Mick Ronson – The Guitar Soul of Ziggy Stardust

Mick Ronson was far more than “Bowie’s guitarist.” He was the sonic engine of the Ziggy Stardust era — the man who gave glam rock its raw edge and melodic elegance. Where Bowie brought the extraterrestrial persona and artistic vision, Ronson delivered the power, volume, and emotion. Together, they formed one of the most iconic duos in rock history.

Ronson joined Bowie in the early 1970s and quickly made an indelible impression. On The Man Who Sold the World, you can hear his first major imprint: heavier guitars, darker textures, and a more intense rock approach. But it was on Hunky Dory and especially The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars that his role fully blossomed. Ronson didn’t just craft guitar parts — he also wrote rich string arrangements, including those for “Life on Mars?” and “Moonage Daydream.” He subtly wove classical elegance into Bowie’s glam-rock vision.

Live, their chemistry became legendary. While Bowie, as Ziggy, pushed the boundaries of theatre, gender, and rock ’n’ roll, Ronson stood beside him as a solid, charismatic counterpart. His guitar sound was powerful yet melodic, full of expressive bends and sharp accents. The images of Bowie and Ronson on stage — leaning into each other, sharing a microphone, sharing energy — remain some of the most iconic moments in rock history.

After the end of the Ziggy era, their paths diverged, but Ronson’s impact remained unmistakable. He went on to work as a producer and musician with Lou Reed, Mott the Hoople, Bob Dylan, and even later artists from the alternative scene. Still, fans and historians continually return to that intense, relatively brief period at Bowie’s side in which Ronson helped write the blueprint for glam rock.

Bowie later spoke with deep love and gratitude about Ronson. He emphasised how crucial Mick was to the success of Ziggy and how his arrangements and guitar work elevated many songs to a higher level. While Bowie often changed shape, Ronson remained in memory as the fiery, steadfast companion who made the Ziggy universe believable and tangible.

Mick Ronson passed away in 1993 — far too soon — but his sound lives on. Every time “Starman,” “Moonage Daydream,” or “Hang On to Yourself” blasts from the speakers, you hear not only Bowie, but also the soul of Mick Ronson. His playing became part of Bowie’s DNA — and part of the soundtrack of an entire generation.