Robert “Bob” Allen – Drummer for The King Bees (1964)
Image: David Bowie World collection / editorial use
Robert “Bob” Allen was the drummer for The King Bees, the London rhythm & blues band that featured a teenage David Bowie — then performing as Davie Jones — in 1964.
His role places him at the very beginning of Bowie’s recording career, during a period when Bowie was still establishing himself within the British R&B club circuit.
- Name: Robert (Bob) Allen
- Band: The King Bees
- Role: Drums
- With Bowie: 1964
- Manager: Leslie Conn (briefly involved)
- Key release: “Liza Jane” (1964)
Where Bob Allen fits in Bowie’s timeline
Bob Allen belongs to the earliest documented phase of Bowie’s career. In 1964, Bowie was still developing as a performer within the London rhythm & blues scene, focusing primarily on live performance rather than songwriting or conceptual identity.
The King Bees provided Bowie with his first consistent band structure and an entry point into professional recording.
The King Bees and the R&B scene
The King Bees were part of the early British R&B movement, drawing influence from American blues and soul artists. Their performances were aimed at club audiences rather than mainstream success.
As drummer, Bob Allen delivered a straightforward and steady rhythm, typical of the genre and essential for live performance.
“Liza Jane” – Bowie’s first single
“Liza Jane” was released in 1964 under the name Davie Jones with The King Bees, marking Bowie’s first official single.
The track was recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead and produced by Tony Hatch. The B-side was “Louie, Louie Go Home”, a cover associated with Paul Revere and the Raiders.
Bob Allen’s drumming forms part of this recording, placing him among the musicians present at the very start of Bowie’s recorded output.
A brief but decisive chapter
Bowie’s time with The King Bees was short. Soon after the release of “Liza Jane”, he began moving between bands in search of a stronger musical identity, joining groups such as The Manish Boys.
This rapid turnover would become a defining characteristic of Bowie’s early career.
Historical importance
Robert (Bob) Allen does not appear in Bowie’s later career narratives, but his contribution is historically significant.
As drummer on Bowie’s first single, he represents the moment where Bowie transitioned from aspiring performer to recording artist.