This timeline details Mike Oldfield's formative years, from his birth and early musical experiments to his pre-Tubular Bells professional life.
Birth in Reading, Berkshire
May 15, 1953
Michael Gordon Oldfield is born in Reading, Berkshire, England, to Raymond and Maureen Oldfield. His early life is marked by family instability and his mother's mental health struggles.
Early Musical Inclinations
Early 1960s
Oldfield shows an early interest in music, initially inspired by The Shadows and Bert Weedon. He begins to learn guitar and other instruments, displaying a natural aptitude.
Early Band 'The Sallyangie'
1967
Forms the folk duo The Sallyangie with his sister Sally. They record an album, 'Children of the Sun', released in 1968, showcasing Mike's early songwriting and instrumental abilities.
Experiences with Kevin Ayers
1968 - 1969
After The Sallyangie's short run, Oldfield joins Kevin Ayers and the Whole World as a bassist. This experience exposes him to avant-garde and experimental rock, significantly influencing his musical development.
Developing Musical Ideas and Compositions
1970 - 1972
During this period, Oldfield begins to develop the musical ideas that would eventually form 'Tubular Bells'. He experiments with multi-tracking and long-form compositions, laying the groundwork for his groundbreaking debut.
