September 22nd 2024.
At just nine years old, George Underwood and David Bowie first crossed paths at a Cubs group in south east London in 1956. George had recently joined the 18th Bromley Scouts, where he met a young boy by the name of David Jones. Little did they know, this chance encounter would lead to a lifelong friendship and some of the most iconic album covers in musical history.
Although their initial bond was formed over a mutual love of music, George and David quickly discovered that they had much more in common. They even played in a band together called The Konrads in their early days. As George fondly recalls, "We hit it off immediately. We spoke about music and all the things that interested us and we were in a band together." This shared passion solidified their friendship, and they spent their days roaming the streets of Bromley, chatting up girls and thinking they were the coolest kids around.
Their friendship endured through the years, even when it was tested by a heated argument over a girl. In 1962, George ended up punching David in the left eye, causing a series of operations and a four-month hospital stay. Despite the damage and the doctors' prognosis that it could not be fully repaired, David's mismatched eyes became one of his most defining features and part of his iconic stage persona.
But despite the altercation, George and David remained close friends. In fact, George went on to create the artwork for many of David's early albums, including Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust. Reflecting on his friend's success, George shared, "He did reach the stars in the end, didn't he? He's now become so big and I'm amazed at what he achieved in his lifetime. It is incredible."
George's talent as an artist also played a significant role in David's career, and he used his creativity to support the charity War Child throughout his life. This inspired George to get involved with the charity as well, and he is now working with 33 other artists on an exhibition and online auction called Sound & Vision to support children affected by conflict. As George puts it, "War Child is such a great charity, and I think the more money they can get together for these poor children in conflict, the better the world will be."
Looking back on his friendship with David, George remembers him as a fun-loving and talented individual who always made him laugh. And although David may no longer be with us, his legacy continues to inspire and impact people around the world. As George reflects, "I often wondered whether every time he looked in the mirror, whether he thought of me. I'm just a bit worried that I might have it carved on my tombstone."
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