Month: July 2003

I’d love to get a newsletter, Like to know what’s what…

You should have all by now received your BowieNet newsletter, but for those of you that haven’t managed to check it out yet, for one reason or another, all the information contained within in it is posted below. As you can see, there are still a few members-only tickets up for grabs, and a bunch of VIP packages too.

It’s also worth pointing out that there is the facility to send an official Reality e-card at the bottom of the newsletter. This facility has been available on the past eight newsletters, but I know not everybody has noticed it yet! Hallo love… };-)

You can send an official Reality e-card to whoever the hell you like by clicking on the screen grab above, or by using the shortcut below.

Total Blam Blam – (BowieNet News Editor)

——————————————————————————————————————————

Greetings David Bowie Fan,

BowieNet still has tickets available for select stops on the European leg of David Bowie’s A ‘REALITY’ TOUR.

Members-Only Tickets:
10-23-03 Milan Italy FILAFORUM
11-23-03 Dublin Ireland THE POINT – public tickets sold out!

>>>> CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW

More Exclusive VIP Packages Added:

Available to all Bowie fans, members and non-members alike!

10-08-03 Stockholm Sweden THE GLOBE – public tickets sold out!
10-10-03 Helsinki Finland HARTWALL ARENA – public tickets sold out!
10-20-03 Paris France PALAIS OMNISPORTS
10-27-03 Munich Germany OLYMPIAHALLE
10-29-03 Vienna Austria WIENER STADTHALLE
11-01-03 Hannover Germany PREAUSSAG ARENA
11-03-03 Berlin Germany MAX SCHMELLING
11-25-03 London UK WEMBLEY ARENA – public tickets sold out!
11-26-03 London UK WEMBLEY ARENA – public tickets sold out!

> For a complete list of Exclusive VIP Packages, click here

We’ve sold out of our VIP packages in Copenhagen, Oslo, Antwerp and Manchester, UK and the others are going fast! Get yours today!

Stay tuned to BowieNet and davidbowie.com for more ‘REALITY’ TOUR announcements.

>> Get your Official ‘REALITY’ e-card here

See you on the road,
BowieNet

Not a member? Click here to join

Fa-fa-fa-fa fashion…

Details of the Fashion Rocks extravaganza for the Prince’s Trust were released yesterday. The event takes place at the Royal Albert Hall in London on October 15th, and, apart from appearances from such artists as Robbie Williams, Bryan Ferry and Elton John, the night will be of particular interest to those of you reading this, due to the fact that David Bowie will provide a live performance via satellite for the finale. Victoria Beckham will also take part in some way or another, though I believe this is unlikely to be a musical performance.

Fashion Rocks, is expected to raise nearly £1 million in ticket sales and several million more through global television rights for the Prince’s Trust charity. The actress and model Elizabeth Hurley will compere the show. Nicholas Coleridge, the event’s chairman and managing director of Condé Nast, said it would be the largest fashion-music performance ever staged.

Sir Tom Shebbeare, chief executive of The Prince?s Trust, said: “Fashion Rocks is a hugely exciting fundraising event for The Prince?s Trust. Music and fashion is a powerful combination and the fantastic support we have received from long-standing Trust supporters like Nicholas Coleridge and icons from the world of showbusiness will help us to give even more young people a second chance in life.” The trust is Britain’s leading charity for young people aged 14 to 30.

The designers who will show their autumn-winter ’03 collections are Giorgio Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Gucci, representing Italy; Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan and Tommy Hilfiger for America; Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Chloe, for France; and Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Julien Macdonald, Matthew Williamson and Burberry for Britain.

Nicholas Coleridge also had this to say about the event: “We will be building the biggest circular catwalk in the world, with the world’s largest video screen. There will be a cast of 180 models presenting 18 four-and-a-half minute fashion shows with a performance by a major artist chosen by each design house. David Bowie will perform for the finale. Channel 4 will screen it in prime time and it has been pre-sold to 17 countries. The combined television audience could reach 300 million.”

Tickets are on sale now, costing £40 to £10,000 for grand tier boxes seating 12 people. For ticket sales and information telephone the Royal Albert Hall box office on 020 7589 8212… Please remember that David will not actually be performing live at the venue, but via a satellite link-up only.

