Presents
“BESIDE BOWIE: The Mick Ronson Story”
UK Premiere Monday Monday 8th May 2017
On General Release Thursday 18th May 2017
Sky Arts Saturday 27th May 2017
As part of the “Sky Arts Rocks” series
With exclusive voice over contributions from David Bowie
“As a rock duo, I thought we were every bit as good as Mick [Jagger] and Keith [Richards], or Axl [Rose] and Slash. Ziggy [Stardust] and Mick [Ronson] were the personification of that rock & roll dualism.” – David Bowie“Mick Ronson was a guitarist with a sound like no other. Between 1970 and 1974, he was the musical genius behind David Bowie’s greatest run of albums, The Man Who Sold the World, Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and Pin Ups. Not only did he play guitar, he wrote the arrangements, baroque soundscapes that perfectly complemented Bowie’s vision” – The Guardian
Emperor Media Ltd. and Producer/Director Jon Brewer (BB King, Nat King Cole, Jimi Hendrix) have gained the unprecedented privilege of access and permission for use of materials relating to the life of rock hero MICK RONSON, who was largely commercially uncelebrated – despite his direct contribution and pivotal involvement in countless iconic compositions of David Bowie and The Spiders from Mars.
Despite his production and guitar work with Morrissey, Lou Reed on TRANSFORMER, Ian Hunter and Mott The Hoople, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and many others, it is Mick Ronson’s dynamic support, contribution, and co-creation of the expansive and multi-faceted career of David Bowie and in fact that era of music, that this film exposes. With exclusive voice over contributions from David Bowie and contributed to by Rick Wakeman, Joe Elliott, Roger Taylor, Ian Hunter, Angie Bowie and many more, “BESIDE BOWIE: The Mick Ronson Story” is the untold tale story of an uncomplicated man who achieved the pinnacle of success in the music industry as well as the rarefied respect from his contemporaries for his production and guitar skills.
His humble beginnings (in the northern English city of Hull) underpinned the values and modest, unpretentious personality of Mick Ronson. Originally working with Hull City Council while he pursued his craft with consummate dedication, word of his talent reached David Bowie who grabbed at the chance to work with Mick, and from there rock history was made. “The Man Who Sold the World”, ‘Aladdin Sane’ “Hunky Dory”, “Jean Genie”, all were constructed with Mick Ronson on guitar. In 1974 he was voted #2 ‘Best Guitarist’ in ‘Cream’ magazine (notably Eric Clapton came in third).
Jon Brewer’s documentary reveals facts that most will be surprised to learn, as told by those who were there. Controversial at times, always fascinating, the film boasts never before released archive, graphic backstage footage plus iconic photographs from Mick Rock, Bowie’s official photographer at the time. The film asks, after considering the degree to which Ronson put forth musical concepts and compositions with Bowie year after year… ‘Just where would we, or David Bowie, be were it not for the immense creative input of Mick Ronson? Some contributors are very clear on this issue in the film.
Sadly in 1993 Ronson passed away before receiving the recognition he so richly deserved before taking that final bow, as seen on film, at this last show. He had been making a solo album at the time, which was subsequently finished by his contemporaries. Emperor Media have achieved ultimate authenticity and access in chronicling the life and works of this man, an extraordinary talent who became a cornerstone of rock music and who stood ‘Beside Bowie’ during one of the most memorable periods of his dazzling career.
Full list of contributors – MIKE GARSON, MARY FINNEGAN, BOB HARRIS, JON BREWER, SUZI RONSON, ANGIE BOWIE, MICK RONSON, KEVIN CANN, DAVID STOPPS, MAGGI RONSON, TONY VISCONTI, DANA GILLESPIE, JOE ELLIOTT, LAURENCE MYERS, MICK ROCK, RICK WAKEMAN, CHERRY VANILLA, TONY ZANETTA, DAVID BOWIE, IAN HUNTER, LOU REED, EARL SLICK, LULU, GLEN MATLOCK, MARK NEVIN, ROGER TAYLOR
“BESIDE BOWIE: The Mick Ronson Story”
UK Premiere Monday 8th May 2017
On general release in the UK on Thursday 18th May 2017
Sky Arts Rocks will launch on Saturday 15th April 2017 with a new series of documentaries about some of the biggest names in music history. “Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story” is broadcast as part of the season on Sky Arts on Saturday 27th May 2017.
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