A testament to friendship and artistic kinship, David Bowie extended a heartwarming gesture to Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Holly Johnson after his AIDS diagnosis. This act of kindness brought solace and inspiration during a challenging time.
Holly Johnson, the iconic frontman of Frankie Goes to Hollywood, captivated the world in the 1980s with his electrifying stage presence and the band’s string of chart-topping hits. However, the dawn of the 1990s brought a life-altering diagnosis: HIV. With the onset of full-blown AIDS, Johnson was given a grim prognosis of two months to two years.
During this period of uncertainty and fear, Johnson found solace in the support of close friends like Janice Long and Kirsty MacColl. Yet, one phone call, in particular, left an indelible mark on his spirit – a call from the legendary David Bowie.
“I got a phone call from David Bowie, which was like getting a phone call from God,” Johnson shared in an interview with The Guardian. The two music icons ended up having an hour-long conversation on a Saturday night, discussing their shared love for art, specifically the Vorticists and Keith Vaughan.
Holly Johnson at the London premiere of David Bowie documentary Moonage Daydream
Holly Johnson at the London premiere of David Bowie’s documentary, Moonage Daydream.
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Bowie, who was preparing for an upcoming tour, even sought Johnson’s advice on song selection. “He said, ‘I’ve got a tour coming up; what songs shall I sing?’. So I just reeled off a load of songs that I loved,” Johnson revealed.
This gesture of reaching out and involving Johnson in his creative process, even amidst his own health struggles, speaks volumes about Bowie’s character. It was a testament to their shared artistic spirit and a beacon of light during a dark time for Johnson.
Thankfully, advancements in medical treatment have allowed Johnson to manage his condition and continue gracing the stage with his vibrant performances. As he embarks on his Welcome to the Pleasuredome 40th Anniversary Tour, Johnson carries with him the memory of Bowie’s kindness, a reminder of the power of human connection, particularly within the creative community.
Bowie’s phone call transcended a simple gesture of support; it was an affirmation of Johnson’s enduring talent and a testament to the enduring power of music to connect and uplift, even in the face of adversity.
