British guitarist analyses Mick Ronson, Bowie's right hand man!

[@markbrooks4471]

By the time Bowie released Aladdin Sane, Mick was doing virtually everything, producing, arranging, writing string scores and hiring additional musicians. His importance in David Bowie's career cannot be underestimated. It's great that all these years after his passing he is finally getting some sort of acknowledgement for his talents.

[@PedrSion]

I’m sure that he would have preferred the money…

[@joethelion6016]

Nobody underestimates Mick Ronson, he got lots of recognition at the time. He played with Bowie at several very high profile concerts much later.

[@markbrooks4471]

@joethelion6016 Strongly disagree, it wasn't until long after his death that he started to receive the recognition he deserved. Bowie often traded Ronson arrangers credits to keep him being listed as a co writer. He guested with Bowie on two occasions, the Black Tie tour where he borrowed Earl Slick's guitar at a show in Canada to make a cameo appearance and the Wembley Stadium Freddie Mercury tribute. On both occasions he was already terminally ill but still pulled out the stops to put on a stellar performance. In spite of all this, Ronson seemed to not bear Bowie any malice and they exchanged letters right up until his death in April '93. Bowie declined to attend the funeral.

[@joethelion6016]

Were you were into music in the early 70's in the UK? Ronson certainly was 'recognised' as a great guitarist and never underestimated by Bowie and Spider fans. I bought his solo vinyls. Ronson recorded Cream's 'I Feel Free' on the studio *album* Black Tie, White Noise. He didn't just pick up a guitar on stage. 'In spite of all' what? It wasn't down to Bowie that Ronson was unwell. As far as writing credits go, I'd say naming him as co-writer is a bigger accolade than 'arranger'. So I've no idea why you're implying they weren't still friends, maybe you buy into MSM narratives. I have the utmost respect for Ronson. As a Bowie fan of over *50* years the period when Bowie collaborated with him was and will always remain the greatest for me. The only other guitarist who made an impact was Fripp's wonderful input to and 'Scary Monsters' and 'Heroes' albums.

[@markbrooks4471]

@joethelion6016 I've ben a Bowie fan since 72. Bought both of Mick's solo records the week they came out. Have a look at the movie 'Beside Bowie' and see if you still feel the same.

[@gxhall]

The body of work that Ronno left not only as a guitarist but as a producer and arranger is formidable, he should have so much more appreciation and recognition

[@jcripp7974]

Ronson. Absolutely critical to Bowies early success. Not only guitar but arranging, producing. No album credits for it. Criminal.

[@MrMeadfoot]

And he never kicked up a fuss about it, wouldn't happen nowadays as Lawyers would be all over this and Mick would have been rightly rewarded.

[@telefret]

Well, I am looking at my original vinyls, not reissues, and ‘Hunky Dory and “Michael Ronson who played guitar and did arrangements marked thus *” (Changes, Life On Mars, Kooks, Quicksand and Fill Your Heart) and then ‘Ziggy’: “Arrangements David Bowie and Mick Ronson” and then ‘Aladdin Sane’: “Arrangements David Bowie and Mick Ronson”, “Mixed by Ken Scott and Mick Ronson”. So he was actually credited on the albums.

[@waynetykocki3964]

He was pure genius and a really great guy. No airs and graces down to earth and very humble. He was so much more talented than he realised or anyone else, except Bowie who tapped into this. Bless you Mick you were (are) BRILLIANT!

[@dandare6865]

Mick WAS Ziggy Stardust, it was such a shame that Bowie "broke up the band"

[@jimmycampbell78]

If it was all down to Ronson, care to explain how Bowie also gave Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Mott the Hoople a lot of success when he helped and worked with them in the same era?

[@KevinMacCash]

thanks so much for giving Mick the attention he deserves.

[@seanhammond4034]

Never got paid what he was worth, never got writing credits, mick made a lot stars

[@trudypedersen-french3593]

Thank you for bringing Mick to the forefront, he was one of our best musicians.

[@711honved]

Mick was a classically trained musician & learned piano as a child. His arrangements on Transformer were superb & he even played piano on the standout track, Perfect Day. Lou Reed said Mick's production & arrangements made the album.

[@popatyourecords]

yip

[@23theseeker50]

Mick was a class guitarist Bowie would never have been as good without Mick Ronson GOD Bless him he left us far to early may you be strutting your stuff in heaven MICK RONSON AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING MY FRIEND WE WILL ALWAYS MISS YOU.

[@dolomitelitenin]

Mick Ronson played more than just a small part in Pure Prairie League’s sophomore effort in 1972 called ‘Bustin’ Out.’ Angel Number 9 is on that record, with Ronson playing guitar(s) along with a pedal steel player, with the great, but rather unknown, Craig Fuller singing lead. It’s my favorite cover of this song. RIP Mick Ronson. (Wish DB had paid you your due.)

