Bruce Gowers
Biography
Bruce Gowers was a television director and producer born in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland, on December 21, 1940. He passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 82. Known for his work on large-scale live music and event productions, Gowers began his career in England, where he directed the landmark music video for Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, which brought him international recognition and led to his relocation to the United States in the late 1970s. His extensive career credits include directing live episodes of American Idol from 2001 to 2010, as well as work on various awards shows and event specials such as Live Earth, Live 8, and President Bill Clinton's Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial.
Career overview
Bruce Gowers was an English television director and producer recognized for his work on large scale live music and event productions. Born on December 21, 1940, in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland, United Kingdom, he began his career in his native England. He achieved international recognition for directing the landmark music video for Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, a success that led to his relocation to the United States in the late 1970s.
Following his move, Gowers built a varied career encompassing numerous high profile credits. He directed the live episodes of American Idol from the start, spanning the years 2001 to 2010. His extensive portfolio also featured work on major awards shows, including the Emmys, the MTV Awards, the Billboard Awards, and the American Music Awards.
In addition to series television and awards ceremonies, Gowers directed prominent event specials such as Live Earth, Live 8, and President Bill Clinton’s Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial, alongside various music specials. Over the course of his professional life, he accumulated 59 known credits in directing. Gowers passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 82.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
63 titles- The 10 Faces of Michael Jackson (2015) as Self
- The Best British Rock Concert of All Time: Live at Knebworth (2010) Director
- Celebrity Duets (2006) Director
- I Walk the Line: A Night for Johnny Cash (2005) Director
- Genius. A Night for Ray Charles (2004) Director
- The Story of Bohemian Rhapsody (2004) as Self
- Prince : Musicology Live 2004ever (Live in Los Angeles) (2004) Director
- Kelly, Ruben & Fantasia: Home for Christmas (2004) Director
- American Idol (2002) Director
- American Idol: The Search For A Superstar (2002) Director
- Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration (2001) Director
- Sarah Brightman: La Luna - Live in Concert (2001) Director
- Arista Records' 25th Anniversary Celebration (2000) Director
- Jennifer Lopez | Feelin' So Good (2000) Director
- Britney Spears: Live and More! (2000) Director
- Rodney Dangerfield's 75th Birthday Toast (1997) Director
- The Rolling Stones: Bridges to Babylon Tour '97-98 (1997) Production Director
- Fleetwood Mac: The Dance (1997) Director
- Kidsongs: I Can Do It (1997) Director
- Kidsongs: I Can Do It (1997) Executive Producer
- Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard (1996) Director
- Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory (1995) Director
- Woodstock 94 (1995) Director
- Mickey's Fun Songs: Campout at Walt Disney World (1994) Executive Producer
- Nine Inch Nails: Woodstock 94 (1994) Director
- Kidsongs: Country Sing-Along (1994) Director
- Kidsongs: Country Sing-Along (1994) Executive Producer
- Primus: Woodstock 94 (1994) Director
- Prince: The Hits Collection (1993) Director
- Pete Townshend Live in New York Featuring Psychoderelict (1993) Director
- Roundhouse (1992) Director
- Rod Stewart Vagabond Heart Tour (1992) Director
- The 14th Annual Young Comedians Show (1991) Director
- Paul McCartney: Unplugged (1991) Director
- Kidsongs: Very Silly Songs (1991) Director
- The Cure: MTV Unplugged (1991) Director
- Madonna: The Immaculate Collection (1990) Director
- Richard Lewis: I'm Doomed (1990) Director
- Kidsongs: Ride the Roller Coaster (1990) Producer
- Kidsongs: Ride the Roller Coaster (1990) Director
- The Best of All Star Band: Live in Concert (1990) Director
- Paula Poundstone: Cats, Cops and Stuff (1990) Director
- Legends of Rock 'n' Roll (1989) Director
- Richard Lewis: I'm Exhausted (1988) Director
- George Carlin: What Am I Doing in New Jersey? (1988) Director
- Kidsongs (1987) Director
- Kidsongs (1987) Executive Producer
- Harry Anderson's Sideshow (1987) Director
- Jerry Seinfeld: Stand-Up Confidential (1987) Director
- Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met (1986) Director
- Rush: Through the Camera Eye (1985) Director
- Huey Lewis and the News: The Heart of Rock and Roll (1985) Director
- Kidsongs: A Day at Old MacDonald's Farm (1985) Director
- Billy Crystal: A Comic's Line (1984) Director
- Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983) Director
- The Doobie Brothers: Live At The Greek Theatre (1982) Director
- This Is Your Life: 30th Anniversary Special (1981) Director
- Rod Stewart: Tonight He's Yours (1981) Director
- Bob Welch & Friends: Live from the Roxy (1981) Director
- Solid Gold (1980) Director
- Larry Grayson (1975) Director
- Queen: Live at the Rainbow '74 (1974) Director
- The Rolling Stones: The Marquee Club 1971 (1971) Director
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Bruce Gowers best known for?
Bruce Gowers is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including American Idol (2002), Sparkling Girls (2012), Roundhouse (1992), Abbuzze! Der Badesalz-Film (1996).
When and where was Bruce Gowers born?
Bruce Gowers was born on December 21, 1940 in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland, UK. They passed away on January 15, 2023.
How many credits does Bruce Gowers have?
Bruce Gowers has accumulated over 63 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1971 to 2015.
What is Bruce Gowers's background in cinema and television?
Bruce Gowers was a television director and producer born in West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland, on December 21, 1940. He passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 82. Known for his work on large-scale live music and event productions, Gowers began his career in England, where he directed the landmark music video fo...
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