Culture's web spins celebration for legendary Spider Mick Ronson

Mick Ronson shot to fame in the 1970s with Bowie’s band The Spiders from Mars, alongside Hull musicians Trevor Bolder and Woody Woodmansey and went on to work with Lou Reed, Mott The Hoople and Bob Dylan, among others.

But the story of the one-time Hull Council gardener, his upbringing on the city’s Greatfield Estate and early career playing with bands such as The Rats, is less well known.

Now as part of UK City of Culture 2017, the writer behind the hugely successful opening show Made In Hull, is inviting people to take part in a new project about the virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, arranger and producer called Turn and Face The Strange.

Rupert Creed and co-writer Garry Burnett are inviting friends, fans and fellow-musicians to share their stories at a recording session this Saturday at Greatfield’s St Hilda’s Church.

Mr Creed said they were already getting a lot of interest and enthusiasm in the project.

He said: “What’s amazing was that Mick’s talent was pretty much formed in Hull and he was growing up as a working class lad on Greatfield Estate.

“He kept his piano and violin skills absolutely quiet until he went to London.

“Overwhelmingly everyone has said he was a really down to earth, quite a generous guy and very straightforward. He came alive when he was playing, and was actually quite shy.”

The multi-media show, featuring a live band and string quartet, audio stories, archive film and photographs will be premiered at the Freedom Centre from August 16 to 19.

One thing the pair has yet to prove is any truth in the urban legends that have floated round the Spiders from Mars.

“There was a story about David Bowie turning up in a white Rolls Royce - but I think it was wishful thinking,” said Mr Creed.