George Underwood Artist: Bowie, Bolan & His Iconic Album Covers

In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of British artist George Underwood — a name that resonates not only in the world of fine art but also in rock history. From designing iconic album covers to painting otherworldly portraits, George's work blends the mythical with the emotional in ways few can match.

But George’s story is more than just brushes and canvas — it's also deeply tied to the evolution of British pop culture. As a childhood friend and early bandmate of David Bowie, George Underwood helped shape the look and feel of a musical revolution. We’ll explore how a moment of teenage mischief left Bowie with his signature eye look, and how George’s artistic vision matured into one of the most distinctive visual voices of the contemporary art scene.

Whether you're an art lover, a music historian, or simply curious about the minds that shape our culture, this episode will leave you inspired both through Sound and Vision.

Memorable Quotes:

🎨 On Art & Creativity

1. "I try to pull these people out from wherever they exist... they’re not real, but I try to make them appear real."
   — George Underwood on painting his signature otherworldly portraits
2. "Art gets your brain working in a way nothing else does. It puts you in another world."
   — George Underwood on the therapeutic power of painting
3. "A hobby can turn into a full-time obsession—if you let it."
   — George Underwood on creativity becoming a way of life
4. "I’ve always liked the idea that in art, you can mess with people’s heads."
   — George Underwood, on his surrealistic influences

🎸 On David Bowie & Music

1. "People say, ‘You were lucky to know David Bowie.’ I say, he was lucky to know me."
   — George Underwood, with a smile, on his friendship with Bowie
2. "He turned up drunk at my party, didn’t talk to the girl we both fancied—"
   — George Underwood recounting the infamous story behind Bowie’s eye
3. "He used to invite us to Switzerland just to get away from the spotlight. That was David."
   — On Bowie’s private side
4. "I shouted ‘Wham, bam, thank you ma'am!’ at the end of a new song—and David kept it."
   — George Underwood on contributing to Suffragette City*

🖼️ On Album Art & Legacy

1. "A 12-inch album cover was a beautiful format to work on—it had impact."
   — George Underwood on the golden era of vinyl art
2. "Sometimes I bought an album just because of the cover. And it turned out to be brilliant."
   — On the visual power of record design
3. "The face has infinite possibilities—just one brushstroke can change everything."
   — George Underwood on portraiture

Links:

https://www.georgeunderwood.com/

You can view some of George’s paintings at :

Fosse Gallery

Familiar Reality

8th June - 28th June 2025

The Manor House, The Square, Stow-on-the Wold , Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 1AF

www.fossegallery.com

Intro and outro music, 'Time for a Coffee'  Bob Wells © 2020

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