Exploring the Legendary Chateaux Marmont and Bowie’s Sound Techniques

the Chateaux Marmont 1976

Photo: Ricky Gardiner on Tour with David Bowie and Iggy Pop.

This villa is situated behind the legendary Chateaux Marmont Hotel, Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles where Ricky Gardiner stayed during the Idiot Tour of 1976 with David Bowie on Keys.

David’s piano was set up with an electronic pick up and a Lesley cabinet which gave it that tremendous spooky sound. How about that for a prepared piano 🙂

Rare Behind-the-Scenes Photos of David Bowie’s Low Sessions

From David Bowie News – I came across this post today about Ricky’s vintage photos of the Low Sessions at Chateau D’Herouville, Paris 1976 taken on his trusty Nikormat.

There are other great images in the film of the musicians who were there, but this one is especially rare as apparently, according to Tony Visconti, it is the only image there is of David Bowie, Tony Visconti and Brian Eno together.

Ricky Gardiner rip

Ricky Gardiner 1948/2022

It is with deep sadness that we annouce the passing of Ricky Gardiner Guitarist Songwriter/ Composer.
Ricky passed away in his sleep ealry in the morning of Friday the 13th of May. He had been suffering from Parkinson PSP for the last 12 years of his life.
We thank you for privacy at this time and welcome donations to https://pspassociation.org.uk to help to raise awareness of this rare condition.

Love and Light
Virginia and all the Gardiner family

Listen to Ricky’s last work ‘Songs For The Electric’ here: https://www.beggarsopera.co.uk

David Bowie Low Sessions 1976

David Bowie Low sessions at the Chateau d’Herouville 1976, featuring all the band and Tony Visconti and Brain Eno, kids and crew.

Behind the scenes photos by Ricky Gardiner’s Nikkormat camera and Kodachrome film.

Music: Night/ Songs for the Electric Ricky Gardiner and Virginia Scott