Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook recently confirmed one of the more unusual stories from the band’s early days: some of their first equipment was stolen from David Bowie’s stage.
Cook stated that guitarist Steve Jones was responsible for taking the gear while Bowie was playing two nights at London’s Hammersmith Odeon in 1973.
“Bowie was playing at our local venue at Hammersmith Odeon at the time, doing two nights there,” Cook said. “We were looking for instruments and bits and pieces to start our band.”
At the time, Jones and Cook were still attempting to put together the group that would eventually become the Sex Pistols. As per Cook, Jones had already developed a habit of stealing things and began directing that energy toward musical equipment.
“He was, by his own admission, a kleptomaniac at the time, and it channeled his energies into stealing musical equipment.”
Cook stated that Jones went around the back of the venue while Bowie’s crew were staying overnight between the two concerts.
“While the roadies were asleep overnight, he managed to get away with quite a few bits and pieces, including cymbals and a few other bits.”
Those stolen items then became part of the equipment the young musicians used while trying to get their band started.
“That’s how we got all our equipment initially, really.”