Just a few of DB’s listening recommendations so far this year. BowieNetters can read more about
one of these particular bands in his latest, lengthy journal, by clicking on the cover of their choice!

So I’ve been writing just for you…

David enjoyed an evening out with a few friends last week, and frankly, it was all a bit of a Blur. Read about this and more in today’s exclusive BowieNet journal, which BowieNetters can reach by clicking on one of David’s favourite albums so far this year, above.

And the papers want to know…

A press release regarding the Reality tour and album has been issued today. You’ll be able to read the whole thing later today by clicking on the album cover above, which links directly to the Press Release section on BowieNet.

Meanwhile, here are a couple of excerpts from the press release to whet your appetite:

Bowie describes the sound of the record as ‘Built to play live’ and more intriguingly as being ‘A bit thrusty’.

Expanding on that, David commented on the themes contained within the album: ?Nothing more complicated than a collection of songs, many written in Downtown New York. It covers a small period of writing at the start of 2003. I write continually and, these days, it’s great to be able to release things as I write them.?

And there’s also this hint that we should expect some more well-chosen cover versions on future Bowie albums:

The album also includes two cover versions; the first is the track ‘Pablo Picasso’ which was originally recorded by cult hero Jonathan Richman.

The other cover on ‘REALITY’ is one of the lesser know songs by the late George Harrison. The song ?Try Some, Buy Some? has been on Bowie’s ‘to cover’ list for years ever since he bought a copy of the version made by ex-Ronette Ronnie Spector in the 70’s

Of the two covers Bowie remarked that ?At one time I was compiling a Pin Ups II list and both of these songs were on it. I must have over fifty songs on that list now. As it’s very unlikely that I’ll do another Pin Ups, I just grab a couple of irresistible favourites from the list every time I go into the studio. I get a real kick from doing covers, I’m such a rock fan at heart.’

This last point is backed up by David’s latest journal entry, see story below. As I say, you’ll be able to read the whole press release later today here on BowieNet.

David Bowie announced today the details of his 26th studio album ‘REALITY’ that will be released in the Autumn to coincide with his first world tour in almost a decade.

‘REALITY’ is due for release on Iso/Columbia Records on September 15th, just prior to Bowie beginning his highly anticipated sold out European tour, which will commence on October 7th in Copenhagen and comes to a close in Glasgow on November 28th.

The eleven track album was recorded in New York over the past few months with the highly acclaimed band that performed on the ‘Heathen’ mini tour of last year, including long-time Bowie musicians such as vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey, pianist Mike Garson, drummer Sterling Campbell and guitarists Earl Slick and Gerry Leonard. Additional instruments were played by Tony Visconti on bass and Bowie himself on keyboards, guitar and sax.

‘REALITY’ again sees Bowie reuniting with his long time co-producer, Tony Visconti. The duo were responsible for last year’s critically acclaimed ‘Heathen’ as well as classics such as ‘Scary Monsters’, ‘Low’, and ‘Heroes’.

Bowie describes the sound of the record as ‘Built to play live’ and more intriguingly as being ‘A bit thrusty’.

Expanding on that, David commented on the themes contained within the album ?Nothing more complicated than a collection of songs, many written in Downtown New York. It covers a small period of writing at the start of 2003. I write continually and, these days, it’s great to be able to release things as I write them?

There are nine Bowie originals on the album, only one of those has been heard before. The song ‘Never Get Old’ which is currently being used throughout Europe as part of a co promotion with Vittel Water in which David looks back with a wry smile at some of his previous incarnations.

The album also includes two cover versions; the first is the track ‘Pablo Picasso’ which was originally recorded by cult hero Jonathan Richman.

The other cover on ‘REALITY’ is one of the lesser know songs by the late George Harrison. The song ?Try Some, Buy Some? has been on Bowie’s ‘to cover’ list for years ever since he bought a copy of the version made by ex-Ronette Ronnie Spector in the 70’s

Of the two covers Bowie remarked that ?At one time I was compiling a Pin Ups II list and both of these songs were on it. I must have over fifty songs on that list now. As it’s very unlikely that I’ll do another Pin Ups, I just grab a couple of irresistible favourites from the list every time I go into the studio. I get a real kick from doing covers, I’m such a rock fan at heart.’

