How I Managed To Catch Some of Ziggy’s Stardust, Part 4

Mick got along so well with The Payola’s, he ended up touring with them. In between dates, he taught Bob Rock about production.

Bob was an enthusiastic and talented student, and while The Payolas only put out a few more albums together with many years between each release, Bob’s engineering and producing talents launched him into the stratosphere of musical fame: Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, David Lee Roth, Cher, The Cult— Bob worked with everyone.

 some of Bob's albums

Sadly, Mick Ronson, did not fair as well. Stricken with liver cancer, he was dead at 46, leaving Suzi to raise their 15- year-old daughter alone. Despite Mick’s amazing musical career, his skills as a businessman were quite the opposite. Suzi was left with nothing.

In the meantime, I had long grown out of my Pampers and had embarked upon my own music career. Though not quite David Bowie, I nevertheless needed some help with hair and wardrobe at my gigs.

I placed an ad on Craig’s list and contacted the first three people to answer it. The very first of the three was a woman who called herself simply Suzi.

 

Stay tuned for Part 5…