David Bowie role is simply Heaven for Glenn Gregory

Glenn Gregory was over the moon to be asked to perform as David Bowie.

It was the best possible birthday present for Glenn Gregory a call to ask if he wanted to “be” David Bowie.

The Heaven 17 singer is set to front a band performing Bowie’s The Man Who Sold The World album.

It will feature the music legend’s producer/bass player Tony Visconti and original drummer Woody Woodmansey, who’ll be performing together for the first time since 1971.

“It was my birthday and Tony phoned to say what they were doing and ask if I could sing the songs,” Glenn told The Sunday Post.

“I just thought, ‘Me? Really!’ I had to rehearse 23 David Bowie songs and it’s an amazing thing to be asked to do. These are songs I’ve loved all my life so singing them with his musicians just leaves me gobsmacked.”

Originally, just one London date was planned, but after it sold out in a matter of hours a further capital gig was added and then one in Sheffield. It’s now coming to Glasgow’s O2 ABC on Saturday, September 20.

The Bowie dates are just part of a busy schedule of live appearances for Glenn. Heaven 17 are one of the big names at Rewind Scotland, The ’80s Festival next weekend.

It takes place at Scone Palace, Perth, from July 18 to 20 with an all-star line-up including Billy Ocean, 10CC, Midge Ure and T’Pau.

Glenn’s been before and had a blast. And whether with Heaven 17 or his other projects, he insists there’s an all-ages musical appeal these days.

“The way people listen to music these days is very different. It’s not rifling through back catalogues of tatty old vinyl. The likes of my son Louie find it online and download if it makes a connection.”

Glenn has a hi-tech recording studio in his garden and he’s putting it to good use for working on soundtracks for TV dramas. He provided the music for the BBC’s gripping two-part series about The Great Train Robbery which was screened late last year.

“I really enjoy doing soundtrack work,” adds Glenn.

“I’m doing another one for a film about the guy who developed the use of DNA for catching criminals and the first-ever guy arrested. It’s very different to performing and there are some very different rules to learn.”