Bowie In Surprise Split Article: 1974

Bowie's Lippman Management Break

Published in the UK on January 17, 1974, Melody Maker’s one-page article “Bowie In Surprise Split” announced David Bowie’s sudden parting with his lawyer/manager Michael Lippman. In a brief statement issued by Bowie’s public relations firm on Thursday, Bowie confirmed Lippman no longer represented him in any capacity. Inquiries about business matters were to be directed to Patrick Gibbons, a longtime Bowie associate who had previously worked for Main Man and served as tour manager. The statement also named Bowie’s new attorney.

Exact Text from the Article

DAVID BOWIE has parted company with his lawyer/manager Michael Lippman.

In a brief on statement issued by Bowie's public relations firm on Thursday, Bowie said that Lippman no longer represents him in any capacity and that any inquiries business matters should be directed to Patrick Gibbons, a long time Bowie associate who worked for Main Man and has acted as tour manager for Bowie in the past. The statement added the name of Bowie's new attorney.

No reasons for this sur-prise move were given, though Bowie is currently in Jamaica rehearsing his new band for the upcoming American and European tour. The MM understands that Bowie made the decision to drop Lippman, who has represented him since his split with Tony De Fries, while in Jamaica. Lippman would not comment on the situation.

new Bowie's band includes guitarist Earl Slick who appeared on the "Diamond Dogs" tour, as well as guitarist Carlos Alomar, drummer Dennis Davis and bassist George Murray. A keyboard player may be added.

Bowie's US tour opens on February 2 at Vancouver and lasts two months, culminating in New York at Madison Square Garden on March 26. Included in the dates is a three-day stop-over in Los Angeles that includes three shows at the Forum. While in New York he will also play the Nassau Coliseum. In every city he visits Bowie will appear at the largest arena available.

Following the New York date, Bowie sails to Europe to begin the European tour.

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