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Frank Zappa vs David Bowie – the bitch-by-bitch account: “That’s the music business,” says Adrian Belew
Adrian Belew says David Bowie recruited him from Frank Zappa’s band in 1978 after Brian Eno recommended him. A tense dinner between Bowie and Zappa ended with Zappa repeatedly telling Bowie, “Fuck you, Captain Tom”, but Zappa later advised Belew to take the touring job.
Belew expected to return after Bowie’s tour, but Zappa dismissed his entire band and Bowie’s tour extended from four months to 18. Belew says he had been happy with Zappa and remained on good terms with him, though he regrets how the departure unfolded. He is now touring North America with Beat, alongside former Zappa bandmates Steve Vai and Terry Bozzio, and Tony Levin.
In short
- Eno’s recommendation led Bowie to recruit Belew.
- Zappa encouraged Belew to take the job.
- Bowie’s tour grew to 18 months as Zappa dismissed his band.
Explained simply
Frank Zappa and David Bowie were influential musicians who led very different bands. Adrian Belew, an American guitarist and singer, played with Zappa before Bowie recruited him for a 1978 tour, reportedly on Brian Eno’s recommendation.
Belew’s move brought together the careers of three musicians, but it also left him caught between two bandleaders. The story matters because it shows how touring plans and decisions in the music business can affect long-standing working relationships.