The Beat of Tony Newman: An Interview with the Diamond Dogs Drummer

In this interview, I talk with legendary drummer Tony Newman about his work with David Bowie and his broader career in rock and roll. Tony played on the "Diamond Dogs" album and the subsequent tour, which was captured on the live album "David Live." We discuss how he was recruited into the Bowie project, what it was like recording tracks like "Sweet Thing," and his experience performing in the elaborate stage show that accompanied the tour. Tony also shares memories of working with other icons, including Little Richard, T. Rex, and The Who, and reflects on what made each artist unique. He talks about the tension and excitement of recording without formal charts, the experience of playing live under intense conditions, and the surprise of seeing the music endure fifty years later. We also touch on his early years playing with Sounds Incorporated, opening for the Beatles, and his views on the physical and emotional demands of drumming. The conversation offers both a historical account of key moments in rock history and a personal look at the life of a working musician who helped shape it.

Watch Tony play in Sounds Incorporated here:    • Sounds Incorporated - William Tell 1965 HD...  

Nacho's "Sweet Thing/Candidate/Sweet Thing (Reprise) video features Tony on drums here:    • David Bowie | Sweet Thing-Candidate-Sweet ...  

Hear Tony's drumming on display on Jeff Beck's "Rice Pudding" here:    • Rice Pudding  

Bowie and Bolan together on the "Marc" show, with Tony on drums here:    • David Bowie | “Heroes” | Standing Next To ...