
Bruce Gowers
- Known for
- Directing
- Born
- December 21, 1940
- Died
- January 15, 2023
- Birthplace
- West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland, UK
Bruce Gowers was an English television director and producer, best known for work on large scale live music and event productions. He started his career in his native England where his landmark music video for Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" brought him international recognition leading to his relocation to the U.S. in the late 1970s. Bruce’s varied career includes credits for the live episodes of American Idol (2001–2010) which he has directed from the start, and awards shows including the Emmys, The MTV Awards, the Billboard Awards and the American Music Awards, event specials including Live Earth, Live 8 and President Bill Clinton’s Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial and music specials for Michael Jackson and The Jacksons, The Rolling Stones, Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart and Britney Spears. See credits below. HBO and Showtime provided the opportunity to direct comedy specials with the biggest names in the business: Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld. For Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and PBS Bruce turned his attention to the popular kids series’ Roundhouse, The Kidsongs TV Show (co-creator), The Amanda Show, All That and the Teen Choice Awards. In the first wave of reality shows, Bruce executive produced and directed The Spectacular World of Guinness Records, America’s Funniest People (co-creator) and This is Your Life. Along the way Bruce has directed documentaries (for the Rolling Stones and Salvador Dali), ice shows, magic shows (Penn and Teller), comedy series (Whose Line is it Anyway), sports (wrestling, soccer and horse racing), talk shows (Tony Tenille), game shows (Family Feud), sitcoms (The Life and Times of Edgar Briggs) and interviews specials (David Frost with various heads of state).
Filmography

The 10 Faces of Michael Jackson 2015
as Self

The Best British Rock Concert of All Time: Live at Knebworth 2010
Director
- I Walk the Line: A Night for Johnny Cash
I Walk the Line: A Night for Johnny Cash 2005
Director

The Story of Bohemian Rhapsody 2004
as Self
- Kelly, Ruben & Fantasia: Home for Christmas
Kelly, Ruben & Fantasia: Home for Christmas 2004
Director

Genius. A Night for Ray Charles 2004
Director

Prince : Musicology Live 2004ever (Live in Los Angeles) 2004
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

Jennifer Lopez | Feelin' So Good 2000
Director

Arista Records' 25th Anniversary Celebration 2000
Director

Britney Spears: Live and More! 2000
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, Executive Producer

Rodney Dangerfield's 75th Birthday Toast 1997
Director
- Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard
Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard 1996
Director

Michael Jackson Video Greatest Hits: HIStory 1995
Director

Woodstock 94 1995
Director

Kidsongs: Country Sing-Along 1994
Director, Executive Producer

Primus: Woodstock 94 1994
Director

Nine Inch Nails: Woodstock 94 1994
Director

Mickey's Fun Songs: Campout at Walt Disney World 1994
Executive Producer

Prince: The Hits Collection 1993
Director

Pete Townshend Live in New York Featuring Psychoderelict 1993
Director

Rod Stewart Vagabond Heart Tour 1992
Director

The 14th Annual Young Comedians Show 1991
Director

Paul McCartney: Unplugged 1991
Director

The Cure: MTV Unplugged 1991
Director

Kidsongs: Very Silly Songs 1991
Director

Paula Poundstone: Cats, Cops and Stuff 1990
Director

Madonna: The Immaculate Collection 1990
Director

Richard Lewis: I'm Doomed 1990
Director

Kidsongs: Ride the Roller Coaster 1990
Producer, Director

The Best of All Star Band: Live in Concert 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

Harry Anderson's Sideshow 1987
Director

Jerry Seinfeld: Stand-Up Confidential 1987
Director

Robin Williams: An Evening at the Met 1986
Director

Kidsongs: A Day at Old MacDonald's Farm 1985
Director

Huey Lewis and the News: The Heart of Rock and Roll 1985
Director

Rush: Through the Camera Eye 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

Rod Stewart: Tonight He's Yours 1981
Director
- This Is Your Life: 30th Anniversary Special
This Is Your Life: 30th Anniversary Special 1981
Director
- Bob Welch & Friends: Live from the Roxy
Bob Welch & Friends: Live from the Roxy 1981
Director

Queen: Live at the Rainbow '74 1974
Director

The Rolling Stones: The Marquee Club 1971 1971
Director
Credits from TMDB.