SUPERSTAR David Bowie was once THROWN OUT of Basildon Arts Centre after councillors called the police when he wanted a drink, it has been revealed.

The story has been recalled as the singer’s works have now been sold for around £185million and are owned by Warner Chappell Music.

Historian and former arts worker, Vin Harrop, said Mr Bowie was removed from the venue after asking for a drink and was told it was a private and councillors’ members club around 50 years ago.

Mr Harrop, who was director of the centre at the old Towngate Theatre, said it was “unkind and bizarre”.

He said: “He was down with a workshop from Cambridge rehearsing for some filming.

“They were exhausted and David Bowie asked for a drink and was told no as it was a private members’ club.

“He asked for some water and was refused that too. Then the councillors called the police and he was thrown out.

“His works just sold for £185million and yet Basildon threw him out. I couldn’t believe it and it was unkind and bizarre.”

After months of deliberation, David Bowie’s estate has sold the publishing rights to his entire music catalogue to Warner Chappell Music.

Although an exact figure of the sale hasn’t been announced, it is estimated to be upwards of £185million.

The catalogue includes songs from David Bowie’s 26 studio albums as well as the posthumous album ‘Toy’.

The two studio albums from David’s time in the rock group Tin Machine, as well as songs released as singles from other projects, are included in the deal.

Mr Harrop said the star was making a name for himself at the time of the incident but councillors did not care.

He also said he doesn’t understand why the councillors had a private members’ club.

Mr Harrop added: “I think it was about 1969 or 1970 and I remember him being a bit cocky. I gave him a dressing room and helped him to settle in.

“There is a moral here somewhere. Treat all artists with the respect that they deserve, for you never know they may become famous one day and for all the right reasons.

“I still feel ashamed as to what happened on that particular day to the dignity of this great and popular performer.”