Music lovers will soon have access to a collection of early recordings by David Bowie, previously unheard and dating back nearly 60 years. These tracks, discovered by music historian Alec Palao, shed light on the beginnings of the legendary artist and are being made available for the first time ever.
Unreleased Bowie Material Discovered and To Be Shared
While searching through old vinyl a decade ago, Alec Palao stumbled upon a 12-inch acetate marked “Davie Jones”—the name Bowie used during his teen years. This was the first clue to five original songs recorded by Bowie in 1965, capturing his earliest performances on London’s club circuit. Palao’s research since then led him to uncover five additional tracks from that same era, bringing the grand total to ten songs ready for their debut.
The full set—covering posthumous works, demo versions, and freshly remastered tracks—is being curated into a release called The Shel Talmy Recordings. Shel Talmy, Bowie’s first professional producer and a key figure in British rock who also worked with The Who and The Kinks, preserved these tapes alongside his archive of 1960s music legends. Palao describes the sessions as “the most visceral, raw you’ll ever hear the man.”
Collectors’ Vinyl and Special Editions Announced
Bowie’s legendary status with vinyl enthusiasts is poised for another chapter: six rare tracks will be pressed exclusively for a limited vinyl edition, available at Record Store Day and select HMV locations. Music Week reported in 2022 that Bowie was the top-selling vinyl artist of the 21st century, eclipsing even The Beatles in sales.
After the 2022 transfer of Bowie’s publishing rights to Warner Music Group, Palao and Talmy Enterprises Incorporated have licensed the new album to Warner, with Parlophone (one of Warner’s labels) overseeing distribution. Royalties from this release will go to David Bowie’s estate, continuing to support his inheritors and representatives.
Revealing Bowie’s Evolution as an Artist
This collection gives a rare look at the formative phase of Bowie’s career, capturing his musical experimentation before he developed his globally recognized style. Dana Gillespie—an old friend and fellow musician—points out, “They’re songs that don’t really sound like David, but it’s him trying to find his voice. He was experimenting.” Gillespie, now 77, first met Bowie at 17 after seeing him perform at London’s Marquee Club, later collaborating with him for the “Ziggy Stardust” album. She also recounts that it was Shel Talmy who produced Bowie’s song “Andy Warhol,” initially intended for her.
One vivid memory for Gillespie involves Bowie presenting his recording of “I Pity The Fool” at London’s iconic Gioconda café, a central meeting spot for musicians on Denmark Street. That particular track, newly remastered, will be among those featured on the upcoming album.
Bringing these hidden gems into the spotlight has been a ten-year effort for Palao, dating back to his original discovery. He calls the tracks “absolutely pure rock ’n’ roll,” encapsulating Bowie in his pre-fame days. According to Palao, there may not be direct hints of Bowie’s later personas, but the recordings remain “important stuff” in their own right.
Renewed Access for Bowie Fans and Researchers
Years after David Bowie’s death in 2016, his influence as one of Britain’s greatest creative icons endures. With eleven number one albums and unrivaled sales numbers, these earliest works are now a key part of his creative legacy. Fans, music historians, and anyone who followed his trailblazing path can look forward to experiencing a new facet of his story. “David always wanted to be a big star. I’m so happy that his early stuff hasn’t been forgotten,” Gillespie commented.