[@alangray9117]

He was a classically trained pianist, genius producer and arranger who never overdid it with long solos. Like you were saying about control, part of the genius was the expressiveness he could do with ONE note. That always blew my mind like the guitar part at the end of Moonage Daydream. He was a very economically done guitar master in his own class.

[@mathowlett]

Thank you. Mick was a true legend and we're so very proud of him here in Hull 🤗

[@guitarman1477]

Well, he’s the only decent thing to come out of hull... there’s nowt else there

[@strangedean]

@@guitarman1477 The other two spiders Mick Woodmansey and Trevor Bolder? As for Hull it's a fantastic place with the friendliest people in England.

[@strangedean]

I'm also from Hull and very proud of Mick, Bowie would have been a star at some point but not the same sort of star.

[@niptodstan]

I'm from Birmingham and I'm proud of him. He made Bowie. The Ziggy sound was Mick.

[@mikegray8776]

@@strangedean. Agreed. As a Brummie, I’d only every heard sneery comments about KuH - but when I had cause to spend some time there in the 90’s, I was blown away by the friendliness and generosity of everyone I met.

[@barbaracarey4651]

Digging through your back catalog of videos Fil and found this gem you shared. I love seeing Ronson get the appreciation he deserves.

[@andyandcallie]

Ronson was why I've always loved Moonage Daydream so much. It's so nice that Hull honors him as he deserves. For me, he's the one who put Hull on the map.

[@strangedean]

William Wilberforce had a good go but yes Mick Ronson and the other two spiders did Hull very proud.

[@camdix3250]

It is my understanding that there is a beautiful metal guitar sculpture in Hull to commemorate Mick Ronson. If you google it, there is a lovely photo of Mick's younger sister Maggi, sitting by the sculpture. I would like to travel there (from here in Canada) one day just to see this sculpture in honor of Mick. I miss him so much.

[@walterfechter8080]

"Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" -- incredible guitar work by Mick Ronson and exquisite piano by Mike Garson. Thank FIL.

[@mikegray8776]

Agreed - such a moving piece of work!

[@RATCLIFFE-LISTENS]

Ronson was a complete monster. He was highly respected by so many musicians.They did a memorial concert for him a two CD set many many guest stars. He spent time in Vancouver BC late in life. He was a major contributor to Mott the Hoople and Bowie. Thanks

[@andrewswatland4622]

He’s so underrated as a guitarist and arranger. A brilliant musician. No Ronson, no Bowie 🤟🏻

[@dandare6865]

Probably no Ronson and Angie Bowie no "Bowie" she was also unsung. She pushed him and helped develop his look. You can even see her on some early videos where there is like 10 people in the audience and she is there at the front pretending to do the fan bit "screaming and shouting" trying to generate interest.

[@waynetykocki3964]

Totally agree

[@natalienatalie6838]

I agree

[@nicksundby]

I thought he was widely considered to be brilliant?

[@joethelion6016]

Similarly no Bowie, no Ronson. They were a phenomenal team while it lasted

[@Pb-ij4ip]

Those bends...that sustain...the way “feeling” is transmitted through the guitar! I’m melting.

[@kathyerickson6862]

Mick Ronson is one of my favorites. One of the only musicians I cried over when he died.

[@foxandscout]

I cried over so many

[@brucerawsthorne8936]

Yes I remember hearing of his death on the radio at work . Just could not believe it .

[@CP-rc6wb]

Mick was a humble and gentle man with a genius musical mind. I know his son very well. He is the spitting image of Mick. Beautiful souls.

[@guitarman1477]

Cathy the clown

[@Eskay1206]

I had this album when I was 14yrs old, , " Play dont worry" loved it. underrated talent, The empty bed was a great song as well as Play dont worry

[@andyandcallie]

Love the Empty Bed!

[@waynetykocki3964]

Great album

[@ttomgast1769]

This is for You

[@alanashlock3900]

"micks Solo on 'Moonage Daydream' Still gives me Chills!'

[@scottmcgregor562]

Mick laid down more memorable tag intros with Bowie than anybody I know. He seemed to have an endless supply of memorable melodic lead lines. Of all the recordings he's played on I have never heard him repeat himself. Whether trading licks with Beck or supporting Dylan, he provided a incredible complimentary support. When he was given the freedom he was off into the stratosphere going to places that we never heard before.

[@Truthasvictim]

Not only that Scott, he also had an amazingly great sound with almost no effects either. I just loved all the sounds of his guitars especially on the Alddinsane album. Such power, but also so sweet too.

