I think these pictures probably tell you all you could possibly want to know, and a little bit more, about the evening event on Thursday night. But for those of you in other corners of the globe, many of whom wished mightily to join the Brit rabble (hello, Leeza and Simone...), here are the heavily edited highlights. I can be reached at spaceface@davidbowie.com, with offers of bribes both from those who want to know, and those who don’t want anyone to know, more....
After the daytime events, which included a pub heaving with fans, nostalgic locals, civic dignitaries, the cool and hip of 2001 Beckenham, and a terrific set by the lovely Steve Harley, we returned in the evening to find the bar staff in Bowie T-shirts, some complete with Aladdin face-paint, and an audience ready to rock and roll in honour of their London Boy.
There were three Bowie tribute artists lined up, all of whom have ‘done’ David for the UK TV show ‘Stars In Their Eyes’. All three had lovely voices, and each brought his own selection of ‘Bowie’ moves and vocal and physical mannerisms to their set. Paul Henderson and Rob Storm represented Ziggy and ‘Let’s Dance’ era Bowie, but ranged across all his output in their choices of songs. A particular favourite from Paul was 'After All' (great, gruff “Oh By Jingo’s”, howling back at the band from the crowd :))
I had been looking forward to seeing Little Wonder, as you may remember that we interviewed the lead singer Tony Perry when he appeared on ‘Stars’ earlier this year. I must say that seeing him together with his band was a revelation! Great lead guitar, keyboards, and a gifted sax player meant that all the songs were given an authentic and very full backing. The set list was excellent - almost as if the band had read the minds of this audience of true devotees. Song after song brought groans of recognition and heartfelt appreciation from the increasingly well-oiled audience. I don’t need to say it really.. You can see it in the photos. Highlights included 'Scary Monsters' and 'Wild Is the Wind', which made my hair stand on end when I remembered David roaring out ‘ITSELF.....’ at the Beeb. All three artists were on stage for ‘All The Young Dudes’, followed by ‘Starman’, and finally...aahh... Rock’N’Roll Suicide.... Here is the Little Wonder set list :-
1. Look Back In Anger
2. Boys Keep Swinging
3. Moonage Daydream
4. Changes
5. Absolute Beginners
6. Sound & Vision
Hang on to Yourself and Ziggy Stardust
PAUL HENDERSON with Little Wonder
7. Survive
8. Wild is the Wind
9. Ziggy Stardust
10. Jean Genie
11. Heroes
12. Scary Monsters
13. Lets Dance
14. White Light/White Heat
15. Suffragette City 
Encore
16. All the Young Dudes with Rob Storm , Paul Henderson &
Tony Perry & Little Wonder
17. Starman
18 Rock n Roll Suicide
The auction followed the last song, with some wonderful prizes donated by many who had been involved in the event. Funds raised are set to top £1000.
There were lots of Bowienetters in the audience, some of whom you can see - hover your pointer over the pictures for captions - all getting excited about “next year’s live stuff”. It was great to see you all, and for very selfish reasons - not least the prospect of spending another night with the ‘Hinge’ to my ‘Bracket’ - SusanS ;) - I hope its not too many months before we have a really great reason to meet again. It was a pleasure and a privilege to join in celebrating 30+ years of success for Beckenham’s Finest..