The full track listing for ‘REALITY’ is as follows:

New Killer Star

Pablo Picasso

Never Get Old

The Loneliest Guy

Looking for Water

She’ll Drive the Big Car

Days

Fall Dog Bombs The Moon

Try Some, Buy Some

Reality

Bring Me The Disco King

The very distinctive artwork for ‘REALITY’ is the result of collaboration between Bowie, Rex Ray and Jonathan Barnbrook. Both Ray and Barnbrook have worked with David in the past on the likes of ‘Earthling’ and ‘hours…’ (Rex Ray) and Heathen (Barnbrook) but ‘REALITY’ is the first time that the three of them have worked together on a project.

The artwork for the record, according to Bowie was inspired by ?An assumption that there is little reality left that corresponds to the old definition.”

‘REALITY’ is released September 15th via Iso/Columbia Records.

More details about the album as well as the opportunity to hear parts of the album online at Bowienet (www.davidbowie.com) will be revealed soon.

DAVID BOWIE ?A REALITY TOUR EUROPE 2003

OCTOBER

7th Copenhagen Forum, Denmark

8th Stockholm Globe, Sweden

10th Helsinki Hartwall Arena, Finland

12th Olso The Spectrum, Norway

15th Rotterdam Ahoy, Holland

16th Hamburg Colorline Arena, Germany

18th Frankfurt Festhalle, Germany

20th Paris Bercy, France

21st Paris Bercy, France

23rd Milan Filaforum, Italy

24th Zurich Hallenstadion, Switzerland

26th Stuttgart Schleyerhalle, Germany

27th Munich Olympiahalle, Germany

29th Vienna Stadthalle, Austria

31st Cologne Koln Arena, Germany

NOVEMBER

1st Hanover Arena, Germany

3rd Berlin Max Schmelling Halle, Germany

5th Antwerp Sportpalais, Belgium

7th Lille Zentih, France

8th Amneville Galaxie, France

10th Nice Nikaia, France

12th Toulouse Zenith, France

14th Marseille Le Dome, France

15th Lyon Tony Garnier, France

17th Manchester M.E.N Arena, UK

19th Birmingham NEC, UK

20th Birmingham NEC, UK

22nd Dublin The Point, Eire

23rd Dublin The Point, Eire

25th London Wembley Arena, UK

26th London Wembley Arena, UK

28th Glasgow SECC, Scotland

Wondrous beings chained to life…

The latest new series of shows from VH1’s ‘100 Greatest…’ specials features their take on ‘The 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons’. Here’s what they have to say:

The 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons is wide in scope, accounting for television characters (Gilligan and Miss Piggy) cartoon crazies (Bugs Bunny and Scooby Doo), Hollywood heroes (Rock Hudson and Jim Carrey), and of course rock stars… Each will be the subject of a pithy profile that’s sure to reveal new tidbits of info while reminding you of their subject’s longstanding cultural significance. Each will be scrutinized by awed celebrities and witty critics. Along the way you’ll get new insights into how and why these gods and goddesses rose to the pop culture heavens.

Each one hour episode is illustrated by celebrated artist Robert Risko, who made the above cartoon of David which has already made it’s way on to our boards as an avatar.

The episode featuring David Bowie airs on VH1 in the USA at the following times:

Tuesday July 22nd – 9.00PM ET
Wednesday July 23rd – 1.00AM, 11.00AM and 7.00PM ET
Thursday July 24th – 5.00PM ET
Friday July 25th – 3.00PM ET
Saturday July 26th – 2.00PM ET

You can find these details and more in the Bowie Calendar.

:))

A Complex fashion…

The new issue of American magazine Complex (August/September 03) has a Mos Def and David Bowie cover feature with a seven-page article and a new photo session. The piece is entitled ‘The Style Council’ and the blurb for it runs thus: Renaissance Men DB and Moss Def Chop It Up About Fame Fashion and the Pursuit Of Happiness.

David kindly gave us this exclusive quote regarding his encounter with Mos Def:

“I was knocked out by Mos. He is so on the ball and has a wide perspective of where he is and where he wants to go. Top man. His rap form is a jolt for anyone who thinks rap’s descended into mere ghetto fabulousness and violence. He’s working at expanding the form toward a new poetry.”

