Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's bleedin' art innit?
What is it, and who dunnit? Click on it to find out.
Fame... What's your name?
In his latest offering, David explains how celebrity endorsed stuff ain't always what it seems, and he's written a bit about his continued passion for collecting art, and just what he does actually own.
Click on the beautifully bizarre creation above to read the very latest BowieNet exclusive. While we're on the subject of art...
A couple of the pieces you can expect to see today... if you're quick!
Here today, gone tomorrow...
A quick reminder for those art lovers among you in New York today... This is the last day of the Rupert Goldsworthy curated exhibition that we told you about last month. (02/24/03 NEWS: RUPERT GOLDSWORTHY CURATES NEW SHOW IN NY) Rupert originally curated the very successful "Bowie" show in 1999, that David actually bought a couple of pieces from.
This latest group show is presenting new work by Christopher Brooks, Rupert Goldsworthy, Nate Lowman and Chris Murtha, and it is at the Marcus Ritter Gallery in New York., which is at 453 West 17th St, New York NY 10011 (Corner of Tenth Ave).
The exhibition is open from 10am to 6pm (EST), and you can remind yourselves about the artists taking part by looking at the aforementioned news piece. Don't forget to mention you read it here if you do decide to pop along.
"A speck of stardust just settled in my eye..." A bit of yer actual real
Stardust, yesterday. Not quite as glamorous as one would have hoped.
The stardust trail leading back to you...
A recent article, published in the journal Science, about the existence of stardust in Earth's upper atmosphere, has been picked up by the world's press. Here's an edited extract from one of the reports printed in last Friday's Times:
THE magic ingredient which helped make Hoagy Carmichael?s song Stardust so popular, gave David Bowie his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust and inspired Woody Allen?s film Stardust Memories, has been tracked down. Scientist's findings confirm that star quality is indeed the rarest of things: of more than 100,000 particles collected from the upper atmosphere, just six are true stardust, from beyond the solar system.
If you look closely, you may notice an uncanny resemblance between the stardust on the lettering of Ziggy's Stardust (below) from the original The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars album cover and the real stardust (above).
Obviously any inter-galactic traveller worth their salt, would have access to any quantity of the stuff... which explains the abundance of it on the aforementioned lettering.
Note the presence of real STARDUST that appears on David Bowie's 30-year-old album, Ziggy Stardust.
It seems that, (despite a clean up of the typeface on some reissues, where the accurate portrayal of stardust was replaced with wholly inaccurate star shapes) The Man Who Fell To Earth had first hand experience of the stuff all along. But then again we all knew that, didn't we?
Thanx to the appropriately named Spaceface, who pointed me in the direction of the
I know all the best ways...
The current issue of NME includes the full listing of their 100 Best Albums Of All Time. The list was last compiled ten years ago, and once again the albums are chosen by NME's current writers. Three David Bowie albums make the list, and here is what they have to say about each:-
26: Low: - Influenced: Aphex Twin - Why it's great: Low is a classic example of drug addled alienation. - Best Track: Sound And Vision
43: Hunky Dory: - Influenced: Doves - Why it's great: Ranging from Changes pop genius to The Bewlay Brothers twisted folk, Hunky Dory is the gleeful sound of artistic self-discovery. - Best Track: Life On Mars?
86: "Heroes": - Influenced: Liars - Best Track: "Heroes"
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Popular music and aftershocks...
Newsday have posted a glowing review of last Friday's 2003 Tibet House Benefit. They say:
The two-hour 13th annual Tibet House Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall was designed to call attention to the plight of the Tibetan people and their desire to keep their culture alive; however, the ongoing conflict with Iraq was hard to ignore. Rather than address the issue directly, though, most of the artists chose to stick with the Tibetan model of celebrating the positive, rather than dwelling on the negative.
They also quote David:
Music is the muscle of civilization, said Bowie, after delivering both songs with his unique, stylish intensity. With it, we can lift ourselves up and do magnificent things.
Go here to read the whole thing.
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Soul love...
This week's OK!, (cover date March 11th) features an interview with Iman in connection with her modelling work for the H&M clothing chain. There are several fabulous pictures of Iman wearing a selection of the Spring 2003 range, and she also talks about her family and "marriage to one of the most famous people in the world":
After 25 years in New York, Iman is reluctant to be anywhere else. "My home is wherever David is. He is my soulmate and we are amazingly alike. And, of course I still fancy him! Who wouldn't?"
