Aynsley Dunbar – the legendary drummer who worked with David Bowie on Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs and Pinups, is often cited as being Mr X.
When this site launched in 2019, it was clear that many of the Bowie fans that found us believed that Aynsley was the man. He isn’t.
We’ve received the official word from Alan, Aynsley’s web guy.
Just spoke to Aynsley and he can confirm it’s not him and he does not know who it is either.
Cheers, Alan (Aynsley’s web guy)
Sincere thanks to Aynsley and Alan for getting in touch and providing much needed clarification.
The mystery man is not Aynsley Dunbar.
Who is Aynsley Dunbar?
Aynsley Dunbar: The name reverberates through the annals of rock history, a rhythmic force that transcends genres and decades. Born on January 10, 1946, in Liverpool, England, Dunbar’s drumsticks carved a path that echoed across stages, studios, and records.
The Early Beat: From Mojos to Bluesbreakers
Dunbar’s professional journey commenced with Derry Wilkie and the Pressmen in 1963. Yet, it was his tenure with the Merseybeat group The Mojos that set the beat ablaze. Renamed as Stu James & the Mojos, the lineup—featuring vocalist Stu James, guitarist Nick Crouch, and bassist Lewis Collins—held sway until 1966. But destiny had other plans.
In a twist of fate, Dunbar found himself at the crossroads of rock legendry. He auditioned for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, the cosmic trio led by the guitar virtuoso. A coin toss sealed his fate, and Mitch Mitchell took the throne. Undeterred, Dunbar’s sticks found a new home with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, replacing Hughie Flint. His drumming graced the A Hard Road album before Mick Fleetwood stepped in.
The Retaliation and Beyond
Dunbar’s spirit remained unyielding. Chided by Mayall’s dismissal, he founded the Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation. Four albums bore witness to their sonic prowess. Notably, Dunbar co-wrote the song “Warning,” a harbinger of Black Sabbath’s debut album.
But the beat surged onward. Enter Blue Whale, a progressive rock venture. Their self-titled album, born from a Scandinavian tour in January 1970, featured luminaries like Paul Williams (vocals), Ivan Zagni (guitar), and Roger Sutton (guitar). A tantalizing collaboration with Robert Fripp, the Crimson King, remained elusive.
The Bowie Connection: Pin-Ups and Diamond Dogs
And then, the cosmic alignment: David Bowie beckoned. In 1973, Dunbar’s sticks danced on Bowie’s canvas. The iconic album “Pin-Ups” bore witness to their synergy. Dunbar’s percussive heartbeat pulsed through the studio, infusing life into Bowie’s vision. The “Diamond Dogs” sessions followed suit, a rhythmic odyssey that left its mark on rock’s tapestry.
Beyond Bowie: A Drummer’s Odyssey
Dunbar’s groove knew no bounds. He wove rhythms for Lou Reed, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Frank Zappa, and lent his beat to Jeff Beck. Journey, Whitesnake, UFO, and Jefferson Starship—each a chapter in his rhythmic saga. His sticks resonated with legends: Eric Burdon, Shuggie Otis, Ian Hunter, and Mick Ronson.
In 2017, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame welcomed Dunbar as a Journey member.
