George Underwood
George Underwood is a British artist, illustrator and former musician whose creative life has been closely intertwined with that of David Bowie. A childhood friend of Bowie’s, Underwood played a key role in both his early musical journey and, later, the visual identity of some of Bowie’s most iconic eras.
Although Underwood briefly pursued a career in music during the 1960s, he ultimately became best known for his work as an illustrator, producing artwork that helped define the imagery of Bowie’s glam-rock and post-glam periods.
- Born: United Kingdom
- Known for: Illustration, album artwork
- Early role: Musician in Bowie’s pre-fame years
- Long-term link: Lifelong friend of David Bowie
Early life and friendship with David Bowie
George Underwood met David Bowie while attending Bromley Technical High School in the early 1960s. Their friendship was immediate and intense, rooted in shared interests in music, art and performance. The two frequently collaborated, discussed ideas and supported each other’s creative ambitions.
Musical beginnings
During the early 1960s, Underwood played alongside Bowie in several formative bands, including The King Bees and The Manish Boys. Although his time as a musician was relatively brief, it coincided with Bowie’s earliest professional steps and helped shape the environment in which Bowie developed his confidence as a performer.
The eye injury incident
One of the most well-known episodes in their shared history occurred during a teenage fight over a girl, in which Underwood accidentally punched Bowie in the eye. The incident resulted in Bowie’s permanently dilated pupil, a feature that later became one of his most recognisable physical traits.
Despite the seriousness of the injury, the friendship endured, underscoring the depth of their bond.
Transition to visual art
By the late 1960s, Underwood shifted his focus away from music and toward visual art and illustration. His distinctive style — combining fantasy, symbolism and fine detail — soon attracted attention beyond the music world.
Iconic Bowie artwork
George Underwood created several of the most memorable images associated with David Bowie’s career, including artwork for the Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust eras. His illustrations helped translate Bowie’s musical concepts into visual form, reinforcing the theatrical and otherworldly qualities of those albums.
Legacy
Underwood’s contribution to Bowie’s story extends far beyond a single role. As a friend, collaborator and visual interpreter, he helped shape both the sound and the look of Bowie’s artistic universe.
His work stands as a reminder that Bowie’s success was built not only on individual genius, but also on long-standing creative relationships.