David Bowie recorded Life on Mars at Trident Studios during August 1971. The band finished their masterpiece take when a bathroom phone started ringing loudly. Producer Ken Scott said nobody knew that phone number because session musicians only used it for outgoing calls. The ringing sound ruined their perfect recording and forced them to start over again. Everyone felt disappointed about losing such a great performance.
The second recording attempt finished earlier than the first version. Ken Scott forgot to erase the original take completely from the tape machine. Orchestra musicians added their parts later and held their final note. The old recording suddenly played through the studio speakers with the phone ringing at the end. Bowie and Scott decided the accidental sound actually improved the song.
Mick Ronson cursed loudly when he heard the mysterious phone call interrupt their work. Some people think a nearby pub owner called the studio that day. The landlord might have contacted Trident about a delayed band session. Ken Scott remains unsure about who made that famous phone call on August 6th 1971.
The second recording attempt finished earlier than the first version. Ken Scott forgot to erase the original take completely from the tape machine. Orchestra musicians added their parts later and held their final note. The old recording suddenly played through the studio speakers with the phone ringing at the end. Bowie and Scott decided the accidental sound actually improved the song.
Mick Ronson cursed loudly when he heard the mysterious phone call interrupt their work. Some people think a nearby pub owner called the studio that day. The landlord might have contacted Trident about a delayed band session. Ken Scott remains unsure about who made that famous phone call on August 6th 1971.
