David Bowie asked to join Suffolk man’s band after 1964 gig in Lowestoft

1960s band The Raiders who played a gig with a young David Bowie in 1964 at the Royal Hotel in Lowestoft. Photo: Submitted (Image: Submitted)

70-year-old Rod Scott from Beyton, Suffolk played bass in The Raiders in the early sixties and performed at a concert with the then David Jones, aged 17, who was part of a band called The Riot Squad.

Mr Scott said: 'The Riot Squad seemed to be a band that changed members more often than they changed their socks.

'They were quite raucous and rough and ready. David was very well spoken. After the gig he asked if he could join our band.'

However, Mr Scott's band mate Brian Seaman, turned him down as they already had enough members.

The Raiders were joined on stage by a young Bowie for one song where he played rhythm guitar and saxophone, as well providing some backing vocals.

The venue for the gig was the former Royal Hotel, now the East Point Pavilion, which has hosted many rock legends over the years including the Rolling Stones in 1963.

Mr Scott recalls the reputation the venue had with 'The Trawlerboys' coming along 'for a bit of a punch up'.

The two bands shared a dressing room, and Mr Scott gave his first impression of the teenager who would go on to be an icon.

'He was David Jones then and very, very shy but he was a very likeable chap.'

He added: 'I think he will go down as one of the greatest creators in the music industry. Where he pulled his music from I do not know. He was a really clever man.'

Mr Scott's favourite Bowie song is the 1970 track The Man who Sold the World.

Bowie returned to Lowestoft for a gig in June 1966, performing as David Bowie and The Buzz.

• Do you have any memories of David Bowie performing in Lowestoft? Email george.ryan@archant.co.uk