David Bowie: VH1 Storytellers

VH1 Storytellers began in 1996 with intimate TV performances by Ray Davies and Elvis Costello.

Over the next few years many singer/songwriters appeared on the show, performing in front of a live audience while telling stories of their music and memories.

From Garth Brooks to Smashing Pumpkins, many of the most memorable episodes featured British rock acts, and David Bowie appeared on the show August 23, 1999.

Bill Flanagan, Executive Producer of the show explains, “We were used to dealing with legendary musicians. Still, landing David Bowie was more than a big booking. There's no way to say this without being corny: it was an honour. Bowie has a unique place in rock & roll. He is not only one of the most influential musicians of the era, he does nothing unless he is fully committed. He never phones it in.”

He continues, “Bowie's Storytellers was a unique theatrical event, a sort of off-Broadway "Evening with the Artist" in which a great songwriter used bits and pieces from his life and career to show us all the roads leading up to a single moment, a complement to his current album but also a performance strong enough to stand on its own: a compelling introduction to David Bowie for the uninitiated and a fresh experience for the long time fan. It was a highlight of the series and a good lesson to those of us behind the camera who sometimes think the artist needs our help. When dealing with an artist of the stature of David Bowie, we can help best by getting out of his way.”

The CD covers some of Bowie’s most famous tracks such as Life on Mars, Rebel Rebel, China Girl and Thursday’s Child.

The DVD also includes some bonus performances by Bowie including Survive, I Can’t Read and If I’m Dreaming My Life.

The CD/DVD ‘VH1 Storytellers’ is released on July 3.

Check out our awesome retrospective gallery of Bowie's life

Or you might want to watch this classic Bowie video "Life On Mars"