Backstage Passes

There are countless books about the great rock/pop icon of the 20th century David Bowie. But there's only one written by the woman who met him aged just 19, married him, had a child with him, and helped shape his image and the early stages of his career.

In one of the great rock 'n' roll exposés, Angela Mary Hartnett Bowie gives a riveting account of her years with Bowie and his progress from aspiring young singer to international rock stardom. She emerges as a witty, powerful personality in her own right, and as his partner of 10 years, she has insights into his background and personality that are exclusively hers.

American, educated in Cyprus, Switzerland, the US, and then London, Angie brought her confidence and sophistication to the young David’s life and is credited with conceptualizing the costumes for the Ziggy Stardust stage show, which was his breakthrough to success.

This is a fascinating glimpse into the music and club scene of early-'70s London, and later the rock lifestyle in New York and Los Angeles. Angie knew everyone and gives a colorful, wry account of the ambience and her brushes with other giants of the decade - Jagger, Elton John, Lou Reed, the Jacksons, and members of Led Zeppelin, to name just a few. Her story gives a unique take on life with the inscrutable Bowie, and she recounts the dissolution of their marriage and his descent into cocaine addiction, with courage and charm.