Tony Visconti, Producer of Blackstar, Will Be A Keynote Speaker At SXSW

Legendary producer Tony Visconti, best known for his work with David Bowie and T. Rex, will be one of multiple keynote speakers at South by Southwest, the Austin festival announced today. This is the first time SXSW will feature multiple keynote addresses.

Of course, Visconti was all over the news a couple weeks ago when Bowie passed away, since he produced Blackstar and seems to have been one of very few people who knew the Starman was dying. Their work together began in 1969 and included both the iconic Young Americans and the hugely influential Berlin Trilogy of albums. Visconti also produced 10 albums for glam rock titans T. Rex in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. Since then, his work has varied widely, including production for acts from Iggy Pop and John Hiatt to Morrissey and Angelique Kidjo (for whom he produced the Grammy-winning album Dijn Dijn in 2007). He should have some incredible stories woven into his speech, no matter the overarching theme he chooses.

For those of you who are attending SXSW, Visconti’s address is scheduled for Mar. 16 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 18ABCD of the the Austin Convention Center. It will be open to all Music and Platinum registrants, as well as registered showcasing artists.