“Ziggy really sang”
Hard to imagine in these days of instant news distribution, just how important the likes of Terry O’Neill were (particularly Terry O’Neill), in keeping us in tune with Bowie’s latest look via daily newspapers and the music press.
Indeed, aside from the lucky attendees at the Marquee filming sessions in October 1973, the first glimpse fans got of Bowie’s latest sartorial sensations was via Terry O’Neill’s centre page photo spread in the Daily Mirror, considered important enough at the time to be highlighted on the front page.
Now, 44 years later, Terry has compiled a slim, and quite beautiful volume of the pictures from the filming, as outlined in the blurb below.
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WHEN ZIGGY PLAYED THE MARQUEE
When David Bowie played The Marquee Club in October 1973, most of those who attended at this famed small venue did not realise that this would be the last performance Bowie would ever give as Ziggy Stardust.
Terry O'Neill, celebrated photographer, was given unprecedented access to document the event; a command performance for the American television program 'Midnight Special' and a show Bowie would name 'The 1980 Floor Show.' O'Neill captured Bowie and his crew backstage as they went through costume changes, and on-stage Bowie as he transformed into the character he'd soon put to rest. As O’Neill dodged television cameras and lights, he captured this significant moment in music history.
O'Neill remembers "Bowie became a character when he performed. As much as a person takes a role in a play for the West End or on Broadway, learning the lines, putting on the costumes - this was, I think, the way he treated his stage. That night at the Marquee, I witnessed a modern-day Hamlet - and it was Ziggy Stardust".
Award-winning music writer Daniel Rachel interviews key contributors from that day, including O’Neill, Ava Cherry, Amanda Lear, Suzi Ronson and Geoff MacCormack – along with new insights and memories from fans who were in the audience who played witness to this incredible moment in music history.
This stunning paper-over-board book with a printed case will be packaged with a clear neon acetate jacket.
Published by ACC Editions, Due Mid October
Unsigned - £29.95 / Terry O’Neill Signed Edition - £60.00
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Stay tuned for some exclusive, previously unpublished images from the book.
#BOWIEbyONEILL #BowieAtTheMarquee