FIVE years ago this week, the world said goodbye to David Bowie who passed away from liver cancer.
News of the English singer-songwriter’s death brought old memories to the fore for one Hurstbourne Tarrant man who unearthed never-seen-before-pictures of the late artist’s wedding day.
Ernie Mitchell was one of just two photographers at the up-and-coming singer’s low-key wedding to Angie Bowie at Bromley Registry Office on March 19, 1970.
The images were published for the first time in The Advertiser on January 15, 2016.
“I was one of only five people there,” said Ernie, speaking at the time. “It was just those two, his mother, myself and another photographer.
“At one point I was going to be called as a witness, but I think they possibly used a secretary. It’s a shame I didn’t take more pictures, he was very relaxed and happily talked to us.
“He was very fashionable, nothing like a pop rebel, he was very polite.
“I have never to this day photographed a bridegroom like that.”
There was no honeymoon for the couple because David was going into the recording studio that weekend.
The pop world went into shock in 2016 when the 69-year-old singer died in New York after a battle with cancer. The Brixton-born musician was a leading figure in the music industry and is regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th Century.
Mr Mitchell’s career spanned more than 45 years saw him photograph some of the greats from Liz Taylor, Ronnie Corbett and Richard Branson to the Royal Family.
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