In a fascinating revelation, Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones shared the intriguing story of how he managed to steal musical equipment from the iconic David Bowie just before the legendary last-ever Ziggy Stardust concert in 1973. This notorious incident has been the subject of various retellings over the years, each adding a layer of mystique. However, in a recent interview with The Guardian, Jones took the opportunity to clarify misconceptions surrounding the event and recounted the details of how he later confessed to both Bowie and Spiders from Mars drummer Woody Woodmansey.

Jones dispelled the myth that he had pilfered equipment from trucks parked outside the Hammersmith Odeon in London. Instead, he explained, “It was on the stage! They played two nights, and after the first night, they left all the gear up.” This revelation highlights the access he had to the venue, marking a significant moment in punk rock history.

“I was intimately familiar with the Hammersmith Odeon—I used to sneak in there frequently. I was like the Phantom of Hammersmith Odeon!” Jones exclaimed, recalling the eerie quiet of the venue at around two in the morning. He described the scene as utterly deserted except for one individual slumbering in the audience. With stealth, he tiptoed across the stage and seized several items, including cymbals, the bass player’s head, and even microphones, including one of Bowie’s that bore his lipstick!

After his heist, Jones made a hasty escape in a stolen minivan. However, it didn’t take long for Bowie to uncover the identity of the thief. When asked if he ever confessed to Bowie, Jones humorously noted, “I kind of did, on a phone call … he thought it was funny.”

Making Amends: How Steve Jones Reconnected with Woody Woodmansey

“In reality, I don’t believe I actually took anything from him; the microphones probably weren’t his. The only individuals I felt remorse for were Woody and Trevor Bolder,” Jones reflected. He detailed the unique circumstances under which he admitted his mischief to Woodmansey. “A few years back, he appeared on my radio show, and I thought it would be fitting to confess live on air. I told him, ‘I’ve got to make amends to you, Woody; I nicked some of your cymbals. What can I do to make it right?’”

Woodmansey, with a grin, replied, “I don’t know – give us a couple of hundred bucks.” In a gesture of goodwill, Jones handed over $300, which left Woodmansey quite pleased! This moment not only mended old wounds but also highlighted the camaraderie that exists within the music community, even amidst past misdeeds.