Erdal Kızılçay
Erdal Kızılçay is a Turkish-born multi-instrumentalist whose long-standing collaboration with David Bowie spanned a crucial transitional period from the late 1980s into the early 1990s. His versatility and musical intelligence made him an indispensable figure during one of Bowie’s most experimental eras.
Fluent on bass, guitar, keyboards and programming, Kızılçay provided Bowie with a flexible, modern musical backbone at a time when the artist was reassessing his creative direction.
- Born: 1961, Turkey
- Role: Multi-instrumentalist
- Bowie connection: 1987–1991
- Instruments: Bass, guitar, keyboards, programming
Early background
Erdal Kızılçay grew up with a broad musical outlook, absorbing rock, electronic and experimental influences. His adaptability and technical skill quickly set him apart as a musician capable of moving seamlessly between genres and roles.
By the mid-1980s, he had established himself as a reliable and inventive session and touring musician, well-suited to complex live environments.
Joining David Bowie
Kızılçay joined David Bowie’s musical circle during the late 1980s, first becoming prominent during the Never Let Me Down era and the ambitious Glass Spider Tour.
On stage, he often shifted between instruments, allowing Bowie’s live shows to maintain flexibility and sonic depth.
Glass Spider Tour
The 1987 Glass Spider Tour was one of Bowie’s most elaborate stage productions. Kızılçay’s role was central, as he supported the complex arrangements with precision and adaptability.
His presence helped stabilise performances that blended pop, rock and theatrical elements on a massive scale.
Studio collaborations
Kızılçay contributed to Bowie’s studio work during a period marked by stylistic transition. His ability to work across traditional instrumentation and electronic textures aligned with Bowie’s search for new forms and sounds.
This adaptability made him particularly valuable as Bowie moved away from conventional pop frameworks.
Bridge to Tin Machine
As Bowie began distancing himself from mainstream pop expectations, Kızılçay’s role became part of the bridge toward the rawer, band-oriented approach that would soon emerge with Tin Machine.
Though not a core member of that group, his influence was felt in Bowie’s renewed interest in collaborative, guitar-driven music.
Working relationship
Bowie valued Kızılçay for his professionalism, calm presence and musical flexibility. Unlike more dominant personalities in Bowie’s orbit, Kızılçay functioned as a stabilising force during a turbulent creative period.
His reliability allowed Bowie greater freedom to experiment and reassess his artistic priorities.
Legacy
Erdal Kızılçay’s legacy within David Bowie’s career lies in his role as a connective figure — supporting Bowie through a difficult yet transformative era.
While often operating outside the spotlight, his contributions helped sustain Bowie’s momentum until the artist fully reinvented himself once again.