The Buzz in Bowie’s timeline

The group commonly referred to as The Buzz occupies a short but important period in Bowie’s early career. Following the breakup of The Lower Third, Bowie assembled a new backing group in 1966 as he continued searching for a distinct musical direction.

This period was marked by frequent changes in personnel and style, reflecting Bowie’s ongoing artistic development.

Formation

In early 1966, Bowie formed a new band after placing an advertisement in Melody Maker. The resulting line-up became known as The Buzz, a name reportedly suggested within the London music scene at the time.

The band made its live debut in February 1966 and quickly became part of the capital’s mod and beat circuit.

Known line-up

• David Bowie – vocals
• Derek “Dek” Fearnley – bass guitar
• Derek “Chow” Boyes – keyboards
• John “Ego” Eager – drums

As with many of Bowie’s early projects, this line-up represents one of the documented configurations. Musicians frequently changed, and the group did not maintain a fixed structure for long.

Early recordings

During this period, Bowie released the single “Do Anything You Say” backed with “Good Morning Girl”. These recordings still reflect mid-1960s pop influences, though they hint at a more experimental direction.

Video: Do Anything You Say

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Video: Good Morning Girl

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  Video: Do Anything You Say

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  Video: Good Morning Girl

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While not commercially successful, these releases represent an important step in Bowie’s development as a songwriter and performer.

Live performances

Throughout 1966, Bowie and his backing musicians performed regularly at London venues, including appearances at the Marquee Club.

These shows allowed Bowie to develop his stage presence and begin moving toward a more expressive and theatrical performance style.

Studio work and development

Musicians from Bowie’s mid-1960s backing groups were involved in sessions for his early Deram recordings, including tracks that would later appear on his 1967 debut album.

These recordings show Bowie experimenting with narrative songwriting, unusual arrangements, and character-based performance ideas.

The end of the band

By late 1966, Bowie began moving away from a fixed band structure, choosing instead to develop his career with greater artistic independence.

Although the group dissolved, this period laid essential groundwork for the creative breakthrough that would follow.

BBC live-in-studio sessions

In 1967, Bowie recorded several sessions for BBC radio programmes. These performances were recorded live in the studio, often with minimal overdubs and a more direct, unpolished sound.

The recordings capture Bowie experimenting vocally and stylistically, using the format as a space to develop his performance approach.

Sound and performance style

Musically, these sessions still reflect mod and beat influences, but Bowie’s delivery already shows signs of the theatrical approach that would soon define his work.

Rather than simply performing songs, Bowie began shaping them as expressive pieces of character and mood.

Historical importance

Although short-lived, this period represents a key transitional phase. It bridges the gap between Bowie’s early mod period and the more experimental and theatrical work that emerged toward the end of the decade.

These sessions provide insight into the development of Bowie’s identity as a performer, rather than just a recording artist.

Clarification

The group associated with David Bowie should not be confused with other bands using the name “The Buzz” during the same period. The name is often applied retrospectively to Bowie’s mid-1960s backing musicians rather than representing a formally established band.