David Bowie & John Hutchinson (1969)
In 1969, David Bowie formed one of his most intimate and musically revealing live partnerships with guitarist and vocalist John “Hutch” Hutchinson. Together they performed as a stripped-down acoustic duo, focusing entirely on vocal harmony, story-driven songwriting and fragile arrangements.
Their performances became especially well known through a series of BBC radio sessions, where Bowie and Hutch shared lead vocals and harmonies on early classics such as Space Oddity, Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud and other key compositions from Bowie’s breakthrough year.
Quick Facts
| Year | 1969 |
| Artists | David Bowie – John Hutchinson |
| Format | Acoustic duo |
| Context | BBC Radio Sessions |
| Style | Folk-rock, acoustic harmony |
| Known for | Live duo vocals on Space Oddity |
Background
Following the dissolution of The Feathers, Bowie continued his musical journey alongside John Hutchinson as a formal acoustic duo. This period marked an essential artistic turning point, as Bowie shifted away from folk clubs into broader public attention through British radio and television.
Hutchinson’s delicate guitar work and harmony singing allowed Bowie’s lyrics and melodies to stand entirely in the spotlight. Their chemistry created a quiet but emotionally powerful counterweight to the science-fiction imagery of Space Oddity.
Live Performances & Locations
- 1969 – BBC Radio Sessions – Acoustic duo performances
- 1969 – London Studios – Live in-studio broadcasts
- 1969 – UK promotional appearances
Surviving Audio & Video
Several high-quality BBC recordings of the Bowie–Hutchinson duo survive and offer a rare glimpse into Bowie’s most fragile early live vocal style.
Space Oddity – BBC Duo Performance (1969)
Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud – BBC Session
Historical Importance
The Bowie–Hutchinson duo represents one of the most intimate live formats of Bowie’s entire career. It captured the exact moment where he transitioned from underground folk artist to international breakthrough performer.
These performances preserved Bowie in his purest form: one voice, one guitar, and songs that would soon change the course of popular music.
← Back to Bowie Live Collaborations