The night David Bowie slept at Stockport station - and the new plaque to commemorate it

By Alasdair Perry 16th Apr 2025

A new plaque is set to be unveiled at Stockport railway station, commemorating the time David Bowie slept there overnight after missing his train to London (Images - main: Nub News / inset: RCA Records)
A new plaque is set to be unveiled at Stockport railway station, commemorating the time David Bowie slept there overnight after missing his train to London (Images - main: Nub News / inset: RCA Records)

On a balmy Spring evening on 27 April 1970, David Bowie missed his train from Stockport to London.

He'd dashed to the station from his sold-out acoustic gig at the Poco A Poco on Manchester Road, but he was too late.

With no other alternative, Bowie was forced to hunker down with his music gear and sleep at Stockport railway station.

This unusual vignette in Stockport's history will be immortalised with a new plaque at the station, which is set to be unveiled on 27 April - 55 years to the day since the music legend's impromptu stopover.

The plaque will be unveiled in a special event hosted by Stockport Music Story from 1-3pm - the group which aims to celebrate the town's music history.

Tickets are free, but you'll have to register your interest in advance, as seats are limited!

Get your free tickets here.

Stockport Music Story has set up numerous plaques across the town centre, celebrating local music history (Image - Nub News)

As well as seeing the plaque unveiling, visitors will also get the chance to enjoy a talk from some of those who were around at the time - namely the sixth formers who booked the Poco A Poco gig.

Over biscuits, coffee and tea on platform three, the special guests will share their stories on how they organised this iconic gig, and their memories of that amazing night.

Stockport Music Story is behind the installation of similar plaques across the town centre - you may already have seen their murals commemorating Joy Division, Inter-City studios, and more.

The plaque is being set up in collaboration with Avanti West Coast, Stockport Council and the UK Shared Prosperity fund.

     

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