Gail Ann Dorsey

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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.

In Their Own Story

The stage lights came up on a familiar opening riff, but the voice that cut through was not Bowie's. Gail Ann Dorsey stepped to the microphone and sang Freddie Mercury's part on "Under Pressure" with a power and precision that brought the crowd to a hush. Bowie stood to the side, grinning, letting her take the spotlight. It was a moment that defined her tenure: not just a sideman, but a co-conspirator who could carry the weight of one of rock's most iconic duets. She had been with the band since 1995, through the Outside Tour and every tour after, her bass anchoring the rhythm while her voice added a new dimension to the live show.

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?

• Gail Ann Dorsey sang lead vocals on live versions of "Under Pressure", taking the part originally sung by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.
• She accompanied David Bowie on clarinet during performances of "I Dig Everything".
• Dorsey recorded the duet "Planet of Dreams" with Bowie for the 1997 EMI UK benefit CD Long Live Tibet.
• She was on board for the last six tours of David Bowie's career, from the Outside Tour through the 2004 tour.
• In 2017, Dorsey joined the Celebrating David Bowie tour alongside other Bowie collaborators.