Neil talked to Gerry Leonard, who for over a decade has been David Bowie’s guitarist/musical director/co-writer, and who is also a solo artists in his own right, called Spooky Ghost. In true Irish style, Gerry was remarkably modest about his 15 years as a key man in the Bowie camp.

The pair met up following a recommendation from a mutual pal, who suggested David should check out the Dubliner’s guitar playing. Cue Bowie turning up at an intimate Spookyghost gig in the much-missed Sin É venue among 50 or-so others. Bowie ended up heckling Gerry at the gig, something which broke the ice between the pair. After the show, Bowie invited Gerry to come and play guitar with him, not at home, but on the road. It turned out Bowie was a fan of Gerry’s second Spookyghost LP  “The Light Machine”, of which he said: “Quite the most beautiful and moving pieces of work I have possessed in a long time”.

Gerry recalls those days with ‘The Dame’, which lead to him working on Bowies’ last three records, “Heathen” (2002) “Reality” (2003) and “The Next Day” (2013) on which he wrote two songs- “Boss of Me” and “I’ll Take You There”.

Gerry would become Bowie’s musical director for the massive tours Bowie undertook after he ended his live exile in 2003, including a memorable show at the old Point Depot which was filmed for a live DVD.

Gerry Leonard, aka Spookyghost, (right) on stage with Bowie and bassist Gail Ann Dorsey

Bowie is not the only legend Gerry has worked with, as he reveals to Neil. He also has a long standing relationship with Suzanne Vega, Rufus Wainwright, Laurie Anderson and Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters. Indeed, he has just finished a new album with Vega and also has just finished a new Spookyghost solo LP.

Gerry is in Dublin this weekend (Saturday January 9 – Sunday January 10) for the first ever David Bowie Festival takes place at Dublin’s Grand Social venue. There are dozens of events happening on Saturday & Sunday including live gigs, Q&A sessions, quizzes, a collectors/merch market, DJ sets from Bowie afficiandos & special Bowie film screenings.

He will be taking part in ‘An Audience with Gerry Leonard’  which includes a Q&A with Tony Clayton-Lea followed by live Spooky Ghost set. On Saturday and Sunday Gerry will also join world-renowned Irish Bowie tribute act Rebel Rebel for some incredible Bowie musical memories.

For more see the first ever David Bowie Festival FACEBOOK and also check out here and the here 

For loads more on Gerry Leonard, aka Spookyghost, check out his official site here