[@waynetykocki3964]

Mick Ronson was definitely a top guitarist/ musician arranger etc Bowie did know this that’s why he got hold of him he referred to him as his very own Jeff Beck. Mick wasn’t a lime light grabbing kind of guy in many ways he was quite shy. He changed when he walked-out onto a stage. He also didn’t realise how good he was it was a slight lack of confidence which is why he had been overlooked and given up and gone back to being a groundsman. He was marking out football pitches when he was approached about playing with Bowie. Possibly if Bowie hadn’t had him pointed out to him and recognised his potential he may have finished his life working for Hull Council. So at least he was rescued from the mundane and at least we appreciate him for what he truly was a creative genius who helped others like Iggy pop Mott the Hoople etc

[@mikereed8181]

@@waynetykocki3964 lack of confidence are you talking about Mick Ronson? for someone lacking confidence and to have such control of a guitar that's not telling me he's lacking confidence that's telling me he mastered the guitar, he was only shy when he was a kid

[@waynetykocki3964]

@@mikereed8181 not shy but he wasn’t cocky and yes he got going but he didn’t start out as confident he was reassured as to his capabilities. He didn’t know how good he was he ha to be told to enable him to see it

[@mikereed8181]

@@waynetykocki3964 iam sorry but i have to beg to differ but you have your opinion and i have the right opinion lol peace lol

[@flyinpigmusic331]

I love Mick Ronson's solo on the original recording of Madman Across the Water by Elton John. So good! He had such a distinctive tone.

[@ronvalentini6306]

Blast from the past. Imagine the elevator door opens and as I walk in Ron Wood. Elton John. and Mick Ronson and a gang of guys are walking out to the hotel pool at Turnberry Isle Yacht club in Miami beach. So much for going back to the room. I followed them back to the pool and sat as close as i could to them. The conversation was of a show that must of never happened. I never heard of such a show but they were talking serious about it. I finally got the balls to say something stupid and they were all to cool. Ron Wood ended up giving me 2 passes to his live music bar there Woody's. I think they found me amusing.

[@gerard1954]

ron valentini cool story something you will always remember how often does something like that happen to us . Great

[@gilbertspader7974]

Thanks for sharing , great story .

[@shaunw9270]

Great story, thanks for sharing it 👍

[@ZomBMarketing]

The hell with Woody's, can you get me into the Turnberry Isle Yacht club?

[@BeefheartLynch]

Wow! I'm pretty sure I would have soiled myself. Woody and Mick are among two of my favorite guitarists. That's incredible, good for you!

[@maleake56]

Mick Ronson was such an underrated but great guitarist. He certainly put his stamp on Bowie's early career. A very tasteful player. His solo career never quite took off to the degree it should have, but there's some really good stuff there. For anyone interested, "The Spider with the Platinum Hair" is an informative read about his life.

[@BeefheartLynch]

Thank you, Fil! I've been a huge Mick Ronson since the Spiders days. He is just one of those players who aren't just playing by memory or technique. It's emotion and improvisation. Plus, he is just awesome to watch too. I love the way he moves on stage. Rock on, Fil!

[@lespauldisciple3349]

Mick is one of the great rock guitarists of the 70's. That cat could wail with the best of them. I would recommend people find the 3 CD collection of Bowie's BBC recordings. The first two discs are a Mick Ronson guitar seminar. Mick Trivia: he was involved in the recording sessions with John Cougar Mellencamp for 'Jack and Diane' and it was Mick's idea to insert that gospel break in the middle.

[@jessieessex]

I had no idea. This man IS Hunky Dory. There’s just no avoiding it. My eyes and ears have opened.

[@albertandrews130]

He is Ziggy's right hand man.

[@onlyonce1707]

Yes Ronson was the composer of the music. Bowie had song ideas and lyrics.

[@32mybelle]

I never understood why Ronno didn't become more popular as a soloist. He is one of my favorite guitarists.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Mick Ronson were the “unknown” guitar God. He left us way too early. Check out his posthume album “Heaven and Hull”. Pure class. Also his work with Bowie and Ian Hunter at the Freddie Mercury memorial at Wembley. Or the “Once bitten twice shy” video with Ian Hunter. Sutch a tragic loss to the music world.

[@leescott2069]

"Heaven and Hull" is a great album. I also listen to "play don't worry"another great album.but as far as the guitar God and losing him way to soon I couldn't agree more my friend who knows what Ronno could of accomplished if we didnt lose him at 47 its sad it's like "Lennon"who knows what they would of done by now? Great things I'm sure..

[@davidburne9477]

Check out Ian Hunter’s dedication to Mick - ‘Michael Picasso’. If that don’t make you weep, well you must have a heart of stone.

[@dandare6865]

@@davidburne9477 The best thing is that Ian Hunter WAS there for Mick in his last days, a true loyal friend.

