The D.A.M. Trilogy: Reclaiming Legacy in David Bowie's Musical Journey

In 1973, guitarist Carlos Alomar met David Bowie during a recording session for Lulu, which Bowie was producing. Alomar, unaware of Bowie's fame, humorously critiqued his appearance, leading to a friendship that would evolve into a significant musical partnership. From 1975 to 1980, Alomar, bassist George Murray, and drummer Dennis Davis formed Bowie’s backing band, later known as The D.A.M. Trilogy. This trio played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Bowie's experimental albums, including the Berlin Trilogy and *Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)*.

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Alomar co-wrote Bowie's first U.S. number one hit, "Fame," and recruited Davis for Bowie's live band in 1974. When Bowie sought a bassist during the *Station to Station* sessions, Davis brought in Murray. The trio's collaborative dynamic allowed them to explore various genres, including R’n’B, jazz, and reggae, which they delivered to Bowie as he sought to innovate musically. Alomar noted that despite the tumultuous backdrop of Bowie’s struggles with addiction during this period, the band maintained a professional atmosphere focused on creativity.

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Despite their significant contributions, The D.A.M. Trilogy has not received the same recognition as Bowie's other collaborators, such as producer Tony Visconti and Brian Eno. Alomar acknowledged the racial dynamics at play, reflecting on how their identities as people of color may have influenced their visibility in the music industry. He remarked, “You mean as a person of colour, how do I feel?” highlighting the complexities of representation within the narrative of Bowie's legacy.

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After the recording of *Scary Monsters*, the trio disbanded, with Alomar continuing to work with Bowie intermittently until the early 2000s. In contrast, Murray and Davis were not invited back, leading to personal struggles for Murray, who turned to regular jobs to make a living. He eventually found work in the Alhambra School District, remaining there until 2022. The pandemic reignited his passion for music, prompting him to pick up the bass after decades.

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Following the deaths of Bowie and Davis, Alomar and Murray reconnected at the David Bowie World Fan Convention in Liverpool, where they performed together for the first time in over 40 years. This reunion inspired them to tour as The D.A.M. Trilogy, with a portion of proceeds supporting Davis's son’s education. Alomar expressed a desire to reclaim their legacy through this tour, stating, “Hell yeah!” The tour is set to feature their guitar-heavy classics, avoiding the slower experimental pieces associated with Eno.

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The D.A.M. Trilogy's upcoming tour represents not only a celebration of their contributions to David Bowie's music but also an opportunity to address the historical oversight of their roles. As they prepare to perform, Alomar and Murray aim to remind audiences of the pivotal influence they had on some of Bowie's most iconic works.

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