David Bowie Cover of the Week: The Mysterious Mr. Jones performs “Quicksand”

This week’s cover comes from The Mysterious Mr. Jones, a Danish band known for reinterpreting David Bowie’s music. The band promotes its performances as presenting Bowie songs “like you’ve never heard or seen before.” It’s a bold claim that raises expectations—and based on their cover of “Quicksand,” those expectations are met.

“Quicksand” is one of Bowie’s most beautiful and lyrically complex songs, more beloved by devoted fans than casual listeners. Its unsettling references to Heinrich Himmler, “Churchill’s lies,” and occultist Aleister Crowley, as well as its placement on Hunky Dory alongside more accessible tracks like “Changes” and “Life on Mars?,” may explain its relative obscurity. The Mysterious Mr. Jones, however, gives the song the attention it deserves, with a creative reinterpretation that showcases both their musicianship and their respect for Bowie’s legacy.

I have been fortunate to be in touch with the Anders Carstensen from the band and what follows is informed by our exchange. The band’s origins stem from Carstensen’s desire to commemorate Bowie’s music after the artist’s death. Though initially hesitant to reinterpret Bowie’s work, Carstensen found inspiration in Bowie’s own approach to covers—always performed with a unique twist. Collaborating with a theater director, Carstensen began reimagining Bowie’s songs, starting with “Seven” and creating original music for “Please Mr. Gravedigger,” which originally had no musical accompaniment. Encouraged by the results, Carstensen formed the band, which now includes Allan Thorning on drums and backing vocals and Jon Balslev on bass and backing vocals.

The trio debuted in 2019 with a medley performance that blended Bowie’s music with their own artistic vision. Despite setbacks from the pandemic, they continued to refine their concept, adding synchronized visuals to create an immersive experience. Their performances now include a lecture-concert format that explores Bowie’s life and career, blending storytelling with live music. The show spans Bowie’s career from 1966 to 2016, featuring 18 songs in the band’s distinctive style, with interpretations that sometimes depart significantly from the originals.
The Mysterious Mr. Jones delivers an audio-visual experience that sets them apart from traditional cover bands, combining live music with insights into Bowie’s life and work. Their performances capture the spirit of Bowie’s creativity, making their reinterpretations a compelling tribute that resonates with both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
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As for the band’s name, it’s reminiscent of “The Myzsterious Mizster Jones,” a song by the glam rock band Slade. Bowie’s real last name was Jones, so one might wonder if Slade’s song was about him. However, Slade’s vocalist Noddy Holder explained that it was inspired by a friend who had been in the Hells Angels, with “Jones” used to conceal the person’s identity. Filmmaker Todd Haynes later gave a nod to Slade by naming the Bowie-inspired character in Velvet Goldmine “Brian Slade,” continuing the playful connection between Slade and Bowie.

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To see more from The Mysterious Mr. Jones, visit their YouTube page HERE.