SPACE FACE CHANGES THE STATION

Andy Kent is one of the most important freelance photographers in the music business. At 28, his well-matched wardrobe, trimmed hair and full beard give him the look of a successful young businessman. Which he is.

Yet, after six years of shooting almost every L.A. concert, Andy’s motivation has long since transcended fandom. It is now a job. Work. He and his partner Neal usually flip coins over who has to shoot a local performance. The winner gets to stay home.

It’s been two weeks since the beginning of David Bowie’s 1976 worldwide concert blitz, of which Andy Kent is official tour photographer. These days, he is a changed man. Gone is the apathy of someone who has seen a loud rock and roll band a few hundred times too many. Now Andy feverishly scans the radio for Bowie records. He speaks constantly of the man’s genius. He arrives at Bowie’s shows hours before they begin. He helps the band choose their onstage attire. He discusses and critiques the set every night with Bowie. Andy feels important. “I told David the other night,” he reports, “that I haven’t worked this hard in years. I really feed off his energy.”