Unveiling the Legend: Steve Jones and the Infamous Bowie Equipment Heist
Steve Jones, the iconic guitarist of the Sex Pistols, is never short on captivating stories from the band’s explosive era. Recently, he has taken the opportunity to clarify a legendary tale that sounds like it was plucked straight from a rock biopic: the time he allegedly pilfered equipment belonging to none other than David Bowie during his early days in the music scene.
The Day Ziggy Stardust Took a Bow
The pivotal moment occurred on July 3, 1973, coinciding with David Bowie’s dramatic farewell to his alter ego Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith odeon (now known as the Eventim Apollo). In front of a packed audience, Bowie famously declared, “This is not only the last show of the tour, but it is the last show we will ever do.” As the story goes, Jones seized this historic occasion to embark on a rather audacious escapade.
The Phantom of Hammersmith Odeon
“They performed two nights, and after the first show on July 2, they left all thier gear set up for the following night,” Jones recounted in an interview with The Guardian. “I was very familiar with the hammersmith Odeon; I used to sneak in there frequently. I felt like a ghost haunting the venue.”
“Around 2 AM, I borrowed a small van and made my way inside. The place was eerily quiet, except for one guy dozing off in the fourth or fifth row, snoring away. I tiptoed across the stage and managed to grab some cymbals, the bass player’s Sunn amplifier, and a few microphones. I even got my hands on Bowie’s microphone, complete with his lipstick!”
A Confession and a Laugh
even though Bowie suspected Jones was behind the theft, it took some time for the guitarist to come clean. “He knew it was me and found it amusing. To be honest, I don’t think I actually took anything from him; I doubt the microphones were his. The only ones I felt guilty about were woody [drummer Mick Woodmansey] and [bass player] Trevor Bolder,” Jones admitted.
making Amends on Air
in a twist of fate, Jones later confessed his misdeeds live on air during a radio show with Woody. “I had to apologize to Woody. While we were broadcasting, I told him, ‘I took some of your cymbals.What can I do to make it right?’ He replied, ‘I don’t know; maybe give me a couple of hundred bucks.’ I ended up giving him $300, and he was quite pleased with that.”
Jones’ Notorious Reputation
Speaking of Steve Jones’ reputation for mischief, Midge Ure, guitarist for Thin Lizzy and a key figure behind Live Aid, recently shared his own encounter with Jones. he recalled that on the very day he was invited to join the Sex pistols, he purchased a stolen amplifier from the trunk of Jones’ car.
This blend of rock history and audacity continues to captivate fans, reminding us that the world of music is often filled with tales that blur the lines between legend and reality.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Heist: The Day Steve Jones Swiped Bowie’s Iconic Gear – Lipstick and All!
The Legendary Theft: A Snapshot of Rock History
on July 3, 1973, a momentous event unfolded at the Hammersmith Odeon in London. David Bowie was set to retire his flamboyant alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, in front of a raucous crowd. Little did the audience know that just hours before this iconic farewell, a notorious heist was taking place backstage, orchestrated by none other than Steve Jones, the guitarist of the Sex Pistols.
The Scene of the Crime
the Hammersmith Odeon, now known as the Eventim Apollo, was the perfect backdrop for this rock ‘n’ roll drama. Bowie’s farewell concert was a spectacle,with fans eagerly anticipating his last performance. However, while the crowd was buzzing with excitement, Jones was plotting his audacious theft.
What Happened That night?
- July 2, 1973: Bowie and his band, the Spiders from Mars, performed their first night at the venue.
- July 3, 1973: After the first show, the equipment was left on stage for the second performance.
- 2 AM: Steve Jones sneaks into the venue, seizing the prospect to swipe some of Bowie’s gear.
The Heist: what Did Jones steal?
Jones’s haul included a variety of items that would become legendary in their own right:
- Cymbals: Essential for any drummer, these were a prized possession.
- Bass Amplifier: Specifically, a Sunn amp that belonged to the bass player.
- Microphones: Among them was Bowie’s microphone, complete with traces of his lipstick!
Jones’ Own Words
In an interview, Jones recounted, “I knew the Hammersmith Odeon like the back of my hand. I used to sneak in there all the time. It was about two in the morning when I stole a little minivan and got in. There was no one there,except for a guy sitting on the fourth or fifth row,asleep – he was snoring. I tiptoed across the stage and nicked some cymbals, the bass player’s amp head, and some microphones. I got Bowie’s microphone with his lipstick on it!”
The Aftermath: Bowie’s Reaction
While Bowie later suspected Jones was behind the theft, he found humor in the situation. “He knew I’d done it; he thought it was funny,” Jones recalled. “I don’t think I nicked anything off him – I don’t think the microphones were his. The only ones I felt bad for were Woody and Trevor.”
Making Amends: A Live Confession
Years later, Jones took the opportunity to confess his misdeeds live on air during a radio show with Woody. “I was like, ‘I’ve got to make amends to you, Woody. I nicked some of your cymbals. What can I do to make it right?’ He goes,‘I don’t know; give us a couple of hundred bucks.’ I think I gave him $300, so he was well happy.”
rock ’n’ Roll Culture: The Impact of the Heist
This infamous incident not only highlights the rebellious spirit of rock ‘n’ roll but also reflects the camaraderie and humor that often exists within the music community.The theft became a part of rock lore, illustrating the lengths to which musicians would go in the name of rock ‘n’ roll.
Benefits of Embracing Rock History
- Understanding Music Evolution: Learning about events like this helps fans appreciate the cultural shifts in music.
- Connecting with Artists: Stories of past antics create a personal connection between fans and musicians.
- Inspiring Future Generations: Tales of rebellion and creativity encourage new artists to push boundaries.
Case Studies: Other Notorious Rock Heists
| Incident |
Year |
Details |
| The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Robbery |
1976 |
Thieves stole over $1 million worth of equipment from a band’s tour bus. |
| Metallica’s Stolen Gear |
1986 |
Metallica’s equipment was stolen during a European tour, leading to a massive manhunt. |
| Bob Dylan’s Missing Guitar |
1966 |
A guitar used by Dylan during a famous concert was stolen and remains missing. |
First-Hand Experience: Reflections from Steve Jones
Jones has often reflected on this incident, noting how it encapsulated the chaotic energy of the punk rock movement. “It was a different time, and we were all just trying to survive in the music industry,” he said. “Looking back, it was a wild ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
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