Image: Justin Kahn/Wire Image
They absolutely love you
Los Angeles awoke yesterday morning to a collection of outstanding press reviews for David's performance on Tuesday night. Themes running through reviews for both this show and earlier performances include the timeless nature of David's songs and also his appearance; the way the new and highly acclaimed material from 'Heathen' fits seamlessly alongside more classic songs; and awed reverence for the delivery and artistry he and his band display. Many reviews have described David's set as their 'performance of the year'. There is so much praise within today's reviews, I have been spoilt for choice of quotes.. Here are some of the best, but you will see lots more when you click on the links.
LA Times opened with:- "The suave, sophisticated Bowie looks as if he was anointed a pop star by the heavens. He came into this world with breathtaking good looks that have defied the aging process, a golden voice, superb body language and a great tailor."
They continue:- "..the material, from the icy paranoia of 1975's "Fame" to the glorious idealism of 1977's "Heroes," still seems fresh, both because of the quality of the songs and because the Englishman and his excellent seven-piece band--including longtime sidekicks Earl Slick on guitar and Mike Garson on keyboards--have rethought most of them stylistically.
Equally important, the six songs from the new album held their own in that classy company--reassurance that Bowie remains a vital artist who's not depending on the oldies to hold fans' attention.
But the key new songs, including the wistful "Slip Away" and the delicate "5:15 The Angels Have Gone," touch on a tender, vulnerable strain that has also run through much of Bowie's music. When he went into "Heroes," the audience exploded with cheering that suggested both respect and affection for this veteran figure, whose singing remains as commanding as ever.
Riverside Press Enterprises said David was "Stunning, actually", and focused again on his unique ability to remain contemporary. They added:- ...I can proudly say I saw Bowie in '02. ..(he) was looking pretty contemporary ..in a stylish black suit and vest, his blue leather tie left unknotted, and an almost boyish visage. (Mick Jagger must hate him.)
The dramatic airs of his new material -- the build of "I've Been Waiting for You," the darker atmospherics of "5:15 The Angels Have Gone," the operatic drama of "Heathen" -- fit well with the older selections, perhaps the ultimate testament to Bowie's continuing artistry.
Image: George Campos
Orange County Register described David's set as "one of the great performances of the year ", and added .."Tuesday night's Area2 stop at Irvine's Verizon Wireless Amphitheater was all about David Bowie". They described 'Heathen' as "his acclaimed, emotionally astute new album", and said David looked "more regal than ever".
Further impassioned praise included:- "After an attention-seizing opening - a lovely piano- and-voice rendition of "Life on Mars?" into a glittering "Ashes to Ashes" and a smashing "Breaking Glass" - his show flowed in dynamic groupings. The melancholy elegy "Slip Away" spilling into the cool groove of "Stay" and a much heavier version of "Fame." Best of all: the moving trio of "5:15 The Angels Have Gone" to "Heroes" to "Heathen (The Rays)," with Bowie's still-commanding voice collapsing into a series of anguished cries. ..he has our thanks for starting his encore with a majestic "Always Crashing in the Same Car" and ending it with a tremendous "Ziggy Stardust"
The San Bernadino Sun opened with:- 'David Bowie was, to say it simply, astounding Tuesday at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.' They went on to say:- "Bowie enthralled a standing audience by interweaving timeless gems, such as "China Girl," ' "Heroes," ' "Let's Dance," ' "Ziggy Stardust," ' and "Fame," ' with edgier, atmospheric songs from his new CD, "Heathen." '
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And now for more reports of David's hilarious on-stage antics, fresh in from the field :-)
David introduced the band as 'Earl on guitar, Mark on guitar, Gerry on guitar, Cat on guitar, Mike on guitar, Sterling on guitar, Gail really on guitar - and me? I eat em for lunch....!! '
The stylophone saga continues....apparently db is making them out of "electric shavers" and invited the audience to join him in doing so after the show.
He gave the crowd a giggle during a slight technical hitch. He pretended to repair a dodgy microphone, then asked for a replacement or even better, 'a megaphone'. :-) Earlier, he announced they would be performing songs ranging from the 90's to the 20's..and then back further in time into the minus years! Sus tells me this also caused great amusement earlier in the tour where he actually sang a piece backwards!..."rather impressively" ...
He "almost wore shorts"...but it got "too chilly" :-) (Thanks Simone)
You can also check out this journal with pictures from the inimitable 'Shivas Irons', who closes with "David Bowie and your band I salute you. You?ve made an old fan very happy."
Set List
Life on Mars?
Ashes to Ashes
Breaking Glass
Cactus
China Girl
Slip Away
Stay
Fame
I?m Afraid of Americans
I've Been Waiting For You
5:15 The Angels Have Gone
"Heroes"
Heathen (The Rays)
Encores
A New Career In A New Town
Always Crashing In The Same Car (First time at Area: 2)
Everyone Says Hi
Let's Dance
Ziggy Stardust
(Thanks again SusanS)
:))