Alan Dodds
Alan Dodds was the original lead singer of The Konrads, the early 1960s rhythm-and-blues group that marked one of David Bowie’s first serious attempts at joining a working band. At the time, Bowie was still performing under his birth name, Davie Jones.
Although Dodds’ tenure with The Konrads was brief, his role places him at the very beginning of Bowie’s live band history — a formative moment before Bowie would assume the role of frontman himself.
- Active period: Early 1960s
- Band: The Konrads
- Role: Lead vocalist
- Bowie connection: Pre-fame band membership
The Konrads and the Bromley scene
The Konrads emerged from the suburban youth music scene of Bromley in the early 1960s. Influenced by American rhythm and blues, instrumental rock and British beat music, the band represented a typical starting point for young musicians seeking stage experience rather than commercial success.
Alan Dodds as frontman
As lead singer, Alan Dodds occupied the central performance role within the band. His presence established The Konrads as a conventional R&B-inspired group, following the standard early-1960s model of a singer supported by a backing band.
Dodds’ position as frontman would soon become a point of tension, as younger members — including Davie Jones — harboured ambitions that extended beyond instrumental support roles.
Davie Jones joins the band
David Bowie joined The Konrads as a saxophonist, not as a singer. Under the name Davie Jones, he was eager to gain live experience and visibility, even if it meant remaining in the background.
Bowie’s dissatisfaction with this position soon became apparent. His desire to sing, write and lead would ultimately drive him away from The Konrads and toward bands where he could assert greater creative control.
Transition and departure
Alan Dodds eventually left The Konrads, opening the door for Bowie to step forward vocally. This shift marked a crucial turning point: Bowie’s first opportunity to assume the role of lead singer within a band context.
Although Dodds did not remain part of Bowie’s story beyond this early phase, his departure indirectly enabled Bowie’s earliest transformation from instrumentalist to frontman.