[@edwardmarks4293]

Thanks Fil! Ronson has always been my favorite guitarist. A true player in service to the song.

[@Neal_Schier]

This rocks! Was a teenager during the disco years and it was Ronson's work that helped provide one of the saving antidotes to that musical menace. I realized Bowie had many incarnations, but the early work with Mick was imho by far the best. RIP Mick. The British were so fortunate btw to have the great Bob Harris doing the moderating of the musical shows back then.

[@robertasirgutz8800]

Fil, I honestly didn't know that Mick Ronson was so pivotal to Bowie's success. I've never heard anyone get that tone out of his guitar. Beside his guitar skills, he was a master strings arranger/ conductor AND produced many of those memorable tracks. Bowie needed him. In the studio, he mixed and laid down the music. I watched the movie, "Cracked Actor". Told me everything I needed to know about Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders. He needed to "kill" Ziggy, in order to get on with his Plastic Soul transition, starting with "Diamond Dogs". Tragic story.

[@fatbelly27]

Bowie putting his arm around Mick as they shared a microphone on Top of the Pops was an iconic moment.

[@dandare6865]

There was a better moment, Bowie performed Starman on a programme i think it was called "Lift Off with Ayshea" but looks like it has been lost to time.

[@fatbelly27]

@@dandare6865 I think UK tv companies were still taping over video footage in those days. Compare that to USA where you can still see videos of Elvis and Bo Diddley from the 1950s!

[@bekind6763]

Mick was the man, played a mean guitar, not bad on vocals and the band was great. Thanks for all of the awesome information! /m\

[@lisamoses2829]

I spent many hours listening to Mick with my headphones on. In the 70s. He was phenomenal musician and it sounds like he was a very nice man.

[@GreenManalishiUSA]

Thank you, Fil for this wonderful analysis of Mick Ronson. Ronno was a brilliant instrumentalist, arranger, and producer, and according to many accounts that I read, he was a down-to-earth and generous person, often not taking credit for his contributions to the work of others. He was one of the greats!

[@senseiruss]

Mick was an awe-inspiring musician. And you're right, a real down-to-earth guy. I met him once in 1980. Somehow, my band and I (The Maroons, aspiring rockers on the NYC club scene) were able to contact him. We asked if he'd listen to our demo and give us his advice. He actually agreed, much to our astonishment! He was in NYC at the time, and he suggested we send him the demo, and once he'd listened, we could meet at Pete's Tavern in downtown Manhattan. We met him, he gave us some good advice on our material and the music biz, etc., we had a few drinks with him, and chatted just just like regular folks. He offered to pay for our drinks, but we wouldn't let him. What a cool and generous man!

[@Weird_Old_Uncle_Kenny]

Mick is one of those guys you can pick out his style and tone immediately, but the general public never really got to know who he was. He helped raise Bowie to superstardom, but somehow got lost, himself, in the shuffle. He has always been one of my favorites!

[@alansack3490]

Mick Ronson is my favorite guitar player so I really enjoyed this video as well as your analysis. His work with Bowie and Ian Hunter is great and shouldn't be overlooked. And a big thanks for mentioning his work with Bowie on arrangements. I don't think he's gotten enough credit for his arrangements. i was lucky to see him in Boston in 1972 with Bowie. RIP, Mick.

[@genealogyMAD]

How absolutely "cool" was Mick Ronson. I'm ancient so remember him in the 70s and seeing him in Circus magazine back in the day. I'm a huge Ronson fan. Good stuff, Phil :)

[@natalienatalie6838]

HES AWESOME

[@bobwallace9814]

When Mick Ronson plays you expect David Bowie to start singing. They are joined at the hip.

[@kimberlaw5934]

I'm so proud of you Fil your that great and your fans know it.

[@sadduck28]

the character and genius of the man is perfectly illustrated on "heroes" with queen and bowie at the Freddie Mercury tribute, no Brian Eno technical wizardry needed just a lad from hull with no edge to him doing his thing , truly fabulous , you could forget who was on stage with him that night ,

[@dmotta2811]

I love his hair 💕

[@JTRocks4Ever]

His wife was a hairdresser for Bowie and the band. Mick's hair always looked perfect!

[@monicajean37]

Hi Fil, I wonder how many people realized that Randy Rhoads was a HUGE Mick ronson fan!? he even looked like him, same hairstyle, clothes etc, RR's 2 fav guitarist, Jeff Beck and Mick Ronson!

[@Flatwoodsdad]

I love Bowie don't get me wrong. Andybody who listens to pre/post Ronson Bowie stuff knows he should have gotten some the writing credits. Seems he never held a grudge about it but would have helped him a lot at the end. To all you young musician's -- fame is fleeting but royalties go on forever.