BowieNetters can view a larger version of the above cover by clicking on it. Complex magazine has an on-street sale date of July 29th.

Waiting for the gift of Sound+Vision…

EMI have confirmed the tracklisting for the revamped Sound+Vision 4 CD box set that we told you about last month. Originally released in the US only, but heavily exported around the globe, the set has been updated with another one and a half discs of extra tracks, that’s 24 extra in total. The extra tracks start from track 10 on disc three, which is Baal’s Hymn from the Baal EP.

All of the tracks are the most recent digitally-remastered versions, meaning that most (if not all) of those that appeared on the original set have been updated for this release. The extra tracks on this new version bring the set up to the release of Buddha Of Suburbia. This is the first official CD release for the following tracks, and a couple of them have not been released at any time before:

The Wild-Eyed Boy From Freecloud (rare B-side Paul Buckmaster intro version 1969)

London Bye Ta-Ta (previously unreleased stereo version recorded 1970)

Round And Round (Alt version from Ziggy sessions 1971)

Baal’s Hymn (from Baal E.P.)

Drowned Girl (from Baal E.P.)

Nite Flights (Moodswings Remix – Unreleased 7″ Radio edit)

Pallas Athena (Gone Midnight Mix)

Anyway, the set is due in late October/early November and here’s the tracklisting as it stands, subject to 3rd party clearance on some tracks:

CD 1:
01 Space Oddity (original demo 1969) (5:07)
02 The Wild-Eyed Boy From Freecloud (rare B-side Paul Buckmaster intro version 1969) (4:48)
03 The Prettiest Star (single version 1970) (3:09)
04 London Bye Ta-Ta (previously unreleased stereo version recorded 1970) (2:33)
05 Black Country Rock (from The Man Who Sold The World) (3:34)
06 The Man Who Sold The World (from The Man Who Sold The World) (3:54)
07 The Bewlay Brothers (from Hunky Dory) (5:20)
08 Changes (from Hunky Dory) (3:33)
09 Round And Round (Alt version from Ziggy sessions 1971) (2:39)
10 Moonage Daydream (from The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars) (4:37)
11 John, I’m Only Dancing (Sax Version 1973) (2:55)
12 Drive-In Saturday (from Aladdin Sane 1973) (4:27)
13 Panic In Detroit (from Aladdin Sane 1973) (4:23)
14 Ziggy Stardust (live from Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture 1973) (3:14)
15 White Light/White Heat (live from Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture 1973) (3:14)
16 Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide (live from Ziggy Stardust: The Motion Picture 1973) (4:29)
17 Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere (from Pinups 1973) (3:06)
18 Sorrow (from Pinups 1973) (2:53)
19 Don’t Bring Me Down (from Pinups 1973) (2:05)

CD 2:
01 1984/Dodo (recorded 1973) (5:27)
02 Big Brother (from Diamond Dogs 1974) (3:18)
03 Rebel Rebel (US single version 1974) (2:58)
04 Suffragette City (from David Live 1974) (3:48)
05 Watch That Man (from David Live 1974) (5:05)
06 Cracked Actor (from David Live 1974) (3:28)
07 Young Americans (from Young Americans 1975) (5:10)
08 Fascination (from Young Americans 1975) (5:43)
09 After Today (Young Americans outtake 1975) (3:47)
10 It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City (recorded 1975) (3:46)
11 TVC15 (from Station To Station 1976) (5:29)
12 Wild Is The Wind (from Station To Station 1976) (5:56)
13 Sound And Vision (from Low 1977) (3:02)
14 Be My Wife (from Low 1977) (2:55)
15 Speed Of Life (from Low 1977) (2:45)
16 Helden (German version of Heroes – 1989 remix) (3:37)
17 Joe The Lion (from Heroes 1977) (3:05)
18 Sons Of The Silent Age (from Heroes 1977) (3:17)

