Cameron Crowe’s Regret: Almost Casting David Bowie in Almost Famous

Cameron Crowe reflects on a near-miss in his filmmaking career. He almost cast David Bowie in the 2000 Oscar-winning film, Almost Famous, which drew inspiration from his own experiences as a teenage journalist touring with a rock band. However, he ultimately decided against it.

The initial idea was to have Bowie portray Rocky Fedora, a character reminiscent of Peter Frampton who collaborated with a British publicist modeled after Brian Epstein. But as the script developed, changes were made. The supporting cast grew more prominent, and Rocky faded from the narrative.

“I still feel sick,” Crowe admitted. “Losing that character and missing out on Bowie was a hard blow.” In his new memoir, The Uncool, he recounts meeting Bowie in the mid-’70s when he was just 18. He spent considerable time with him in Los Angeles, soaking in the atmosphere that inspired Bowie’s 1976 album, Station to Station.

During this period, Bowie lived a notoriously minimal lifestyle, surviving mainly on milk and red peppers while experimenting with various substances, but his artistic vision remained sharp. Crowe shared a chuckle when reflecting on how he couldn’t imagine such a scenario today. Bowie encouraged him to hang around without any pressure, just to absorb the experience.

Many surreal moments marked these days. Crowe recalls oddities around the house, like curtains with hexagons or strange bottles left around, and intriguing conversations at the edge of an indoor pool. Bowie once quipped about the pool’s mischief as if it were just another household nuisance.

Throughout his memoir, Crowe delves back into old recordings, uncovering forgotten interactions. He describes an impromptu songwriting session with Bowie using the cut-up method popularized by William Burroughs, where they tossed out words until something clicked. “It felt participatory,” he recalls. “It had a ‘Space Oddity’ vibe, but it didn’t make it to the final album.” His experiences eventually culminated in a Rolling Stone cover story in 1976.

Crowe’s early journalism career is a fascinating journey through American rock music legends. Growing up in Palm Springs, he skipped grades and graduated high school at just 15. While peers tackled exams, he traveled the country writing about bands like Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty, helping to bring them into the spotlight.

Interestingly, for Led Zeppelin, Crowe found surprising havens. After a concert incident during the “Physical Graffiti” tour, the band often sought refuge in a nearby gay bar, where fans never suspected they might find their heroes enjoying themselves to songs from the ’70s. Crowe humorously notes how he took notes in bar bathrooms amidst the chaotic atmosphere.

Crowe even had brief living arrangements with the Eagles, where he’d record sessions while they created their music. He was so embedded in the scene that one member affectionately dubbed him “CC Writer.”

Some encounters were more enlightening than others. An interview with Gregg Allman started off traditionally but quickly became a raw and honest conversation touching on deeply personal matters, eventually evolving into a revealing confessional.

However, not all interactions went smoothly. Crowe recounts an awkward greeting from Lou Reed, where a simple sound effect served as the only communication. Yet he also helped to introduce Tom Petty to a broader audience and captured his frustrations within the industry.

Almost Famous highlights a pivotal moment when a fictional band leader questions a young reporter’s integrity—something that mirrors Crowe’s own experiences. He recalls a time when a conversation with Allman turned suspicious due to his young age, leading to some tension over trust.

Interestingly, Crowe channels his memories of family into his work. His own mother inspires the character in Almost Famous, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel. She encouraged his early pursuits, nurturing his intellectual curiosity until her passing in 2019. “I think about her every hour,” he reflected, highlighting her remarkable influence on his life.

The night he won an Oscar for Almost Famous, Crowe recalls her light-hearted reminder: “It’s never too late to go to law school.” He had the support of industry giants like Steven Spielberg, who enthusiastically backed his screenplay, yet Crowe still experiences regret over parts of the film that never came to fruition.

For instance, Neil Young was meant to appear, but he pulled out at the last minute, leaving a sense of loss lingering over that potential collaboration. Crowe’s circle of life continued, as he later connected with Bowie in 2006 for retrospective discussions about their earlier interactions.

Interestingly, Bowie recounted how that period was challenging for him, riddled with personal struggles and high drug use. Fast forward to 2015, when Crowe observed an aging Allman perform, reflecting on the passage of time and how everything had changed yet somehow stayed the same.

In the current moment, Crowe is working on a docudrama about Joni Mitchell. He’s keeping details close to his chest, but the idea of featuring Rocky Fedora as a fun nod tickles his fancy. “I think Bowie would approve,” he said, grinning. “That’s a great Easter egg!”