[@stever128]

It maybe so however look at David's body of work and compare it to Mick's. Mick never hit anywhere near the heights that David did even Mick's guitar playing was at a level below what David could get him to do. To that end I really do wonder where the core song writing was coming from? I would even say that about Robert Fripp as well. His work with David was just incredible, a really intelligent player but still his best work was with David. David's songs made these guitarist flourish, it seems it was not quite true of the reverse with their own material.

[@spanishpeaches2930]

@@stever128 Bowie needed collaberators to make his ideas shine. None shined his ideas/songs better than Ronno, whose fingerprints are all over Bowie's first five albums with his playing, arrangement and productions. Bowie never gave him the credit he deserved.

[@airmark02]

Bowie was notoriously cheap and even the end of his life had a hard time reconciling the truth about his debt to Ronson. Most young rock stars in their 20's have big egos.

[@stever128]

@@spanishpeaches2930 Guitarists that add hooks or lead solos never get writing credits. Look at Andy Summers, George Harrison, James Honeyman-smith even David Gilmour. Guys, unless the guitarist is writing the song it is just considered doing his part. Mick gets arrangement credit on multiple songs of David's. Did Ken Scott or Tony V ever say he was a coproducer? I didl love the sound of Micks les paul but was Earl Slick and Robert Fripp just not a degree better and more memorable?

[@ronno108]

@@stever128 Ronson wasn't really a solo artist per say though his solo stuff is excellent. Ronson's work with Ian Hunter was just as good as anything Bowie did at the time. I could only name you two Bowie tracks that come to mind on Fripp playing with Bowie....Fashion and Heroes...Fripp is a great player but Ronson was all over the Bowie albums and not just on Guitar. I don't get how you can say Ronsons guitar playing was at level below what David could get him to do, thats simply incorrect.

[@demondik]

Ronson was a great guitarist and also in his performances! Anyone who knows Randy Rhoads' rock-n-roll and his ability to be one of the biggest rockstars who took the stage will take note that Ronson was one of his best idols when playing! It's wonderful to know when the stage comes up and the characters are doing their jobs right, the audiences are mesmerised and their absorbed in to fantasy from the start to the end of the performance!

[@triffidgrower]

The craft of Mick Ronson, a joy and an inspiration. One of my regrets when I'm dead will be that I won't be able to appreciate his work any more........or will I? Thankyou for another great watch, you've nailed it again.

[@steveleblanc7983]

Got to see him in Toronto in 1983 when Bowie came to town and brought him on to play on "The Jean Jeanie". A surprise thrill.

[@Cashcrop54]

I really started respecting Mick’s talents was when I realized it was him singing harmony with Bowie on “Space Oddity” live. He really has a great voice. Then I got into his guitar playing in Mott the Hoople and onward. Great review Fil!

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@bofuscrapshaw]

Thanks Fil Mick is my all time favorite guitar player. This was a special treat for me and I learned a bunch too!

[@NuclearGrizzly]

You can tell by his look and guitar Mick was a major influence on Randy Rhodes.

[@robertlawrence492]

Mick was truly outstanding! It's a shame he was never recognized by the majority of the population. So glad I was born in '59, and was exposed to so many musicians. Grateful for my brother who listened to so many types of music.

[@dandare6865]

The majority of the population are mostly idiots. He got the recognition where it mattered, but i agree he should have been allowed to mature as a singer songwriter.

[@ly776]

Great player. His Slaughter on 10th Ave recording is a fantastic performance that never grows old. Well done and informative review as always.

[@steveevans424]

EARL SLICK > " I'm not the best guitarist David ever played with that honor belongs to Mick " ....MICK'S GUITAR > There is a wonderful documentary on YT showing how Micks guitar got lost for decades and then found in Australia and put back into original playing shape and loved, shared and recorded by it's admiring new owner....cheers

[@catsofsherman1316]

Thanks for this. Mick was a true great. He is not spoken of as much as he deserves these days. I recently read Woody Woodmansey's book which had plenty of Ronson stories from the Ziggy period. Mick was a huge part of what made those early Bowie albums so great. Woody is the only Spider standing now.

[@shadowplay2801]

Seen the spiders radio city ny, mick ronson turned bowie's songs into rock anthems. huge fan ever since then. moonage daydream was like no other song at that time. you rock Fil

[@FrackFreeTV]

As a guitarist from Hull, Mick has a special place in my heart.

[@strangedean]

I'm also a guitarist from Hull, Just not a very good one haha

[@gssheriff7278]

Mick Ronson was the spark for David Bowie by influencing the Bowie sound with his guitar playing and helping Bowie with constructing his arrangements in the early 1970s with the Spiders from Mars. Unfortunately Bowie never really gave Ronson much appreciation or credit for what Nick contributed to Bowie success. Only much later then Mick passed away. Ozzy Osbourne always gave credit to his success as solo artist to Randy Rhodes.

