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David Bowie tour photographs on show in Nailsworth exhibition

Ross Pollard
BBC News
Geoff MacCormack David Bowie and Geoff MacCormackGeoff MacCormack
Geoff MacCormack was one of David Bowie's oldest and closest friends

A new art exhibition is showcasing David Bowie's close friendship with a local photographer.

Geoff MacCormack is displaying photographs taken while he was touring with the music star in an exhibition on show in Nailsworth.

Mr MacCormack grew up with Mr Bowie in Bromley, London, and toured with him in the 1970s.

"It's just a lovely way to remember him and his popularity never seems to wane. So the legacy carries on," he said.

Geoff MacCormack David MacCormack taking a photograph of David MacCormackGeoff MacCormack
The photographs in the exhibition give a rare insight into David Bowie's friendship with Mr MacCormack

The exhibition opens at the Form Gallery on Market Street on 17 November and is open until 6 January 2024.

Mr MacCormack met Mr Bowie, then David Jones, when the pair were eight years old at a primary school in Bromley, south-east London.

Geoff MacCormack Geoff MacCormack and David BowieGeoff MacCormack
Mr MacCormack also acted as a backing vocalist, dancer and percussionist while on tour with David Bowie
Geoff MacCormack A photo of David Bowie in a caravanGeoff MacCormack
The Starman performer is said to have not been a fan of flying and would travel by boat, train and road when possible

Mr MacCormack said: "He was always David Jones to me and everything else was showbiz.

"He was always the same really.

"He was very funny, he was very silly, in fact. (He had a) silly sense of humour.

"Humour was a lot of the strength of our relationship."

Geoff MacCormack A photo of David BowieGeoff MacCormack
Mr MacCormack recorded with the star on five albums, including Aladdin Sane and Station to Station
Geoff MacCormack A black and white photo of David BowieGeoff MacCormack
The photographs in the exhibition explore the period where Mr MacCormack and David Bowie toured together in the 1970s

Mr MacCormack said photography started off as a hobby for him, which happened to come during the time he was on tour with Mr Bowie.

"It was a period where David looked fantastic and I'm so glad I had (a camera) for those three years on the road, because I thought he looked great," he added.

Geoff MacCormack A photo of David BowieGeoff MacCormack
The photographs can be seen at the Form Gallery from 17 November to 6 January
Geoff MacCormack A black and white photo of David BowieGeoff MacCormack
Geoff MacCormack, who was also known as Warren Peace, co-wrote music for Rock 'n' Roll with Me on Diamond Dogs

One of the most influential musicians of his era, BDavid Bowie died of cancer at the age of 69 in January 2016

"I knew he had heart problems but I didn't know he had a terminal illness," said Mr MacCormack

"Having these images is really helpful because he remains there and people love the images," he added.

Geoff MacCormack A photo of David BowieGeoff MacCormack
David Bowie died of cancer in 2016, aged 69
Geoff MacCormack A black and white photo of David BowieGeoff MacCormack
Mr McCormack said the photos were a lovely way to remember his friend
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