David Bowie The Video Archives 1973-1987 Volume V

Description

22. (UK TV) BBC 1987 Re-Broadcast of the original edit and audio mix (pre DVD) of “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars” (1973): This 1973 concert film directed by D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Jimi Plays Monterey, Depeche Mode 101, etc.) documenting the final show of Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) & the Spiders from Mars (Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, & Mick “Woody” Woodmansey)provides a rare glimpse into Bowie’s glam rock period. It is a loud & flashy assault on the senses that is experienced through both “sound” & “vision”. Film footage mostly consists of the performance, but also included are back stage scenes of Bowie changing from one costume to another.
Songs performed:
1) Hang on to yourself
2) Ziggy Stardust
3) Watch that man
4) Medley: Wild eyed boy from Freecloud/All the young dudes/Oh you pretty things
5) Moonage Daydream
6) Changes
7) Space Oddity
8) My death
9) Crack’d Actor
10) Time
11) Width of a circle
12) Let’s spend the night together
13) Suffragette City
14) White light/white heat
15) Rock & Roll Suicide
Leonard Maltin dismisses this film as “practically unwatchable and unlistenable” which would only be true for people who either dislike Bowie or the style of music. Yes, the music is sometimes loud, the focus is blurry here & there, and the strobe lights go crazy, but this is a David Bowie rock concert from the 1970s, isnt that appropriate? Anyone who is interested in either David Bowie or the glam rock era of the 1970s will find this film essential. For one, it is the only film document of David Bowie’s Ziggy/glam phase and for another it is the “last concert” with “the Spiders” including Mick Ronson, who was a part of Bowie’s band since the 1969 album “Space Oddity” up until ’73’s “Pin Ups”. Bowie would, by 1974, have a new back up band, as well as a new look. This film deserves preservation on DVD as the historical document that it is.
*Look quickly for Ringo Starr talking with Bowie backstage

23. (UK TV) Glass Spider Tour Press Conference for the Never Let Me Down LP at The “Players Theatre, London, UK 20th of March 1987: BBC news coverage of Bowie’s Glass Spider Tour Press Conference at the London Players Theatre on 20 March 1987, where he discusses the future of his career in acting, and a live preview of “87 and Cry.” Same-day coverage from the Tube TV show, including a live clip of new single “Day-in Day-out.” Bowie mentions contemporary favourites, the symbolism of the Glass Spider, and comments on the AIDS crisis. The Tube plays an extended live clip of “87 and Cry” and announces UK Tour dates. Includes a sneak peek of “Day-in Day-out” video. Later news coverage of the Glass Spider tour conference, includes a brief career retrospective with clips from “Queen Bitch,” “Jean Genie,” “Ashes to Ashes,” and “China Girl.” UK reporter Mark Easton asks Bowie about the man behind his famous characters and the involvement of Peter Frampton in his band.

24. (UKTV) The Tube 04/87: Interview of David Bowie by Jools Holland Parts 1 and 2 from two separate days. Bowie sits down with Jools Holland to discuss the Never Let Me Down album, including the writing process, collaborating with Iggy Pop, working with musician Erdal Kizilçay, and why his politically-charged lyrics and visuals in the music video lost him airtime on some American networks. Interview continues with Bowie addressing retirement rumours, current hobbies, and the role of different media in his life and career, including painting, acting, and screenwriting. Jools and Bowie play a game of word association to close.