Gail Ann Dorsey

‘I’ve never had a bass player who understood my music and what I wanted so well as Gail. Her style and understanding of my music are second to none.’

Gail Ann Dorsey was one of the most exceptional musicians who worked with Bowie, playing bass in his band over 18 years. Her distinctive style and powerful vocals were an essential complement to Bowie’s sound. As well as working with Bowie, Dorsey has produced three solo albums and collaborated with artists including Lenny Kravitz and Seal.

Written by: Madeleine Haddon, Curator of V&A East
Published: September 2025

Museum Number
LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.1035:1 to 26-2024
Description
Earthling
Artist/Maker
David Bowie
Location and Date
Canada, 1997
Materials/Techniques
Lycra, Velour, Elastic, Leather, Metal, Paint, Glue, Canvas, Plastic, Tape, String, Wax, Horse hair, Cotton, Wadding, Satin, Brass, Hand sewing, Machine sewing, Glueing, Painting, Moulding, Tying
Object information
Museum Number
S.361:1 to 3-2024
Description
Earthling
Artist/Maker
David Bowie
Location and Date
Britain, 1997
Materials/Techniques
Leather, Rayon, Lace, Tulle, Cotton, Polyester, Jersey, Metal, Satin, Tape, Nylon, Machine sewing, Knitted
Object information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/5
Title/Description
Costume for Gail Ann Dorsey, Sketch by David Bowie
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1997
Materials/Techniques
Illustration of costume designed for Gail Ann Dorsey to wear in the video for the song 'Dead Man Walking'. Additional sketching on other side of paper.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/118
Title/Description
‘We Saw A Minotaur’
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1994
Materials/Techniques
A4 print by David Bowie; contains Bowie's signature.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/87
Title/Description
Still from 'Dead Man Walking' Video
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1997
Materials/Techniques
Photograph taken by Floria Sigismondi. Large photograph printed in colour of Gail Ann Dorsey in costume designed by David Bowie for the music video: a jacket with a high collar, prosthetic horns and black eye mask.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/91
Title/Description
Still from 'Dead Man Walking' Video
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1997
Materials/Techniques
Photograph taken by Floria Sigismondi. Colour photographic print of Gail Ann Dorsey and David Bowie in the music video for 'Dead Man Walking'.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/92
Title/Description
Contact Sheet, 'Dead Man Walking' Video
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1997
Materials/Techniques
Photographs taken by Floria Sigismondi. Contact sheet containing 14 colour photographs of David Bowie and Gail Ann Dorsey.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/31
Title/Description
Polaroid of Gail Ann Dorsey
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1996
Materials/Techniques
Colour photograph annotated by Bowie - titled 'Discipline'. Appears to have been taken during rehearsals for David Bowie and Friends - The Fiftieth Birthday Concert. Photography by Kevin Mazur.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/32
Title/Description
Polaroid of Gail Ann Dorsey
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1996
Materials/Techniques
Colour photograph annotated by Bowie - titled 'Bass 'Snake' Dorsey'. Appears to have been taken during rehearsals for David Bowie and Friends - The Fiftieth Birthday Concert. Photography by Kevin Mazur.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/30
Title/Description
Polaroid of Gail Ann Dorsey and Reeves Gabrels
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
04 Dec 1996
Materials/Techniques
Colour photograph annotated by Bowie, apparently taken during rehearsals for David Bowie and Friends - The Fiftieth Birthday Concert. Photography by Kevin Mazur.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/114
Title/Description
Photograph of Gail Ann Dorsey, A Reality Tour
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
2003
Materials/Techniques
Photograph taken by Kevin Mazur. Colour photograph depicts Gail Ann Dorsey on stage playing guitar during A Reality Tour gig at Madison Square Garden.
Item information