CD 3:
01 Station To Station (from Stage 1978) (8:48)
02 Warszawa (from Stage 1978) (6:50)
03 Breaking Glass (from Stage 1978) (3:34)
04 Red Sails (from Lodger 1979) (3:42)
05 Look Back In Anger (from Lodger 1979) (3:05)
06 Boys Keep Swinging (from Lodger 1979) (3:16)
07 Up The Hill Backwards (from Scary Monsters 1980) (3:13)
08 Kingdom Come (from Scary Monsters 1980) (3:42)
09 Ashes To Ashes (from Scary Monsters 1980) (4:22)
10 Baal’s Hymn (from Baal E.P.) (4.00)
11 Drowned Girl (from Baal E.P.) (2.24)
12 Cat People (Putting Out Fire) (soundtrack album version) (6.41)
13 China Girl (from Let’s Dance) (5.32)
14 Ricochet (from Let’s Dance) (5.14)
15 Modern Love (Live) (B-side) (3.43)
16 Loving The Alien (from Tonight) (7.10)
17 Dancing With The Big Boys (from Tonight) (3.34)

CD 4:
01 Blue Jean (from Tonight) (3.10)
02 Time Will Crawl (from Never Let Me Down) (4.18)
03 Baby Can Dance (from Tin Machine) (4.57)
04 Amazing (from Tin Machine) (3.04)
05 I Can’t Read (from Tin Machine) (4.54)
06 Shopping For Girls (from Tin Machine II) (3.44)
07 Goodbye Mr. Ed (from Tin Machine II) (3.24)
08 Amlapura (from Tin Machine II) (3.46)
09 You’ve Been Around (from Black Tie White Noise) (4.45)
10 Nite Flights (Moodswings Remix) (Unreleased 7″ Radio edit) (TBC)
11 Pallas Athena (Gone Midnight Mix) (TBC)
12 Jump They Say (from Black Tie White Noise) (4.22)
13 Buddha Of Suburbia (from Buddha Of Suburbia) (4.28)
14 Dead Against It (from Buddha Of Suburbia) (5.48)
15 South Horizon (from Buddha Of Suburbia) (5.26)
16 Pallas Athena (Live as Tao Jones Index) (8.18)

Singing old songs we loved…

Following on from their successful David Bowie Classic Album Nights over the past couple of years, (The last time being: 12/18/02 NEWS: BOWIE NIGHT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AT ARLENE GROCERY) the legendary New York club, Arlene Grocery, has another scheduled for this coming Sunday July 20th.

At the moment, the schedule is roughly as follows:

8:30pm Aladdin Sane

9:30pm Ziggy Stardust

10:30pm Various selections from Diamond Dogs, Hunky Dory, Young Americans and Space Oddity

The usual suspects will be recreating the music, including the talents of:

Charlie Roth – Musical director and Keyboards. Adam Roth – Guitar. Alec Morton – Bass. Joe Vincent – Drums. Kieth (sic) from True Love on guitar

True Love will perform Aladdin Sane. Owen Comaskey will perform Ziggy Stardust.

See the aforementioned New Year’s Eve story for some of these musician’s past glories… Sorry if I’ve missed anyone, but this bunch could qualify for The Polyphonic Spree award for over-crowded stages!

The evening has been planned as a benefit for David J. Ores, MD [david.ores@verizon.net] He provides free medical care for uninsured people on the lower East Side, and he’s apparently “A great guy, who provides a medical service free of charge”.

BowieNetters who identify themselves at the door will get a $3 discount from the $7 cover charge. Click on the image above to take you to a BowieNet discount flyer which you can print out and take with you. Have fun you lucky people.

Arlene Grocery is situated at 95 Stanton Street, NY 10002 – PH (212) 358-1633 – (between Ludlow and Orchard, just one block South of Houston)

Way back in time, Someone said try some, I tried some…

The next issue of Rolling Stone, which is due to hit the streets on July 18th, has an interview with David regarding the recording of Reality and the songs thereon. Here’s an excerpt from the piece by David Peisner regarding the above 45, which proves DB certainly knows his rock history:

“Try Some, Buy Some” is a relatively faithful remake of an obscure Ronnie Spector/George Harrison collaboration. “At that time,” Bowie says, “it was the only single by a solo artist that actually had all four Beatles on it. The Beatles had kind of disbanded, but they all loved Ronnie, and it was George Harrison producing it, so they all crept in at different times to put parts on it. We were pretty true to the original arrangement, but the overall atmosphere is somewhat different. It’s a dense piece.”

You can read more of the interview over at RollingStone.com by clicking on lovely Ronnie’s little nose, or by using the more obvious shortcut you just read past.