Beside Bowie The Mick Ronson Story Soundtrack and Film 08/06

“Mick Ronson was a guitarist with a sound like no other. Between 1970 and 1974, he was the musical genius behind David Bowie's greatest run of albums, The Man Who Sold the World, Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, and Pin Ups. Not only did he play guitar, he wrote the arrangements, baroque soundscapes that perfectly complemented Bowie's vision” – The Guardian

Universal Music are pleased to announce the release of “Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story, The Soundtrack” on 8th June 2018. The Soundtrack accompanies the DVD and Blu-Ray release of “Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story” – available to buy with new exclusive content on the same day.

The Soundtrack will be the first official career retrospective compilation for the guitar virtuoso. As well as key tracks from Mick Ronson’s solo records, the compilation includes material from his key collaborations with David Bowie, Elton John, Ian Hunter, Queen and Michael Chapman. The album also includes a previously unreleased cover version of ‘This Is For You’ by Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott and a piano tribute to Mick Ronson from David Bowie’s piano-man and band alumni Mike Garson (David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins). The soundtrack will be available on CD and Digital, heavy-weight 180-gram black Vinyl and exclusive limited edition coloured vinyl and includes extensive essay & liner notes.

“Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story” producer/Director Jon Brewer (BB King: The Life of Riley, Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark, Jimi Hendrix: Guitar Hero, The Most Dangerous Band in The World) gained the unprecedented access and permission for use of materials relating to the life of rock hero Mick Ronson, who was largely commercially over-looked despite his direct contribution and pivotal involvement in countless iconic compositions of David Bowie and The Spiders from Mars.

Despite his production and guitar work with Lou Reed, Morrissey, Ian Hunter and Mott The Hoople, Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp and many others, it is Mick Ronson’s dynamic support, contribution, and co-creation of the expansive and multi-faceted career of David Bowie and in fact that era of music, that this film exposes. With exclusive voice over contributions from David Bowie and exclusive contributions by Rick Wakeman, Joe Elliott, Roger Taylor, Ian Hunter, Angie Bowie and many more, “Beside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story” is a tribute to an uncomplicated man who achieved the pinnacle of success in the music industry as well as the rarefied respect from his contemporaries for his production and guitar skills.

His humble beginnings (in the northern English city of Hull) underpinned the values and modest, unpretentious personality of Mick Ronson. Originally working with Hull City Council while he pursued his craft with consummate dedication, word of his talent reached David Bowie who grabbed at the chance to work with Mick, and from there rock history was made. “The Man Who Sold the World”, ‘Aladdin Sane’ “Hunky Dory”, “Jean Genie”, all were constructed with Mick Ronson on guitar. In 1974 he was voted #2 'Best Guitarist' in ‘Cream’ magazine (notably Eric Clapton came in third).

Sadly, in 1993 Ronson passed away before receiving the recognition he so richly deserved before taking that final bow, as seen on film, at his last show. He had been making a solo album at the time, which was subsequently finished by his contemporaries.Emperor Media have achieved ultimate authenticity and access in chronicling the life and works of this man, an extraordinary talent who became a cornerstone of rock music and who stood ‘Beside Bowie’ during one of the most memorable periods of his dazzling career.

Full list of film contributors – Mike Garson, Mary Finnegan, Bob Harris, Jon Brewer, Suzi Ronson, Angie Bowie, Mick Ronson, Kevin Cann, David Stopps, Maggi Ronson, Tony Visconti, Dana Gillespie, Joe Elliott, Laurence Myers, Mick Rock, Rick Wakeman, Cherry Vanilla, Tony Zanetta, David Bowie, Ian Hunter, Lou Reed, Earl Slick, Lulu, Glen Matlock, Mark Nevin, Roger Taylor.