Gail Ann Dorsey

Lore & Background

Dorsey's role in Bowie's band went far beyond bass. She sang lead on "Under Pressure" in concert, taking Freddie Mercury's part, and dueted with Bowie on songs like "The London Boys" and "Aladdin Sane (1913–1938–197?)". She also played clarinet on "I Dig Everything" and covered Laurie Anderson's "O Superman" with him. After the Outside Tour, she contributed to Earthling (1997), Heathen (2002), Reality (2003) and The Next Day (2013). She recorded the duet "Planet of Dreams" with Bowie for the 1997 EMI UK benefit CD Long Live Tibet. She performed with Bowie at "The Concert For New York" at Madison Square Garden and was on board for the last six tours. In 2017, she joined the Celebrating David Bowie tour alongside other Bowie collaborators.

Reader's Guide

Gail Ann Dorsey's work with David Bowie spanned from 1995 to 2004, covering the Outside Tour through Bowie's last tour. She played bass and sang backing vocals on Earthling (1997), Reality (2003), and The Next Day (2013), and shared bass duties with Tony Levin on The Next Day (playing on 8 songs and singing backing vocals on 7). Live albums featuring her include LiveAndWell.com (2000), Bowie at the Beeb (CD 3, 2000), VH1 Storytellers (2009), A Reality Tour (2010), and Glastonbury 2000 (2018). The compilation Toy (2022) includes her on bass, clarinet, and backing vocals. The EP Is It Any Wonder? (2020) features her on 5 of 6 tracks. She was on board for the last six tours and performed at "The Concert For New York" at Madison Square Garden.

Did You Know?

• She accompanied David Bowie on clarinet during performances of "I Dig Everything".
• She was on board for the last six tours of David Bowie's career, from the Outside Tour through the 2004 tour.