Mike Garson has played piano and keyboards for seventy years. Best known as David Bowie’s keyboard player (no other musician has played more gigs with David Bowie), Mike’s career spans that amazing collaboration and so much more. In Part 1 of this two-part interview, we talk to Mike on his decades playing with David Bowie, his start in music and his role as a music teacher. 

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Discussion topics covered during the show (links will open in new tab): 

Mike’s early childhood start playing piano

David Liebman

Failing pre-med and moving to music

Disillusionment with career and auditioning for Bowie

Adjusting to being part of the Spiders from Mars

Working with Mick Ronson

See Emily Play – string arrangement by Mick Ronson

Mike’s ‘telepathic’ connection with David Bowie

Recording Aladdin Sane

Thru’ These Architects Eyes

Bring Me The Disco King

Mike’s emulated guitar sound at Glastonbury 2000

Surviving 13 band lineup changes

Listen to Mike play Greensleeves for the Glastonbury audience

Listen to Mike’s medley of Bowie hits at the 1973 Hammersmith Odeon show

Paying tribute to Bowie’s music over the past seven years – The Bowie Alumni Band 

The Bowie Alumni Band – Fashion

David Bowie and Mike Garson – Wild is the Wind live, 2000

Reflecting on David Bowie’s impact on popular culture

Thanks to our supporters for this episode: Brother Paul Brown, Midnight Mastering, Tammy Katchur’s Musical Stew, Musicplayer.com forums, and Radio Grande

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The post Mike Garson, David Bowie / Smashing Pumpkins / Trent Reznor / Free Flight (Part 1) appeared first on The Keyboard Chronicles.