"But I do love the anonymity of New York. These days we are just Lexi's mum and dad. Our biggest challenge is making sure she isn't spoilt. One of her first words was taxi, which wasn't a great start," she laughs.
(Thanks Blammo)
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The world held his hand, gave their pledge...
Classic Rock 'unravels some of the greatest concept albums ever' in its March edition.
There is a 2 page feature on The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars album which includes a full page Ziggy shot complete with boa.
Here are some snippets:
David Bowie's 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars' album didn't just define its time, it successfully transformed the very psyche of the prevailing cultural zeitgeist.
At the dawn of the 70's rock n' roll had lost it's way and was either bulking out into a self-serving morass of dull techno-flash masterbation, or sinking yet further into an acoustic sludge of denim-draped, introspective despondency. The kids clearly needed a technicolour saviour to deliver them from this monochrome sonic austerity, and David Bowie's ultimate alter ego/creation fitted the bill ideally.
(Thanks to BowieNetter SusanS)
:))
You make me act real gone...
The March 2003 issue of Musikexpress, a monthly music magazine published in Germany, has the results of the readers poll we told you about back in January. (01/10/03 SNIPPET: BOWIEPHILES). BowieNetter Simone has very kindly translated some of the results for you, and here they are:-
Live Act Of The Year:
1. DAVID BOWIE
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Herbert Grönemeyer
4. Coldplay
5. Die Ärzte
6. Bruce Springsteen
7. Queens Of The Stone Age
8. Roger Waters
9. Moby
10. Die Toten Hosen
The Return Of The Thin White Duke! With thrilling shows David Bowie corroborates a brilliant comeback with his album Heathen (see #5 in albums of the year). Even the Chili Peppers, who are usually reliably strong with their live act, had to bow.
Album Of The Year:
1. A Rush Of Blood To The Head by Coldplay
2. Mensch by Herbert Grönemeyer
3. By The Way by Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. The Rising by Bruce Springsteen
5. HEATHEN BY DAVID BOWIE
6. Songs For The Deaf by Queens Of The Stone Age
7. Rock´n´Roll Realschule by Die Ärzte
8. Neon Golden by The Notwist
9. The Eminem Show by Eminem
10. Riot Act by Pearl Jam
Solo Artist Of The Year:
1. Herbert Grönemeyer
2. Robbie Williams
3. DAVID BOWIE
4. Ryan Adams
5. Eminem
6. Badly Drawn Boy
7. Bruce Springsteen
8. Richard Ashcroft
9. Johnny Cash
10. Beck
Music Website Of The Year:
1. www.u2.com
2. www.musikexpress.de
3. www.DAVIDBOWIE.COM
4. www.bademeister.com
5. www.amazon.de
6. www.moby.com
7. www.depechemode.de
8. www.mtv.de
9. www.laut.de
10. www.allmusic.com
You might also remember that those who completed the Pop Poll were eligible to enter a random competition to win a Gibson Les Paul Studio-E Guitar signed by David Bowie after the 2002 Munich show. The winner was Stephan Rehm:
Stephan says he is a total Bowie fanatic, and could only say an unbelieving "Oh God, Oh God" when he got the message that he was the winner of the main prize.
The 22-year old English Language and Literature student from Munich, a member of the Elektro-Punk Band Samson, "loves Bowie like crazy", and explained to the surprised ME main editor Christian Stolberg, that he won´t use his prize, either in the rehearsal studio or on stage. The bright yellow Gibson Les Paul will instead be turned into the center piece of his very own Bowie altar.
Congratulations to Stephan, and to David!
(Thanks to BowieNetter Simone)
:))
I've got ninety-nine ways to play my guitar...
What's the link between David Bowie and... erm... Link Wray? Well it's not for me to say, but before you click on the image above to take you to David's latest journal, just try and have a little guess.
Has David recorded Raw Hide or the Batman Theme perhaps? Or maybe Mr Wray and Sailor share the same tailor? What about that rumoured family connection via a third uncle twice removed... admittedly it's a rumour I just started, but, whatever the truth, if you want to know for sure there's only one way to find out. };-)
David Bowie at the Tibet House Benefit show last
week. Picture taken by BowieNetter Alison Hale.
I keep a photograph...
BowieNetters Alison Hale and Ursula2k have sent in some more pictures from last week's Tibet show. Alison, you may remember, was responsible for the brilliant pictures of David in Denmark getting a little amorous with a teddy bear, which I must post here for those of you that never saw them elsewhere.
