David Bowie’s Longtime Security Guard, Stuey George, Dead at 73

Stuart “Stuey” George, longtime bodyguard to David Bowie during the iconic Ziggy Stardust era, has died. Former members of Bowie’s band and inner circle are paying tribute to the man who helped protect the rising rock star during some of his most turbulent and transformative years.

George joined Bowie’s entourage at a pivotal moment in the early 1970s, when Bowie’s fame was skyrocketing and the reaction to his flamboyant stage persona sparked both adoration and hostility. According to a post shared via Bowie’s official social media accounts, George had previously worked with Mick Ronson’s band, The Rats, before relocating from Hull to London to support Bowie and the Spiders From Mars as their popularity—and the need for security—grew.

Protecting the Band in a Volatile Time

Drummer Woody Woodmansey recalled how dangerous things became on early tours. “When Bowie and the Spiders were first touring the show, it got quite scary,” he said, noting that some male fans reacted aggressively to the way Bowie captivated their female partners.

“After a few times where we were in real danger of getting hurt, David said, ‘Do you know anyone we could get as a bodyguard?’ Mick and I both said, ‘Yes—Stuey George.’”

George’s reputation for being both tough and resourceful was well-earned. “He once lined a whole audience up by the walls during a gig after several fights broke out,” Woodmansey recalled. “After that, no more fights. He did an excellent job. He was a lovable rogue—and as hard as they come.”

Keyboardist Mike Garson added:

“Stu had the greatest sense of humor. We never stopped laughing on the Ziggy tour—and, of course, no one would ever mess with him.” Backing vocalist Geoff MacCormack, also known as Warren Peace, shared a similar sentiment: “I loved Stu… I always felt safe when he was around.”

Life on the Road with Rock Royalty

In a now-legendary story from 2016, George shared one of the more surreal moments of his job during the height of Bowie’s fame. He recalled being asked to stand guard outside a closet while Bowie, Mick Jagger, and a well-known female singer—whose name he chose not to reveal—shared an intimate moment behind closed doors.

“David told me to wait outside and make sure they weren’t disturbed,” he said. “Rudolf Nureyev was partying with them and spotted them sneaking off. He said, ‘I have to be in there,’ and I politely said, ‘No’—I was under orders.” According to George, the trio emerged after 20 minutes, all smiles. “It was obvious what had been going on,” he added.

Though his job was often to stay in the background, George’s presence was a constant during one of the most creatively explosive periods in Bowie’s career. Friends and bandmates remember him not just as a protector, but as a part of the extended family that helped shape a rock ‘n’ roll legend.