David Bowie is dead!
But he was very much alive last Friday evening at the Hippodrome Theatre in Eastbourne, courtesy of tribute act Absolute Bowie.
They hit the stage with Suffragette City and the crowd were immediately responding – ‘Wham Bam, Thank you Ma’am,’ although there was an air of ‘ok, let’s see if you can carry this off.’ Perhaps this filtered through to Bowie (John O’Neill) who seemed to be holding back a little at this stage. Maybe it takes a couple of numbers to morph into one of the biggest stars that ever lived, or to feel comfortable in the ridiculous first outfit – a replica of Bowie’s black vinyl/white stripe jumpsuit with the legs that, closed, created a vinyl record.
Actually, all of Bowie’s 70s era outfits were pretty ridiculous, but they were also innovative, responsible for his image as a style icon and essential to his constant reinventions. Absolute Bowie rose to the challenge. Their wardrobe person deserves a namecheck from the stage. We freaked out on a Moonage Daydream and moved through his Japanese influenced cape/sheet to reach his one-legged knitted affair. This was the attire in which John performed my favourite song of the set – Jean Genie – by which time the crowd were on board and in good voice. John had warmed up. He executed all the live Bowie moves, including the sexually suggestive interactions with Andy Marr on guitar, who superbly portrayed Mick Ronson, resplendent in black sequins, with plus-four style trousers, long socks and buckled shoes. The 70s era band was completed by Telegram Sam on bass, sporting replica Trevor Bolder long white sideburns.
Although any Bowie tribute has to pay homage to the visuals, I don’t want this to detract from the musicianship. These were highly accomplished artistes who reproduced Bowie and Ronno’s often complex arrangements faithfully and with polish. The line-up was completed by Danny Mattin on keyboard who really came into his own on Life On Mars with some beautiful piano, and Alex Face providing first class drumming. I didn’t catch the name of the sound guy, but made a point of complimenting him at the end of the show as the sound and balance were perfect throughout.
The first half of the show was completed by Starman, Changes and, what was a pleasant surprise, All The Young Dudes, never released as a single by Bowie. He wrote the song and donated it to Mott The Hoople, for whom it became a huge hit. Bowie was a fan and he’d heard the band was disillusioned and considering calling it a day. The hit song kept them together. Needless to say, by this time, the Hippodrome audience was singing with one voice!
After the interval, Bowie became more sophisticated. The bright ginger mullet was replaced by hats and hair befitting the songs Fashion, Fame, Cracked Actor, Ashes to Ashes, China Girl and Let’s Dance, before we were transported back in time for Space Oddity. Well, no Bowie show would be complete without it.
The guys finished with Heroes, leaving me pining for Ziggy Stardust and Young Americans, but there’s so much material from which to choose, I guess something’s got to give.
Absolute Bowie is off on an Australian tour next. I’m sure they’ll have a ball there. I know, for certain, their audiences will.
Highly recommended. Catch them when you can.
Visit the Absolute Bowie website for more details and live dates.