Anyway, I have posted one of her Tibet shots above, and another on the MBs which you can reach by clicking on the one above. Thanx a lot Alison.
Meanwhile, Ursula2k, (whose own
A pre-teen Gail Ann gets funky with a big guitar and a Peter
Frampton Comes Alive T-shirt. Thanx to Gail for the picture.
Oh she's a tongue twisting storm, come to the chat tonight...
IF IT'S 2:30 EST, CLICK THIS LINK TO LOG INTO THE CHAT
For those of you that can make it, don't forget about the GAD chat that we told you about a couple of days ago. (03/03/03 NEWS: GAIL ANN DORSEY CHAT ON WEDNESDAY, PLUS INTERVIEW)
The chat takes place today at 2:30pm EST, that's the work-friendly time of 7:30/8:30pm for most of Europe.
You can read the transcript of an interview that Gail did for Bass Magazine last year by clicking on the charming little shot above... signed, personalised copies of which were sent to our recent competition winners.
You must see the movie...
You should have all received an e-mail regarding Wednesday's chat with Gail Ann Dorsey, that we told you about yesterday. (03/03/03 NEWS: GAIL ANN DORSEY CHAT ON WEDNESDAY, PLUS INTERVIEW)
Contained within the same e-mail were details of a special screening of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars - The Motion Picture, at the Museum of Television and Radio on May 3rd at 4pm (EST) in New York.
That would be pretty cool in itself, but this screening will be attended by both Tony Visconti and DA Pennebaker, who will be getting involved in a bit of audience interaction after the screening. Prior to the show, Mr Pennebaker will present a very rare five minute piece from his personal collection.
Five random winners and fifteen BowieNetters could win pairs of tickets to the event by going to the pre-order site
We will be running a competition to win copies of the Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars - The Motion Picture DVD, CD and numbered red vinyl in the next couple of days.
She'll come, she'll go...
The Queen of Bass Cool that is Gail Ann Dorsey, has decreed that she will take part in a BowieNet chat in just two days time. This extra special event takes place at 2:30pm EST (that's 7:30pm for you lucky UK folk) on Wednesday March 5th.
If you need a bit of inspiration for a few questions to present to GAD, then click on the image above. You will be taken to the transcript of a great interview that Gail did with Adrian Ashton for Bass Magazine last year... from which, the following excerpt:
How did you get the gig with David Bowie?
He called me on the telephone, believe it or not. It was 1995 and I was about to do the Outside Tour with Nine Inch Nails. I had no connection with him at all. I?d played with Brian Ferry, The Gang of Four and lots of different people so I was so amazed to get the gig. I was nervous for some time too!
Initially it was only to be for six weeks because at that time I was recording with Roland Orzabal from Tears For Fears, which was where David called me, at Roland?s house in Bath. Roland?s wife came in and said, "David Bowie?s on the phone for you!" I thought it was a friend of mine from London playing a joke on me. Of course, seven years later, I?m still there and it?s been a great seven years I have to say.
So, let's give Gail a big warm welcome by packing out that chatroom, and don't forget to get those thinking caps on for some interesting and original lines of enquiry.
"As long as they gaze on Waterloo sunset, They are in paradise..."
Ray Davies and David Bowie get a little bit Kinky on Friday night.
Waterloo Sunset's fine...
David Bowie has posted a short message on the message boards about Friday Night's Tibet show, in which he has described the event as "a simply lovely evening", and in which he has vowed his continued support for the Tibet House benefit by toasting next year.
BowieNet members can read the full message
Also on the MBs are impressions from some of the fans who attended, from which, these quotes:
RebeccaB
...acoustic versions of Loving the Alien and Heathen, my god, what a spine chilling experience...I mean, I totally lost it, he just slew me, I melted into a complete whimpering drivel during Loving the Alien...Waterloo Sunset was breathtaking. LOVELY.
Saxonny
His selection and songs were AMAZING; inspired, and the attitude...what more can I say? He won me over for life.
SusanS
Priceless. Bloody fantastic ...I sat to the side and just absorbed David's expressions, his stance, everything...as fast as possible....I just love watching him. There's nothing better is there?
dbfan1847
Still in awe from a night of perfection.
DEmerson
Sailor - you were, as always, spectacular. Thank you!
