the final Hammersmith Odeon gig in 1973, the last one on the tour, at which Bowie infamously sacked all of the Spiders. It was also Woody’s wedding day – a real day to remember.
In hindsight, it was an audacious move. Bowie could have been Ziggy for the rest of his life but he wouldn’t and couldn’t. He was always moving forward, always changing, never predictable. But not so much fun for the Spiders who had to go and find other work.
Woody doesn’t dwell on it and kept in contact with the other Spiders for their rest of their lives. Bowie drifts in and out of his life as Woody formed his own band, U-Boat. He is still drumming today. Mick Ronson died aged 47 from cancer which is far too young to go and produced many legendary albums with other artists. Trevor played with Uriah Heep until his death in 2013.
The book is a real record of the Ziggy era which I remember as being really exciting. Woody mentions the infamous Russell Harty TV interview in which he asks Bowie the most inane questions such as ‘Do you believe in God?’. Bowie is at his most outre and glamorous as he parries Harty and then performs ‘Drive in Saturday’. What would have happened if the Spiders and Bowie had stayed together – where would he have gone next?
Woody’s auditions for Dexy’s Midnight Runners amongst others made for fascinating reading as was his experiences of playing for Art Garfunkel, Edgar Winter and other diverse names. It’s a lively, often entertaining read and Woody has some wonderful anecdotes to tell.
A sad codicil is that, as Woody is writing Chapter 9, he gets the news that Bowie has died from cancer.
But Spider from Mars is a record of a man who’s still in love with music and drumming having worked with the greats and one of the most influential artists of all time.
I have the US edition which features Woody drumming with Bowie at one side of stage. The edition on amazon features a huge photo of Bowie instead. You could almost think it’s a book about Bowie.
May 30, 2017
Admittedly, David Bowie played a major part if helping realize, find, and express myself. When I was about twelve or thirteen, right at the time I was hitting puberty, I saw an amazing Magazine cover of Bowie. I was at a grocery store check-out line with my mother. While she was waiting for our groceries to be unloaded, checked, and bagged, I was rooted, transfixed even, to that photograph cover! Bowie opened my eyes to the realization that I wasn't "odd" like I had been teased all my life, but I could be someone "special", like David Bowie!
With my life enriched by Bowie, and his death making a major impact as well, I was seriously looking forward to reading this book. Here would be a book that had not been touted as a tell-all, or a mud-slinging gossip piece. This book was written by someone who truly knew Bowie, lived with, created and played music, & toured with him. What can go wrong?...
Well, the biggest problem I had was trying to get through a book that was written by a man from North-Eastern England. Although my own family is of Australian (Irish, Scottish, and British) heritage, I admittedly was not used to the "feel" of someone from where the author, Woody Woodmansey, was from. He left school when he was in the middle grades, so couple a lesser education with a form of speaking I was not used to, I would find myself having to think harder when reading his stories. He would sometimes get caught up in his own exuberance and make things feel a bit repetitive. I wanted things fleshed out more. I think he was so rapt in his own memories, with them so strong in him, that he would forget that we the readers, were not always "in" on what he was retelling. I also found myself rereading because of punctuation and style differences. However, I never gave up. I had to let go of his and my respective shortcomings and muddle on.
This book was worth it, regardless of the issues. Those years, 1969 to 1973, can be considered one of Bowie's most important ones. It really was a joy to learn more about the Spider's band members. So many times the audience doesn't get to know the whole band. The Front Man is always in the news, on the radio and telly for interviews. We get left out of what many times, really is the core of a band! In this case - Woody Woodmansey, Mick Ronson, and Trevor Bolder, WERE integral parts of Bowie's transitions and changes as a performer.
In this book, we get to learn about Woody's childhood, his development as a drummer, and how he wound up with Bowie. We also get to meet all the other people who were "satellites" to Bowie. As well as music producers, other artists and musicians, loves, and family. It really was a good read. I am very glad to have gotten an education about that time, that place, that ignition spark to what was (still is!) a group of talented people and a Genius in music and the art world.
With my life enriched by Bowie, and his death making a major impact as well, I was seriously looking forward to reading this book. Here would be a book that had not been touted as a tell-all, or a mud-slinging gossip piece. This book was written by someone who truly knew Bowie, lived with, created and played music, & toured with him. What can go wrong?...
