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A collection of candid photos of David Bowie taken by one of his life-long friends has gone on display.

The exhibition by Geoff MacCormack, who went to school with the star, has opened at a gallery in Deal, Kent.

It features 18 behind-the-scenes images of Bowie, all taken on tour with the influential musician during the 1970s.

Gallery owner Richard Taylor-Jones said the shots show "Bowie at his most relaxed and informal, totally at ease in front of his friend's camera lens".

Mr MacCormack met Bowie - then known as David Jones - when the pair were just eight years old at primary school in Bromley, south-east London.

Mr MacCormack said: "We bonded over a love of Little Richard and jazz and remained friends for all of David's life."

In the early 1970s, he joined Bowie as a backing musician and vocalist on his Diamond Dogs world tour.

All the photos in the exhibition were taken on tour between 1973 to 1976, and some were signed personally by Bowie who died of cancer aged 69 in 2016.

Mr MacCormack said: "I've come to realise over the years how important my holiday snaps have become.

"People complimented me on them and now I can see they are really good pictures.

"Being good friends helped get those candid photos."

Speaking of their 60-year friendship, Mr MacCormack said: "I was incredibly privileged to know David and that friendship is so important to me.

"David was a kind and generous friend."

That friendship has been chronicled in a photographic memoir - David Bowie: Rock 'n' Roll with Me.

Mr MacCormack's photos are on display at Taylor-Jones & Son gallery in Deal until 4 November.

All images are subject to copyright

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