[@jimmycampbell78]

I am a big Bowie fan. He recorded Space Oddity pre-Ronson, and made so many good albums post-Ronson as well: Diamond Dogs, Low, Heroes, Scary Monsters and my favourite Bowie album, Station to Station. Bowie was a genius songwriter and his conceptual ideas were just brilliant- don’t get me wrong, Ronson was so important to Bowie’s glam rock/Ziggy period, but to say Bowie owed it all to him really is stretching it- big time.

[@gssheriff7278]

I'm not saying Bowie didn't have a great career after Ronson, just in my opinion, Ronson assisted him in the early days for Bowie to find his way, image and or images, music sound and arranging that led Bowie to become the Hall of Famer he became.

[@purplepauline]

Bowie had the ability to find the very best musicians and then bounce off they talent

[@jimmycampbell78]

Ronson was an excellent guitarist but the concepts and songs were all Bowie’s. For example he wrote Life on Mars 2 years before it appeared on Hunky Dory. The hippies were not ready for Bowie’s musical hall tributes and garage rock n roll in the late 1960s, the early 70s and glam rock era fitted the Ziggy persona perfectly.

[@gssheriff7278]

I watched the documentary on Mick Ronson, he was more involved in Bowie songwriting when he was with Bowie.

[@niconpvc1292]

One of the most underrated guitarist ever !!!

[@guessundheit6494]

In the early 1980s, Ronson lived in Vancouver, and produced the Post Punk/New Wave band The Payola$. They weren't popular outside Canada, but they had many hits. But you will know one name from that band, the guitarist who was also a studio engineer: Bob Rock. It was Ronson who turned him into one of the biggest producers in the music business.

[@KatieReadsKoziesAndMore]

Thanks for this Mick Ronson review. I didn’t get into Bowie until his release of Fame, thanks to Lennon’s work on the song. Yet, Ronson’s guitar work has a familiar sound to me. I looked him up to find that he worked on guitar/strings and maybe background vocals(?) for Pure Prairie Leagues’ song Amie. PPL gained popularity in my home town back in the 70’s and Amie is still a favorite of mine. Watching your channel is opening my eyes to the many different talented people that I’ve listened throughout my life without even knowing it. Thank you so much for this awareness. 👍🏼

[@taklamak]

Bustin Out is the PPL album you need to hear. The instrumental at the end of side 2 was later used on zs&tsfm

[@taklamak]

Here is the track kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZKrgaSEfJqdr5o

[@taklamak]

Its the orchestration right at the end of the track

[@leeroykincaid2172]

Katie S Ronno played bass on “Aimee”

[@ProgEnjoyer397]

Check out his live solo for the Width of a Circle, absolutely fantastic!

[@reedhryals7007]

I'm so happy I found your page. The knowledge you have of all the songs. You have introduced me to many other artists. You have a great smile would love to set down and have a drink with you and pick your brain. Keep it up your doing great.

[@serendipity9987]

There's not enough good that can be said about this legend. He and David are sorely missed.

[@neil1390]

Your analysis of the older guitar gods is much appreciated, always, thanks Fil! Especially Rory Gallagher!

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

Only recently I’ve revisited Mick Ronson as he kind of passed me by first time around. And I believe he’s one of the most talented rock guys the UK ever produced. His tone, his playing and his vocals are immense! I’m mad at myself for taking so long to catch up with him.

[@italianplastick4031]

The best things is having someone appreciate the music as much as I do! Love watching you just head noddin' along 💜🤙

[@mrfrosty3]

This is only the 2nd time I've seen or heard him, I haven't heard another guitarist like him, very interesting style.

[@MrJoseph6119]

The British and the Americans! I just gotta say are some of the best musicians this world has ever seen!

[@beachgirl4583]

Joseph Thoma, Canada has some greats: Rush, and April Wine for starters.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Shania Twain..Justin Bieber..Go Canucks

[@MrJoseph6119]

@@beachgirl4583 I stand corrected and you are right, Rush & April Wine are simply to of the best bands this world has to offer! both bands are in my top ten!.....

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

Bachmann Turner Overdrive? Pronounced Bachmann, LOL. Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, I think Gordon Lightfoot.

[@deanroddey2881]

@Night-Sparrow Cairns I'm American, but of course lots of good Canadians. In additions to those, there's Rush which is nothing to sneeze at. Five sixths of The Band were Canadian, plus Levon Helm from the US. I always found it interesting that this mostly Canadian band wrote some of the most iconic American roots rock ever. Leonard Cohen of course, who is one of the foundations. Glenn Gould on the classical side of things.