Well, the biggest problem I had was trying to get through a book that was written by a man from North-Eastern England. Although my own family is of Australian (Irish, Scottish, and British) heritage, I admittedly was not used to the "feel" of someone from where the author, Woody Woodmansey, was from. He left school when he was in the middle grades, so couple a lesser education with a form of speaking I was not used to, I would find myself having to think harder when reading his stories. He would sometimes get caught up in his own exuberance and make things feel a bit repetitive. I wanted things fleshed out more. I think he was so rapt in his own memories, with them so strong in him, that he would forget that we the readers, were not always "in" on what he was retelling. I also found myself rereading because of punctuation and style differences. However, I never gave up. I had to let go of his and my respective shortcomings and muddle on.
This book was worth it, regardless of the issues. Those years, 1969 to 1973, can be considered one of Bowie's most important ones. It really was a joy to learn more about the Spider's band members. So many times the audience doesn't get to know the whole band. The Front Man is always in the news, on the radio and telly for interviews. We get left out of what many times, really is the core of a band! In this case - Woody Woodmansey, Mick Ronson, and Trevor Bolder, WERE integral parts of Bowie's transitions and changes as a performer.
In this book, we get to learn about Woody's childhood, his development as a drummer, and how he wound up with Bowie. We also get to meet all the other people who were "satellites" to Bowie. As well as music producers, other artists and musicians, loves, and family. It really was a good read. I am very glad to have gotten an education about that time, that place, that ignition spark to what was (still is!) a group of talented people and a Genius in music and the art world.
May 24, 2017
Woody Woodmansey is the only surviving member of The Spiders From Mars. He was the drummer, along with Mick Ronson, guitarist, and Trevor Bolder on bass. This book is his autobiography and tells how he became a drummer, hooked up with local Guitar Hero Ronson, who enlisted him for the band built around David Bowie. Though the Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust is the reason most people will want to read this book, Woody holds my interest with his life post-Ziggy, up until the present. Though in the song Ziggy, the "leper messiah" is killed by the kids, the fans, which is why he had to break up the band, in actual fact, David Bowie is like an actor who can't separate himself from the character he is portraying. He took it all too far. But, boy, could he play guitar. He fires his band under the influence of his greedy manager and massive amounts of ego stroking Peruvian Marching Powder.
So, anyway, it is all very interesting, the story from his unique perspective on the drum stool. Of course, he spends more time talking about the drums and the beats, but that is his wheelhouse, his area of expertise. That is what I want to hear from him mainly.
Here is a thing: On the song, Black Country Rock, he and Mick Ronson are so disturbed by his histrionic and overly theatrical singing that they contemplate quitting the band, and even fail to report for duty in protest at an early gig. I can kind of see where they're coming from, but I have such fond memories of that song--driving from San Jose to Burlingame through the rolling hills south of San Francisco to my saxophone lessons. That song with its magnificent rock n roll riff would play in a loop in my head as I drove my two-toned Karmen Ghia. Little did I realize the controversy it had caused.
I never got to see Woody and the Spiders From Mars play with Bowie. I wanted to see them when they first came to San Francisco. They played at Winterland, and there were only a few hundred people there. I went downtown to the box office in San Jose and asked for a ticket.
"David Whoie?" said the ticket lady. I thought he was playing Halloween, but actually: the weekend just before Halloween. Oh, well. Don't know how I was going to make it up there to SF, as I was too young to drive and none of my friends were going, or had even heard of him.
Though I didn't get to see Ziggy with Woody, I saw him many times later, and this book gave me a good idea of what it must have been like.
So, anyway, it is all very interesting, the story from his unique perspective on the drum stool. Of course, he spends more time talking about the drums and the beats, but that is his wheelhouse, his area of expertise. That is what I want to hear from him mainly.
Here is a thing: On the song, Black Country Rock, he and Mick Ronson are so disturbed by his histrionic and overly theatrical singing that they contemplate quitting the band, and even fail to report for duty in protest at an early gig. I can kind of see where they're coming from, but I have such fond memories of that song--driving from San Jose to Burlingame through the rolling hills south of San Francisco to my saxophone lessons. That song with its magnificent rock n roll riff would play in a loop in my head as I drove my two-toned Karmen Ghia. Little did I realize the controversy it had caused.
I never got to see Woody and the Spiders From Mars play with Bowie. I wanted to see them when they first came to San Francisco. They played at Winterland, and there were only a few hundred people there. I went downtown to the box office in San Jose and asked for a ticket.
"David Whoie?" said the ticket lady. I thought he was playing Halloween, but actually: the weekend just before Halloween. Oh, well. Don't know how I was going to make it up there to SF, as I was too young to drive and none of my friends were going, or had even heard of him.
Though I didn't get to see Ziggy with Woody, I saw him many times later, and this book gave me a good idea of what it must have been like.
