Mick Ronson Discography

Introduction

In this section I have attempted to list the major albums which feature Mick Ronson's guitar work. However, in addition to his most famous work with David Bowie, Ian Hunter and his solo albums, Mick contributed to many dozens of other albums, either in the form of production work or session work. It would be impossible to chronicle all his work here; the completist should consult Sven Gusevik's Ronson Ablaze! fanzines, issue 4 of which contains a complete Mick Ronson discography. I have no intention of duplicating Sven's work here; instead you can contact Sven via his website

All albums listed here have at some point been released on CD, although some may now be deleted.

Mick's solo work

Reading retrospectives and interviews, Mick comes across as a modest man (especially so for a guitar player). Not really a song-writer nor a front-man, it is however surprising that a man of this talent only made a few solo albums, all of which are well worth purchasing.

Original releases

Slaughter On 10th Avenue . 1974 RCA (UK/US). Mick's first solo album, now regarded as one of the great lost albums of the 70's.
Play Don't Worry . 1975 RCA (UK/US). Mick's excellent second solo album.
Heaven And Hull . 1994 Epic (UK/US). Mick's third solo album, released posthumously. Featuring guest appearances from Joe Elliott, Ian Hunter, David Bowie, John Mellencamp and more.

Archive and historic releases

This section lists archive and other historic releases, albums where previously-unreleased material predominates.

Indian Summer . Long-lost Mick Ronson soundtrack album from 1981.
Just Like This . Awesome solo album recorded in late 1976, finally given a commercial release in mid-1999.
Showtime . Live album featuring Mick solo in 1976 and with Ian Hunter in 1989.

Compilation albums

This section lists compilation releases, where previously-released material predominates.

Only After Dark . Excellent 2-CD set of Mick's first two albums.
Only After Dark - The Complete Mainman Recordings . 4-CD set of Mick's 1970's solo work.
Main Man . Compilation of Mick's first two solo albums.

Videos/DVDs

Beside Bowie - The Mick Ronson Story . Flawed but still essential Mick Ronson biography.

Mick's early work

Mick's rise to fame with Bowie is well known, but in the late 60's he was playing with The Rats, who came from his home town. Although none of their work was released they were good enough for Bowie to hire not just Ronson, but fellow Rats John Cambridge and (later) Mick "Woody" Woodmansey.

The Rise And Fall Of Bernie Gripplestone And The Rats From Hull. Welcome CD issue of tracks Mick recorded with The Rats in the late 60's.

Mick's work with Ian Hunter

Mick always seemed to save his best work for other people. Mick had met Ian when he was still with Mott The Hoople, and the two became firm friends, working together off and on for the next 20 years. Indeed, Ian's best work always seemed to be with Mick on guitar; as Ian himself has said, "Who else can play my stuff like him?".

Ian Hunter. Excellent first solo album for Ian.
You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic. In many ways a "comeback" album for Ian, bolstered by Mick's guitar work.
Welcome To The Club. Live album recorded at the end of Ian's 1979 US tour.
Short Back 'n' Sides. With Mick Jones (The Clash) producing, should have been dynamite - but wasn't.
All Of The Good Ones Are Taken. Mick contributes to one track on this album.
YUI Orta. Comeback album for Ian after a six-year layoff, again with Mick on guitar
BBC Live In Concert. Official release of the 15-Feb-1989 show at London's Dominion Theatre.

Mick's work with David Bowie

It is perhaps Mick Ronson's guitar work and his musical arrangements which more than anything else helped establish David Bowie into the big time. After trying a number of musical styles in the mid/late 60's, Bowie turned in a much heavier, rockier direction once Mick Ronson was aboard. Indeed, many critics regard this as Bowie's most creative period; it is, therefore, a shame that David seems not to have acknowledged Mick's contribution to his success.

The Man Who Sold The World was Mick's first album with Bowie.
Hunky Dory. Brilliant album, a must for any collection.
The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. Classic album, and the one which established Bowie as the glam icon of '72.
Aladdin Sane. Even heavier than its predecessor.
Pin Ups. Album of cover versions, Bowie acknowledging the music which influenced him.
Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture. Live recording of the famous "farewell" show at London's Hammersmith Odeon in 1973.
Santa Monica '72. Official release of the much-bootlegged US radio broadcast from 1972.
Rarest One Bowie. Disappointing "rarities" collection; Mick contributes to five of the nine tracks.

Images of LP sleeves are for illustrative purposes only. Copyright remains vested in the individual record companies.