Travel: London to Malta

On Thursday 24 July 1969 David Bowie and his manager Kenneth Pitt flew from London to Malta International Airport.

It was the beginning of a 10-day trip to Europe, to take part in the Malta International Song Festival and the Festival Internazionale del Disco, held in St Julian’s, Malta, and Montecatini Terme, Italy, respectively.

Another key reason was for the pair to enjoy a summer break.

Our main reason for going to those Mediterranean countries was to get a free holiday in the sun! I could have taken any one of a dozen other artists, but I asked David if he would like to go and he leapt at the chance. I made no demands, expected nothing. He was made aware of the festival’s shortcomings and what would be required of him in return. He accepted all this and entered into the spirit of the thing.

While in Malta the pair stayed at the Hilton in St Julian’s. The hotel also played host to the festival and donated accommodation to the visitors.

David and I were allotted Room 142 where we were woken up on the first morning by a young Italian waiter bringing us our breakfast. He was politely formal but his face broke into a wide grin when David leapt out of bed to sign the bill. ‘Excuse my immodesty,’ said David, realising that he was au naturel.

The festival opened on Saturday 26 July 1969.