David Bowie and George Underwood: A Lifelong Friendship
In 1956, in a Cubs group in south east London, a friendship was born that would shape the lives of two young boys forever. George Underwood, just nine years old at the time, joined the 18th Bromley Scouts and met a fellow young boy named David Jones, who would later become known to the world as the legendary David Bowie.
Their friendship blossomed from a shared love of music, leading them to form a band called The Konrads in their early days. George recalled how they hit it off immediately, bonding over their mutual interests and spending time together on Bromley high street, feeling like they were unstoppable as they chatted up girls from one end to the other.
Despite their differences, George and David remained friends throughout their lives, even after a fateful incident in 1962 that could have torn them apart. A row over a girl led to George punching Bowie in the left eye, causing serious damage that required multiple surgeries and a lengthy hospital stay. The outcome was Bowie’s iconic mismatched eyes, with one clear blue eye and the other a moody black, giving him a unique and unforgettable look that would become a defining feature of his career.
Despite the incident, Bowie harbored no ill will towards George, who went on to create some of the most iconic album covers in music history, including works for Bowie’s albums like Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust. George spoke fondly of Bowie’s talent and evolution as an artist, noting his ability to transform himself and his music throughout his career, ultimately reaching the stars and achieving incredible success.
Years later, George’s connection to Bowie inspired him to work with the charity War Child, raising awareness and funds for children affected by conflict. Along with 33 other artists, George curated an exhibition and global online auction called Sound & Vision, following in Bowie’s footsteps of using creativity to support important causes.
Reflecting on his friendship with Bowie, George expressed his deep admiration for the music legend and the impact he had on the world. He shared memories of their time together, filled with laughter and camaraderie, and expressed his hope that their collaborative efforts with War Child would make a positive difference in the lives of children in need.
As George continues to honor Bowie’s legacy and support causes close to his heart, he remains grateful for the enduring friendship they shared and the lessons learned from their journey together. Through their bond, George and Bowie exemplified the power of forgiveness, creativity, and friendship in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire others to this day.