December 26, 2019
The Apollo 11 astronauts felt they were somehow missing out on their own exploits. Because they were out of this world, they didn’t have an audience perspective of the first moon landing. It must have been similar for the Spiders when Ziggy launched. In the 70s, Bowie and his entourage were not part of the scene: they WERE the scene. Woody’s book is invaluable Earth bound account from behind the curtain. It is refreshing to have, because Bowie himself shone very few naked lights there, and now Bowie, Trevor Bolder and Mick Ronson have left the building, it was imperative for Woody Woodmansey to put things down.
The enormity of the mystique and cultural impact of Ziggy became a perfect storm, in the timing and that, previously unrevealed to the masses, a vast, highly accomplished and original back catalogue was already in place. It really was, to a youngster like me, as if the whole package had been beamed to Earth and suddenly classic single after classic single, each one markedly, and tantalisingly, different from the last, was released, and despite the establishments reluctance to play along, the momentum increased.
The Spiders’ contribution to The Man Who Sold the World, with producer Tony Visconti, documents in fascinating detail, that although still Bowie’s vision and voice, this was very much an album by a band finding each other’s musical strengths and exploiting a wealth of talent from all involved. (And like 95% of the material on the RCA albums, it passes the test of time with honours.)
The post Ziggy sections of this book are also compelling and it is pleasing to see that Woody has, and had, a good career. I remember seeing U-Boat at the Rock Garden in 77(I think). Although not my cup of tea, this project and Woody’s determination to do what he loved, despite the crushing blow of the Bowie/Spiders split, eventually gave the man many deserved high profile sessions and classy connections such as Art Garfunkel. He is a terrific drummer with an individual flavour and part of a tremendous mythology that drove the seventies into the creative sunlight. Those who were not there will think themselves accursed.
On an incidental note, it’s interesting that Woody says that post Spiders album, Diamond Dogs reminded him a bit of the old firm, as I am not alone in thinking that, though still a great album, Diamond Dogs would have been even better with Ronno, Trev and Woody taking part. Discuss.
The enormity of the mystique and cultural impact of Ziggy became a perfect storm, in the timing and that, previously unrevealed to the masses, a vast, highly accomplished and original back catalogue was already in place. It really was, to a youngster like me, as if the whole package had been beamed to Earth and suddenly classic single after classic single, each one markedly, and tantalisingly, different from the last, was released, and despite the establishments reluctance to play along, the momentum increased.
The Spiders’ contribution to The Man Who Sold the World, with producer Tony Visconti, documents in fascinating detail, that although still Bowie’s vision and voice, this was very much an album by a band finding each other’s musical strengths and exploiting a wealth of talent from all involved. (And like 95% of the material on the RCA albums, it passes the test of time with honours.)
The post Ziggy sections of this book are also compelling and it is pleasing to see that Woody has, and had, a good career. I remember seeing U-Boat at the Rock Garden in 77(I think). Although not my cup of tea, this project and Woody’s determination to do what he loved, despite the crushing blow of the Bowie/Spiders split, eventually gave the man many deserved high profile sessions and classy connections such as Art Garfunkel. He is a terrific drummer with an individual flavour and part of a tremendous mythology that drove the seventies into the creative sunlight. Those who were not there will think themselves accursed.
On an incidental note, it’s interesting that Woody says that post Spiders album, Diamond Dogs reminded him a bit of the old firm, as I am not alone in thinking that, though still a great album, Diamond Dogs would have been even better with Ronno, Trev and Woody taking part. Discuss.
June 26, 2017
First wave U.S. David Bowie fans will immediately recognize the name Woody Woodmansey as the drummer for The Spiders From Mars. For others that didn’t catch on until The Thin White Duke phase or later, this book is an insider account of Bowie’s earliest success and transformation from an English folk singer into Ziggy Stardust – from conception to fame to final bows.
*
Along with Mick Ronson (guitar) and Trevor Bolder (bass) they teamed with Bowie to make the Ziggy character a worldwide phenomenon. Woodmansey details their formation, development, musical contributions, studio work and tours. His insights into Bowie’s personality, creativity and influences during this period are first hand accounts, along with the unexpected impact of fame and the surprisingly sudden announcement during a concert ending the group.
*
As throughout his career, Bowie is the center of attention for much of this book. But it is mainly the story of Woodmansey’s journey from young boy to rock star and eventually as a member of other groups and work as a studio musician. There are moments of rock star excess with groupies, Bowie’s drug use and gradual separation from the band, but much of the fun in reading are his memories of creating the songs and the band’s image. Though wildly successful in some regions, it’s made very clear these pioneers of glitter rock were not always welcomed in certain parts of the U.S. during the early 1970’s.