BowieNetter's
I'm not even going to mention the fact that one BowieNetter has actually posted mp3s of the acoustic versions of Loving The Alien, Heathen (The Rays) and the duet of Waterloo Sunset with Ray Davies on the MBs. Outrageous behaviour that I can't possibly condone, which is why I'm playing it down here. };-)
Believing the strangest things, loving the alien...
Early reports on last night's Tibet House Benefit Concert tell of another triumphant and moving occasion. David sang stripped down, brand new versions of Loving The Alien and Heathen (The Rays), joined Ray Davies for The Kinks' Waterloo Sunset, and joined in a rousing finale of Bob Marley's Get Up, Stand Up
Two London boys waiting back stage
Image © Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com
As long as I gaze on Waterloo sunsetI am in paradise...
We'll bring you more news of this wonderful night as it comes in, but for now, check out the BowieNet Message Boards where you can read a number of great reports from some of the many many BowieNetters who were in the audience last night.
:))
lend us a 'song' we can read...
Songs Inspired by Literature - Chapter 2 - a new CD out on March 12th will feature David Bowie's 1984. David has donated the track to Artists for Literacy an organisation set up in 1999 by singer/songwriter Deborah Pardes as an innovative way to promote reading. As well as raising funds, the discs are offered as teaching tools for adults who cannot read. Their website tells us:-
In the most powerful democracy in the world 1 in 5 adults can't read.
Just like in Chapter One, the true featured stars of Chapter Two are the books, plays and poems that inspired those songs. The CD booklet features those literary works, highlighting the unique connection that those works share with the songs they've inspired.
We are encouraged to support the cause by buying the CD, and there are 5 ways to buy.
Check em out!
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Sweet talking, night walking games...
Gamers on BowieNet may appreciate an early heads-up on the release of Amplitude for Playstation 2. Amplitude is the follow up to the hugely successful FreQuency and includes songs and video content from David Bowie (Everyone Says 'Hi'), Weezer, Garbage, Quarashi, Logan 7, Blink 182, P.O.D, Mekon, Freezepop, and Dieselboy. The game will be available from March 25th in the USA. The press release tells us:-
The game has been developed exclusively for the PS2 and is described as a fast-paced addictive rhythm action game that will appeal to gamers and music enthusiasts alike.
Players have the opportunity to create custom remixes, along with customizing how each instrument sounds. The game is also online via the Network Adaptor and will challenge the musical talents of those who are interested.
Playing Amplitude online offers new opportunities for gamers to join online communities and share their experiences with other gamers across the country.
You can see a set of great screenshots here, and if you click on the image above you can download an excellent Quicktime movie preview (warning - file is large).
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I'll give my complete attention to a very good friend of mine...
The exceptional artist John Bellany was the subject of 'A Life In The Day' in last week's Sunday Times. Included in the piece was an anecdote about his close friendship with db:-
I've met so many people through the paintbrush... I met David Bowie through an art gallery and we've become close friends. Once, he got me front-row tickets for a concert, and I was chatting to him in the dressing room. Then this call came: 'David Bowie on stage in five minutes.' He said he'd wait until I'd got to my seat. When I sat down, I saw the curtain twitch and it was him, checking. Then whoosh, the curtain opened and he started charging around - and I'd been talking to him about Rembrandt a few minutes earlier.
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Fascination, oh yeah, takes a part of me...
Once again this week, a David Bowie song is featured in NME's 'Burn It'. This week, the CD is compiled by singer Anthony Roman and drummer Greg Collins from NYC's Radio 4. They choose "Heroes", and here's why:-
Anthony: "Quite possibly the best vocal ever put to tape. The peak of the Bowie/Eno relationship which continues to fascinate us all."
(Thanks Blammo)
:))
"It's a mixed up muddled up shook up world..." Bits of Ray Davies and David Bowie, yesterday.
Everyone will be alright tonight...
Just ahead of tonight's Tibet House show, David has written a new journal about tonight's performance, and yesterday's rehearsal for it. BowieNetters can view an exclusive shot of Ray Davies and David Bowie from rehearsals in this latest contribution from David.
Meanwhile,
Bowie's ties to Tibetan culture go back to his youth: As a teenager, he spent time studying with exiled monks at London's Tibet Society. "There was one brief period where I saw myself as becoming a Buddhist,? Bowie says. "There was something about their humanity and their spiritual awareness and their peaceful outlook -- something which is sorely lacking at the moment.?
Read the whole thing