Watch ‘Ziggy Stardust’ and ‘Heroes’ From New York David Bowie Tribute
Two days after playing their first show in London, the Celebrating David Bowie tour touched down at New York’s Terminal 5 Tuesday night for an incredible evening of music featuring a huge lineup of musicians that played with the icon during his long career.
It could have been a solemn occasion on the one-year anniversary of David Bowie’s death, but the atmosphere was joyous from the opening notes of “Rebel Rebel” through the finale of “Under Pressure” over three hours later. “We’re going to celebrate somebody who we love very much,” said keyboardist Mike Garson, who served as the emcee for the evening. “He affected every one of our lives in many levels and layers more than we know. I treasure his music.”
Among the many highlights were Living Colour’s ferocious take on “I’m Afraid Of Americans,” Gail Ann Dorsey’s moving “Space Oddity,” Gaby Moreno hitting the highest of high notes of “Five Years” and “Wild Is The Wind,” Adrian Belew expertly recreating his original guitar parts on “Boys Keep Swinging,” Mike Garson resurrecting the insane “Aladdin Sane” piano solo and Earl Slick and Bernard Fowler nailing “Stay” from Station to Station. There were also guest appearances by Darren Chris (“Changes”), Kate Piersen of the B-52s’s (“Golden Years”) and Mr. Hudson (“Starman”).
Anchoring everything was the band that Bowie assembled for his final tour in 2003/04, including drummer Sterling Campbell, backing vocalist/percussionist Cat Russell and bassist Mark Plati along with Garson and Slick. Until this week, they hadn’t done a show in 13 years, but there wasn’t even a hint of rust. Check out video of “Ziggy Stardust” with Brett Hool on vocals, “Moonage Daydream” featuring Fishbone’s Angelo Moore and “Heroes” with Bernard Fowler. After a short break, the tour picks up again in Los Angeles and The Wiltern in Los Angeles on January 25th before the group heads to Tokyo and Sydney.