*
At first I wanted the author to get into the Bowie segments earlier, but eventually I appreciated his relaxed telling of the story that set the groundwork for his years as a Spider with Ronson and Bolder. Bowie fans will appreciate another viewpoint about their hero and music fans will enjoy ‘the rise and fall’ of the classic Ziggy Stardust and beyond.
*
Along with Mick Ronson (guitar) and Trevor Bolder (bass) they teamed with Bowie to make the Ziggy character a worldwide phenomenon. Woodmansey details their formation, development, musical contributions, studio work and tours. His insights into Bowie’s personality, creativity and influences during this period are first hand accounts, along with the unexpected impact of fame and the surprisingly sudden announcement during a concert ending the group.
*
As throughout his career, Bowie is the center of attention for much of this book. But it is mainly the story of Woodmansey’s journey from young boy to rock star and eventually as a member of other groups and work as a studio musician. There are moments of rock star excess with groupies, Bowie’s drug use and gradual separation from the band, but much of the fun in reading are his memories of creating the songs and the band’s image. Though wildly successful in some regions, it’s made very clear these pioneers of glitter rock were not always welcomed in certain parts of the U.S. during the early 1970’s.
*
At first I wanted the author to get into the Bowie segments earlier, but eventually I appreciated his relaxed telling of the story that set the groundwork for his years as a Spider with Ronson and Bolder. Bowie fans will appreciate another viewpoint about their hero and music fans will enjoy ‘the rise and fall’ of the classic Ziggy Stardust and beyond.
July 19, 2017
I enjoyed this book. As a big fan of the Spiders-era Bowie music it was nice to read some of the stories about Ronno and Trevor Bolder and how things went down in those early days.
Often with these kinds of bios (written not by the star but by one of the lesser members) I am left feeling sorry for the person writing as there is that strangely blind loyalty to a person who, while certainly giving him quite an interesting story to tell, also unceremoniously and cruelly dumped him. I'm not looking for Woody to trash Bowie, but he is damn forgiving of the way things went down. The Dennis Dunaway book about his time in the original Alice Cooper is the same. Both of these guys were very important to the bands they were in, but when the leader decided they were not necessary they were deemed disposable. That's business I guess, but they still continued to look at the world in terms of what David or Alice might think of what they are doing, and would likely be on the next plane if a call were to come to have another shot.
That rant aside, Woody told a nice story and seems to be in a good place. The book read very easily and quickly, and he took the high road on most everything. Solid book.
Often with these kinds of bios (written not by the star but by one of the lesser members) I am left feeling sorry for the person writing as there is that strangely blind loyalty to a person who, while certainly giving him quite an interesting story to tell, also unceremoniously and cruelly dumped him. I'm not looking for Woody to trash Bowie, but he is damn forgiving of the way things went down. The Dennis Dunaway book about his time in the original Alice Cooper is the same. Both of these guys were very important to the bands they were in, but when the leader decided they were not necessary they were deemed disposable. That's business I guess, but they still continued to look at the world in terms of what David or Alice might think of what they are doing, and would likely be on the next plane if a call were to come to have another shot.
That rant aside, Woody told a nice story and seems to be in a good place. The book read very easily and quickly, and he took the high road on most everything. Solid book.
August 3, 2020
A borrow that may become a purchase soon - have read a few books about Bowie and co but this one brings a new slant and not all is good. Loved the LP Ziggy and co onwards and then bought the earlier ones, a mixed but impressive bag much like this book.
I felt that this man was compelled to ensure that his side of things must see the light of day and I am glad that he did. Of course, we all know the fate of the Spiders not to mention Bowie himself... not sure about the other members, but I assume that Ms Bowie persists as does Mr DeFries and co. Doubt we shall see much of their shenanigans proper if Woody's account is true (and I see him as one of the trusties in rock).
So here we are, blood, toil, tears and sweat - and not a lot of cash... but then great things are seldom accomplished without casualties.
Quite how you can turn on someone when you have known and loved each other through years of shared experience baffles me. But take the trip with Mr W and be grateful he wanted to tell the world how some great music was made and performed. Essential reading! And not just for drummers (they sit at the back and see everything).
I felt that this man was compelled to ensure that his side of things must see the light of day and I am glad that he did. Of course, we all know the fate of the Spiders not to mention Bowie himself... not sure about the other members, but I assume that Ms Bowie persists as does Mr DeFries and co. Doubt we shall see much of their shenanigans proper if Woody's account is true (and I see him as one of the trusties in rock).
