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.
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.
This section lists archive and other historic releases, albums where previously-unreleased material predominates.
This section lists compilation releases, where previously-released material predominates.
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.
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?".
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.
Images of LP sleeves are for illustrative purposes only. Copyright remains vested in the individual record companies.