The first-known recording of David Bowie, discovered back in July, has sold for nearly £40,000 at auction today - nearly quadruple the expected price. The demo tape, found in a bread basket, featured the very first studio recording of the iconic singer during his time in the band The Konrads.
How the item was discovered
Found by the previous drummer of The Konrads, David Hadfield, the track features a 16-year-old Bowie singing lead vocals to the song I Never Dreamed. The band were prominent during the 1960s, usually featuring David Bowie, then known by his birth name of David Jones, singing the backing harmonies.
The sort after tape was stumbled upon as Hadfield was organising his loft. Then unknown, the monumental figurehead featured as the lead vocalist for the first and only time on a song with The Konrads, usually fronted by Roger Ferris.
Discussing his discovery, Hadfield commented that the item is unlike any other Bowie-related album- “there is no other recording featuring David in lead in existence”.
Results of the auction
Fans and collectors around the world clearly no signs of disagreement as the item, predicted to sell at £10,000, sold for nearly four times the amount - an excessive £39,360.
The recording, done in a studio over half a century ago, didn't go unnoticed, with bidders around the world competing for this incredible discovery.
The demo was made upon request by the manager of The Rolling Stones, Eric Easton, intended originally to capture the attention of British record label, Decca Records.
Sold on the final day of the auction, other Bowie items also fetched extravagant prices. These included a poster featuring The Konrads, produced in 1963, which fetched an incredible £6,600.
Further, sketches done by Bowie during this time were sold alongside images of both himself and the band. These products reached over £17,000 at the final auction as fans and collectors turned out to try and purchase a piece of history from the late singer.
The auction took place at Newton-le-Willows based Omega Auction. One of the auctioneers, Paul Fairweather stated: “for Bowie collectors this really is a significant recording, completely unique and of great historical interest, being the earliest studio recording of a fledgeling musician who would go on to superstardom”. This discovery comes following the passing of the much-loved singer in January 2016.
A section from the recording can be found below.
