David Bowie and Toy: The inside story of the 'lost' album about to be released

New York guitarist Mark Plati had a leading part in recording the 2002 album that's finally getting an official airing

David Bowie performing at Glastonbury Festival  in 2000.  Picture: Toby Melville/PA Wire

“Those sessions were joyous, he was really enjoying himself”  

David Bowie quickly developed an affinity with producer and multi-instrumentalist Mark Plati who began work on Earthling in the summer of 1996. Although Plati’s initial involvement was thought to be minimal, he would play an essential role with Bowie for the next seven years, both live and in the studio. “I was only meant to do a little recording with David but like anyone he’d meet, if he found a connection he’d bring you along for the ride.”