[@thepagan5432]

Mick Ronson was a great musician and the collaboration with David Bowie was phenomenal. Another music great that was taken too soon. The "Old Grey Whistle Test" was a great program which my dad hated but my elder brother and I loved it. So many good bands and singers were on Whistle Test, a shame it ended but that's life. Thank you for another fascinating insight.

[@sueannewatts6445]

It’s so neat to fall in love again the awesome musicians from my young teen years in lates sixties up to the eighties ( which is when my great rock music listening ended up being reduced to “the wheels of the bus go round and round” in a van with four kids. They’d chuckle at my nostalgic comments... UNTIL they were learning lead, bass etc and playing in bands. Now they see these musicians with awe. These guys ( and gals) really did break a “glass ceiling” that still is a standard of proficiency very difficult to reach. PS I added some of your own songs to my playlist. You’re crazy talented. What a joy to hear your proficiency vocally and instrumentally. Glad to subscribe!

[@cosmicmauve]

Love Mick Ronson. Grew up in that era, it's only now looking back that I see that I couldn't always appreciate the caliber of these musicians. Many of them were visionaries. I think we just expected it of them and kind of took it for granted. Great Britain has consistently produced genius musicians. All these guys were really smart aside from their musicianship. Listen to them in interviews and they often have a vast knowledge of history and the arts among other things.

[@ipsurvivor]

Great video and analysis as per usual Fil. Great player... Totally about serving the song and the production values. One of the reasons why The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars (Bowie - 1972) is top shelf and one of the greatest albums of all time. It really brought back that early punk 60s clarity back to the 70s... I personally get off so much on that album. It also has all the critical criteria of greatness... Great in its own time, great integration of influences from its past and its influence on music subsequent to it.

[@randybailin4902]

Another fine review. That guitar was a huge part of the sound that Bowie achieved during that era of Ziggy Stardust. Whenever I hear of someone who started out with the cello, I just laugh and assume that they got tired of lugging the damned thing around.

[@keithfreeland7638]

Thanks for doing Ronno Fil. He was a great musician. He worked with John Cougar also. I met Mick and Ian after a show in Dayton, Ohio. Two great dude's.

[@kxrv6629]

Watched again. Loved seeing Mick Ronson play this song Live. Fun to see how he played it and the minor variations from the album version.

[@timwilson2939]

Your videos always make me appreciate music and musicians. It's such a powerful art form, that I'm sometimes brought to tears. What a great and meaningful way to express emotions in a manner that most people can feel viscerally. Thank you!

[@johnnyreno7200]

I saw Mick Ronson and Ian Hunter play in the mid 70s in Fayetteville, NC

[@tommypwood672]

Oh wow no you didn't...I missed it...also GFR was here But I did see Rush and zz Top in 75..saw Deep purple in 74..Steppenwolf first concert in 71 followed by 3 dog night..fsyetnam

[@MrMeadfoot]

Glasgow 1975 for me, Ronno was absolutely amazing, as was Ian.

[@johnnyreno7200]

@@MrMeadfoot that's awesome man...as Fil says, "Rock"🤘

[@jcripp7974]

Used to let Mick and Ian park their tour bus in my parking lot beside my house and nightclub in coincidentily Hull, Mass. Became friends with them and got to talk about all kinds of rock n roll with them. Great guys and awesome talents. The nightclub " Uncle Sams" was a favorite spot for them. They played it at least 6 or 7 times as did I. Broke my heart when Ronno passed. Mott was one of my absolute favorite bands prior to Hunter/ Ronson so those guys meant the world to me. Yeah. Mick was a great guitar player and all around musician

[@johnnyreno7200]

@@jcripp7974 that's awesome man...I love to hear stories like this...yeah man , love Mott The Hoople...just plain fun raw rock n roll..thanks for sharing this!

[@mousegeek]

Ronson worked with Lou Reed and did string arrangements on Transformer and produced Morrissey's Your Arsenal.

[@antonioortiz4544]

His guitar tone was always beautiful and nasty. He's my favorite guitar player.

[@ronnie5129]

FIL, THANKS FOR THE FILM AND YOUR COMMENTS, LIKE YOU SAID, MR. VIBRATO HERE, HE COULD SURE HIT THE NOTE AND MAKE A SONG OUT OF A NOTE, THAT IS A GREAT GUITAR PLAYER, THE MUSIC HE MADE AND DAVID MADE WILL BE HEARD FOREVER, COUSIN FIGEL

[@richeaton7436]

Thanks, Fil. Always loved the Pure Prairie League version of this song, and had never heard Mick's cover of Craig Fuller's killer tune.

