Steve Jones admits stealing equipment from David Bowie during concert

In 1973, during one of the last performances of David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust persona at the Hammersmith Odeon in England, Steve Jones, the guitarist of the Sex Pistols, engaged in an audacious act of theft. Arriving at the venue around 2 AM in a stolen minivan, Jones exploited his familiarity with the Hammersmith Odeon to quietly approach the stage. With the equipment left in place after the first night of Bowie's show, he managed to steal several items, including the band’s cymbals, an amplifier belonging to the bassist, and a microphone that still bore Bowie’s lipstick. This particular microphone and other stolen gear were ultimately not used by Bowie, which led to a humorous interaction between the two during a later encounter. Years afterward, Jones recounted this incident during an interview where he expressed how he later confessed to Bowie about the theft. Surprisingly, Bowie found the situation amusing rather than contentious, as the microphone did not belong to him. Jones felt the need to reach out to Mick Woodmansey, Bowie's drummer, to make amends for the theft, which resulted in him compensating the drummer with cash. This incident added to the legendary mystique surrounding both Jones and Bowie in the annals of rock history. The news of Jones' theft resurfaced while the Sex Pistols planned their first North American tour in 20 years. The band, which comprises Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock, and Frank Carter, announced this much-anticipated tour without consulting their former member, John Lydon, who had previously expressed a lack of interest in participating in any reunions. This highlights the ongoing tensions within the band and stems from the complex relationships formed during the height of their punk rock fame. This revelation sheds light on the chaotic yet humorous side of rock and roll culture in the 1970s, serving as a reminder of the rebellious spirit that characterized the early punk movement. As they approach their reunion tour, the Sex Pistols continue to attract attention not just for their music but also for their controversial and storied past, with Steve Jones' theft of Bowie's equipment providing yet another colorful anecdote for fans and the media alike.