Exclusive Interview: Bowie collaborator Kevin Armstrong!

As an aspiring guitarist, Kevin Armstrong had his road to Damascus moment. He writes in his entertaining memoir, Absolute Beginner, that as he was walking across a field as a youth by himself he reached the midway point when he stopped, sat on the ground and “experienced the absolute certainty that the guitar would carry me around the world and be my companion throughout my life.” He continued about the instrument, “It was going to be me, and I was going to be it.” We all can be grateful as a result.

Kevin is a prolific singer-songwriter, guitar master, producer, collaborator with the likes of Bowie, Tin Machine, Iggy Pop, Thomas Dolby, Morrisey, Sinead O’Connor and many more. And it turns out he tells a good story, too. And not just in his book– if you watch (or listen) to this exclusive interview, you’ll be left wanting more. Kevin played guitar for Bowie at Live Aid and collaborated with him on “Absolute Beginners,” “Dancing in the Street,” Tin Machine’s first album and 1. Outside. He’ll also be touring with the Celebrating David Bowie concert series European leg next year. Bowie said of him, “Kevin does what I pretend to do. Kevin’s a proper musician.” But Kevin’s long career extends far beyond Bowie (and while, we focus on the work with Bowie, because, ‘ya know, this is a Bowie blog), you want to get his book to read about the rest. It’s not just interesting– it’s funny and compelling.

I really enjoyed talking with Kevin for this interview and felt privileged to do so. I featured highlights of some of his work on the blog throughout the week, so if you missed it, check it out. And as a special added bonus, click HERE to see a video of Bowie preforming “Heroes” at Live Aid in 1985, which (at least at the time) was the most viewed concert in history. He introduces Kevin right away before he begins singing, so check it out, then get ready to watch this interview, which I’m sure you will enjoy.

And if you want more on Kevin, visit his website HERE, where you can get your own edition of Absolute Beginner or some of his music, find out where he’s appearing next and much more.

—
Note: There’s a point in the interview that Kevin mentions that Iggy Pop currently plays with a French band. Kevin subsequently let me know that Iggy now plays with an American band.