So here we are, blood, toil, tears and sweat - and not a lot of cash... but then great things are seldom accomplished without casualties.
Quite how you can turn on someone when you have known and loved each other through years of shared experience baffles me. But take the trip with Mr W and be grateful he wanted to tell the world how some great music was made and performed. Essential reading! And not just for drummers (they sit at the back and see everything).
December 18, 2016
Michael Woodmanssey was the drummer who worked and played with David Bowie for four years in The Spiders from Mars band. The memoir begin with boys playing kick the ball in a field. Who would have thought that a ball kicked out of bounds would have such a profound impact on a young boy from Driffield in Yorkshire, England. In chasing the ball, “Woody” stumbled across band rehearsal that awoke his desire to become a musician. This is not an in-depth dissection of writing songs, putting a band together, or getting record contracts. Nor is it an expose of alcohol and drug abuse and wild sexual experiences, although he mentions some incidents. His is a life full of insecurities, risks, and a lot of hard work. His journey drives home the point that being different takes its toll on personal and professional relationships but can result in rock and roll history. “Woody” is an apt nickname for a man who spent a majority of his career using drumsticks. The book is an easy reading long drum solo that carries the reader along. A select discography, acknowledgements, and index are included.
March 29, 2018
The former Ziggy drummer writes a very accessible book about his life and career in music, with focus on his time as David Bowie's drummer. I loved hearing about how they lived at Haddon Hall, Woody's relationship with Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder, and his gradual alienation from Bowie. I picked up quite a few tips about recording, including the importance of using an early take in order to preserve the newness of the performance.
There's no ghostwriter on this book, so it's all coming direct from the author. He's not a professional writer, but can definitely put a story together. That said, Woody's voice is very friendly and comforting. There's a style and point of view here that you don't get from professional biographers, which makes for a good change of pace.
Thanks for the words and the music, Woody!
There's no ghostwriter on this book, so it's all coming direct from the author. He's not a professional writer, but can definitely put a story together. That said, Woody's voice is very friendly and comforting. There's a style and point of view here that you don't get from professional biographers, which makes for a good change of pace.
Thanks for the words and the music, Woody!
January 12, 2023
So many great memories from Woody! If you are a Bowie fan, you will be familiar with most of the cast of characters and the events, but will also read about Bowie's creative process and about how he worked in the studio. Woody has also worked with another of my absolute favorites, Art Garfunkel, and several other greats. There are bittersweet moments, remembering his late bandmates Mick Ronson and Trevor Bolder and descriptions of how he arranged some of the drum parts that we know from memory. I appreciated the fact that, having been a Scientologist for most of his life, he does not take the opportunity to praise his religion or proselitize, but simply states that it has worked for him. One is left with the impression that Woody never really realizes how sensational a drummer he is and of his place in the music landscape of his time, but that he remains a boy from Hull at heart.
November 30, 2019
Woodmansey was a member of Bowie's band for only a few years, but The Spiders were the most famous of Bowie's bands, & he did spend the rest of his life in music. His memoir is enjoyable for anyone who loves rock music & gets extra marks for not being, in any unnecessary way, self-serving (unlike memoirs written by Graham Nash & John Lydon). He comes across as an ordinary bloke from the north of England who discovers a passion & a skill that provides him with a life he hadn't even dreamt of as a youngster. And his proximity to Bowie during the crucial years of his development (Man Who Sold The World, Hunky Dory, Ziggy, Aladdin Sane) allows him many insights & anecdotes. I thoroughly enjoyed Woody's stories & felt I would enjoy his company too. Recommended for rock fans.
August 19, 2024
Loved, loved, loved this book.
I was lucky enough to see the last American tour with The Spiders on the Ziggy Stardust tour in Cleveland.
My life changed that night and I knew that music would play a huge part of it.
Hearing Woody's take on the process of recording and how they worked together was totally refreshing. He is very detailed about
those tours back in the day and I found it all so interesting.
Also reading how the band broke up and the healing afterward just made me want to travel across the pond and give Woody a hug, then talk for hours about his life....that would be a bucket list trip!
A must read for anyone who loves Bowie's work and wants to find out more about it.
I was lucky enough to see the last American tour with The Spiders on the Ziggy Stardust tour in Cleveland.
My life changed that night and I knew that music would play a huge part of it.
Hearing Woody's take on the process of recording and how they worked together was totally refreshing. He is very detailed about
those tours back in the day and I found it all so interesting.
Also reading how the band broke up and the healing afterward just made me want to travel across the pond and give Woody a hug, then talk for hours about his life....that would be a bucket list trip!
A must read for anyone who loves Bowie's work and wants to find out more about it.
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