Album Description: In 1972, David Bowie set out on his first US tour. He'd recently introduced the world to his Ziggy Stardust persona with his top 5 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' and had completed a hugely successful UK tour. The Santa Monica concert, David's first live US radio broadcast, was aired live on KMET in L.A. Over the last 36 years this historic recording has only been occasionally available as a bootleg. For many, ownership of this concert was regarded as a true test of being a 'proper Bowie fan'. This powerful, galvanizing show allows a more than 70 minute glimpse into the earliest nationwide live radio exposure granted David and the Spiders. The set list is compiled primarily from the 'Hunky Dory' and 'Ziggy Stardust' albums and features two covers, Jacques Brel's "My Death" and the Velvet Underground's "Waiting for the Man," alongside the awesome power of 'The Man Who Sold The World' centrepiece "The Width Of A Circle" (this version is a ten and a half minute sonic assault) and an 'Aladdin Sane' previewing "The Jean Genie." The set list is also quite different from the Ziggy terminating 'Ziggy Stardust - The Motion Picture Soundtrack. Accompanying David was The Spiders From Mars: Mick Ronson - guitar, vocals, Trevor Bolder - bass, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - drums and Mike Garson - piano. This is David Bowie at the pinnacle of his creative power - in 1981 NME critics called it, "(quite simply) ... the performer's, and one of rock's, best ever bootlegs". The CD will be released as a limited edition with special packaging featuring shots taken at the actual gig for the first time. The double LP will be a heavyweight vinyl one off run. David says:- "I can tell that I'm totally into being Ziggy by this stage of our touring. It's no longer an act; I am him. This would be around the tenth American show for us and you can hear that we are all pretty high on ourselves. We train wreck a couple of things, I miss some words and sometimes you wouldn't know that pianist Mike Garson was onstage with us but overall I really treasure this bootleg. Mick Ronson is at his blistering best."
Official at last I second most reviews about this famous and important live recording by Bowie & Spiders.
Just a note: Some Bowie talking between songs are cut out, compared to the Golden Years release some years ago. Compare for instance the intro to "Andy Warhol".
Ziggy Plays Guitar Much better than the soundtrack live album from Ziggy Stardust The motion Picture, the band sounds raw and rocking. Mick Ronson was brilliant of course. I used to have the widely available bootleg of this on LP. This package comes with some great pictures and notes in a box and of course sounds much better than my well-worn record.
Ziggy Live A wonderful performance by the Spiders from Mars. It showcases, Bowie and Ronson in the early years Ronson's back up vocals, blend well with Bowie's early sound. Wish I could have been there!
Best Bowie Ever This album is an absolute gem. I've never been the biggest Bowie fan, but have always been looking for a good live album from him. This production is increadible from top to bottom. The sound quality is phenomenal with just the right amount of crowd noise and quality vocal/instrumental mixing. Also, the set list cannot be beat. All the quality Bowie tunes including the best tracks that you don't hear every day on your local classic rock radio. Even the classics, with solid guitar solos, jams, and lyrical variations, are a big improvement from the original recordings. Overall, this album is a must have for any classic rock fan regardless of whether or not you're a huge Bowie enthusiast.
Finally Out of Bootleg Land It's about time that the grail of Bowie LIVE has been professionally produced. The quality is spot on. If you want Bowie, Ronson at their best this is the album (CD) to get. Hey, you even get a ticket to the show. GUNN
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
