Ronson remembered 20 years on

Remembered: Ronson, right, with Bowie and the Spiders

The life and work of guitar icon Mick Ronson is to be celebrated at an all-day event marking the 20th anniversary of his death.

The David Bowie and Ian Hunter collaborator passed away on April 29, 1993. On April 27 this year the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London will present MickRonsonfest.

It will include the premiere screening of his 1994 memorial concert, featuring Spiders From Mars bandmates Trevor Bolder and Woody Woodmansey with ex-Nazareth guitarist Billy Rankin alongside guests Glen Matlock, Steve Harley, Joe Elliott, Roger Taylor, Roger Daltrey and many others.

The programme also includes the premiere screening of Ronson At The Rainbow from 1974, talks by some of those who worked with him, an exhibition of rare personal memorabilia and live sets from John Hutchinson and Ronson’s sister Maggi.

The ICA say: “Ronson’s robust guitar playing, arranging and multi-instrumental talent helped propel Bowie to stardom. Bowie and Ronson’s embrace on Top Of The Pops in 1972 is one of the defining cultural moments of the 70s.”

Maggi adds: “Michael was happy when he was creating music, regardless of who it was with, and whether or not he was going to make a profit or be successful.

“He was a real artist – he knew just what to do and what was needed to turn a basic song into a work of art, and a piece of music that would stand the test of time. He was a man of very little ego but plenty of dreams.”

Find out more about MickRonsonfest.