Published Monday 3 July 2017 at 14:46
An event taking place at King Georges Hall is inviting people to celebrate 1973: the year Bowie Came to Blackburn.
In the 70s Blackburn’s King George’s Hall played host to many world famous musicians and bands – and now fans are delighted to welcome back Woody Woodmansey, the drummer and last surviving member of David Bowie’s legendary Spiders From Mars, to the venue where they played on May 31, 1973.
Woody will be the ‘guest of honour’ for the culmination of a Heritage Lottery funded multi-arts and heritage project celebrating Bowie and the many other top bands who played KGH that year, including Status Quo, Queen, The Sweet and Mott The Hoople.
Fans will have a chance to meet Woody and hear how Woody had just been offered a promotion – to be second in command to the foreman no less – at the Driffield factory where he worked, when Bowie called to ask if he’d like to join the band.
Against all advice from family and friends, Woody said no to the factory and yes to Bowie.
There followed an incredible roller-coaster touring the world with the biggest, most exciting and extraordinary band on the planet.
Woody will also talk about his recently published ‘My Life With Bowie, Spider From Mars’ a funny and poignant memoir of his years with Bowie and subsequent career.
Woody’s In Conversation and Panel Discussion are part of a packed showcase event to mark the culmination of the oral history and arts project: 1973: The Year Bowie Came to Blackburn.
The event starts at 1pm in King George’s Hall, going throughout the afternoon and evening, ending with an iconic 1970s Roxy / Bowie Disco and Aftershow Party from midnight – 6am, Cellar Bar on King Street.
Highlights include the film premiere:- ‘1973 KGH: Our Memories’ by 1973 fans who were there, live music including 1970s covers with a twist and specially composed new music by students from McNally Music Tuition, plus an original set from Sky Valley Mistress.
There’ll also be presentations and talks bringing the 1970s alive with music journalist Dr. Toby Manning and a panel discussion: ‘Music Then And Now.
Afternoon events are free. Tickets for the evening are £1.20, the same price fans paid in 1973 and it will include a free CD of original new music and a booklet commemorating the project
All proceeds raised will raise money for ‘All the Young Dudes’, that supports young musicians and artists to showcase their work in heritage venues in Blackburn.
The event is a creative collaboration with The Bureau Centre for the Arts, McNally Music Tuition, Gill Burns Community Dance and Action Factory Arts.
To book visit www.kinggeorgeshall.com Tel: 0844 847 1664
Filed under : David Bowie | King George's Hall