Five original 1965 snapshot photographs of David Bowie’s early band Davie Jones & The Lower Third, performing at London’s legendary Marquee Club.  Three of these were published in Kevin Cann’s definitive book David Bowie: Any Day Now: The London Years, 1947-1974, while two are apparently unpublished.

In his book, Cann writes that in July 1965, Lower Third manager Ralph Horton ‘wins [the group] warm-up slots in the intervals between Radio London’s broadcasts of The Inecto Show from the Marquee (so called because it is sponsored by the Inecto shampoo brand).  These short performances between those by more established acts are not broadcast or recorded.’

These incredibly rare vintage snapshots, printed near the time the photographs were taken, have the brand name Ilford printed on the back.  In Cann’s book, they are credited ‘Photos taken by drummer Phil Lancaster’s wife Helene.’  The same three photos are also reprinted in Phil Lancaster’s book The Birth of Bowie: Life With the Man Who Became a Legend, credited to Helene Lancaster.

This corresponds with an accompanying email from the auction house that originally sold these prints.  The consignor wrote (spelling and punctuation preserved) ‘These photos were taken at the Marquee in Wardour Street I think it must have been about 1964.  My granddad’s brother (Uncle Wol) took me to see David Bowie and the lower third as Phil [Lancaster] his son was the drummer. The photos were taken by Helene who was Phils fiance at the time.  Hope whoever has them now is happy with them as they were in the back of an old photo album for years until my grandaughter found them.’

An exceptionally rare opportunity to obtain original vintage photographs from the early days of David Bowie’s career.  With Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee of authenticity, and a copy of Phil Lancaster’s book.

Each print 3 1/2″ square, in Excellent condition.