[@mevrammcoyoteV8f150]

Never really payed much attention to Mick Ronson..he sounds good..hints of Joe Walsh..Gibson sounds good also. ..thanks Fil

[@DerGlaetze]

Mark Evrard That was the first thought in my mind. Joe Walsh. Exactly

[@robertsmyth4998]

Mark Evrard Joe was on a chat show, host asked how long had he been drunk, aaaabbbout 25 years said Joe, great lad 🎸🎸🎸☘️☘️☘️

[@LukasFin]

Atlantic crossing. My favorite Joe Walsh song is "Meadows" and it has riffs like "Woman from Tokayo" by Deep Purple

[@jimhere1]

I think this is a Pure Prairie League song

[@dmac8949]

Many thanks for this. You know I've been waiting for this for a long time.

[@karlsnoeberger8922]

He also has that grab you quality to his voice like Bowie.

[@Mikino1976]

Thank you for covering the great Mick Ronson! Love his playing with Bowie and Ian Hunter! I had never heard him sing before.

[@jasminaogrady7470]

Listen to "Only After Dark". I found Mick's voice on this song simply enchanting!

[@PK1971PK]

Another great find. Good quality video--I need to look into Mick Ronson some more, like this cut.

[@lespauldisciple3349]

PK: Be sure to check out Bowie's 'Aladdin Sane' ("a lad insane"). The music, stylistically, is all over the place but Mick shows his versatility at every turn. The intro to 'Cracked Actor' is truly apocalyptic and one of my fave "Mick with Bowie" moments.

[@paulablissett9396]

Mick Ronson, i knew who he was, couldn't think of his name he was great, you can really see the David Bowie influence here, and what a fabulous musician he was.. Sorry to hear of his passing...

[@msfl54]

To me Mick and George Harrison shared that unique talent to play the sound that the track required. Within themselves not go crazy.

[@williampatterson5067]

Mick was one of my favorite guitarists loved him with Bowie and Ian Hunter both highly underrated. Speaking of Micks I would like to see you do something on Mick Ralphs. He was so good and precise with his playing especially with Mott the Hoople and early Bad Co. Very simplistic but with a great powerful sound. Peace!

[@rmcellig]

I was about to make the same suggestion. Was Mick also known s Ariel Bender?

[@williampatterson5067]

@@rmcellig No, Ariel Bender replaced Mick in Mott, when he left to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers.

[@tynebar]

@@rmcellig Ariel is Luther Grosvenor from Spooky Tooth.

[@camdix3250]

Thank you so much for this wonderful video analysis of my most favorite guitarist of all time!! You are so right in the arranging and production aspects that Mick contributed. Early on with David Bowie, Mick returned to Hull to study music arranging. As you say, he contributed the strings on "Life on Mars". He also composed the synthesized strings on "All the Madmen" which were recorded using Ralph Mace's monophonic Moog synthesizer, laid down one track at a time, over and over again to create the multiple stringed instrument sound. I have great respect for David Bowie. He was my one and only "hero" starting when I was age 16. However, I was disapplinted to later learn that Mick Ronson should have recieved much more credit or recognition for his contributions to Bowie's music. That opening riff on "Ziggy Stardust" was composed by Mick. Thank you again for the wonderful video.

[@valeriekokenge659]

He was so good! A real rock god! Thanks for giving Mick a review. Bowie really had a knack for picking the best of band members to surround himself.

[@WillyMcCoy50]

Fil, so glad that you understand the subtleties and nuances of some of the best musicians of the era's you look into. The most fascinating are generally the most overlooked yet the music soars to the top on their shoulders. Even in dull backwaters like Seattle the major influencers would stop in to brighten up their fans. Wish I could take you back in time to some of the shows of my formative years. We would skip school and stand in line to get front row.

[@dkompres6889]

Mick was ahead of his time, he was a great live performer and I was lucky enough to get to see him play on two occasions!

[@Marsha0364]

Thank you Fil for another great review and Mick was a really great artist! Loved the guitar in this!

[@carlos-fv1rc]

Thank you, Fil - thanks to you I discovered this amazing track. I'm blown away by Mick's playing: the tone, vibrato, feel, expression. It's melodic and powerful, this is how an electric guitar should sound.

[@eily_b]

Mick Ronson. He was so good at the guitar but worked as a gardener and was painting white lines in a sports field when Bowies manager (or whoever) and another lad were looking for him to hire him for Bowie. :D How nice is that? People in Hull led them to Ronson on that sports field. They knew him and how good he played the guitar.

[@strangedean]

Was it East Park?

[@stardust_memories2260]

Cheers to Mick Ronson, one of my biggest music influences in my life. April 29th will always be a sad day for me. ✨

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

This guy is great!

[@ralfbond258]

Mick Ronson on David Bowie's song Holy Holy has a Roy Thonas Baker produced Queen song feel to it...imo

[@NoCoverCharge]

as far as i am concerned Mick has always been the Man.....