A BOWIE CELEBRATION TOUR // O2 ACADEMY, GLASGOW
It was the third anniversary of the legend that is David Bowie’s passing and A Bowie Celebration put on a night of passionate musicians and so much charm; it’s quite possible to assume that Bowie himself, if he could have attended, would have had a magnificent a time.
A BOWIE CELEBRATION PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S O2 ACADEMY - 10.01.2019
PICTURE BY: STEPHEN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A Bowie Celebration (ABC) always features alumni musicians who have been a part of Bowie’s journey across the decades. The line-up often changes and with the catalogue of tracks their namesake offers, they are an act to see again and again. Whoever is featured in the band, viewers can be certain they are watching performers who love the icon and his music, and who aim to deliver an effect that shakes its audience in way close to that of the original recordings .
There was cheery crowd in Glasgow’s O2 Academy on the night of ABC’s performance. Participants were ready to shake the off the January cold air and get their blood pumping. The venue was not sold out and standing sections had plenty of space allowing for optimum pleasure for those stood and for those dancing their hearts out. A friendly atmosphere gleamed, everywhere people mingled and laughter was plentiful. To be amongst the vibe was elevating.
On stage, first appears pianist Mike Garson. He is arguably the closet connected to Bowie’s music career of the night’s line-up after featuring on many of Bowie’s most beloved albums, and touring with the man throughout his whole musical history. Garson has recently played with heavier acts including The Smashing Pumpkins and Nine Inch Nails. At the O2, he starts alone onstage, introduces himself and tells a short anecdote about a time when he played with Bowie at Glastonbury. He then plays ‘Greensleeves’ as mentioned from his narrative. This was one song that did not quite seem to fit the set. However, research into Garson will tell anyone of his musical prowess and solidifies that his solo number was magical. He performed the night with the warmest smile and was an endearing character.
It’s in the next song, ‘Bring Me the Disco King,’ when more of the acts appear and the night really starts to take off. Bernard Fowler is a brilliant vocalist. He is brightly spirited and he’s energy is incredibly contagious. He has spent 30 years working with The Rolling Stones and worked with many more incredible artists including Robert Plant and Bootsy Collins.
They rattle out favourite after favourite. Highlights would be impossible to separate. ‘Moonage Daydream’ then into ‘Fame’ before the crowd could recover. They played the hard ‘Cracked Actor’ with all the edge it requires. The exotic ‘Win’ sounded heavenly and transported their fans. When ‘All the Young Dudes’ sounded the crowd shouted and so did they with every lyric. ‘Changes,’ ‘Young Americans,’ ‘Ziggy..’ Think of 10 Bowie songs and, unless you’re trying to outsmart, ABC played 8.5 of them.
The band’s encore features Hunky Dory’s quirky ‘Andy Warhol’ and the renounced ‘Life on Mars,’ and ‘Heroes.’ The Crowd could have stayed for another dozen tracks. The band didn’t look tired, although sweaty. But as the night included 22 epic versions of stunning tracks, viewers left ecstatic.
A Bowie Celebration is must see for any fans of any Bowie persona. They played from the greatest hits, and dove right into the select gems. Of course, many may leave with a song they cherish that wasn’t played but that is what will come with a tribute to a man as grand as David Bowie. Their only slight pull up could be with their lack of crowd interaction but really fans should jump at the chance to see this group.
FANS ENJOYING A BOWIE CELEBRATION TOUR AT GLASGOW’S O2 ACADEMY - 10.01.2019
PICTURE BY: STEPHEN WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY