This major Los Angeles Times review by Robert Hilburn covers David Bowie’s two-night appearance at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium during his first U.S. tour. Hilburn presents Bowie as an artist whose records had already suggested major potential, but argues that the Santa Monica concerts confirmed that promise in person, praising his command of the stage, the discipline of the Spiders From Mars and his determination to establish an identity beyond conventional rock stardom

National Album Day 2026 will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026, continuing its annual celebration of the album as a creative art form. Established in 2018, the event encourages music fans to listen to complete albums, discover new music, and appreciate the album format as a storytelling medium for artists. For the 2026 campaign, the chosen theme is ‘Icons’, highlighting records and artists that have left a lasting impact on music and popular culture. ABOUT NATIONAL ALBUM

A significant piece of rock history has surfaced: an original 1972 concert handbill from David Bowie’s performance in Memphis, Tennessee, personally autographed by the Starman himself. Item Highlights Date: 1972 (during Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era) Autographed: Hand-signed by David Bowie Venue: Memphis, Tennessee Format: Original handbill / promotional flyer Auction House: Heritage Auctions This rare artifact comes from one of Bowie’s groundbreaking early 1970s tours that help

The second preview track from the Rock ’n’ Roll Star! box set — an intimate early take from the Ziggy Stardust sessions at Trident Studios.

Issued as part of EMI’s 40th Anniversary picture disc campaign, this single revisits one of Bowie’s most playful and provocative glam‑era tracks. Originally released in 1972 between The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars and Aladdin Sane, John, I’m Only Dancing remained a non‑album single throughout the period. The 2012 picture disc pairs the original 1972 recording with the 1973 Sax Version, cut during the Aladdin Sane sessions and distinguished by its

The July 15, 1974 edition of German teen magazine BRAVO publishes a major 4-page retrospective titled “Zwölf Jahre: ROCK & HAARE” (Twelve Years: Rock & Hair), tracing the evolution of rock hairstyles, fashion, and culture from the Beatles in 1962 to the glam and hard rock stars of 1974. Publication: BRAVO Magazine Date: July 15, 1974 Country: Germany Location: Germany Section: Special Feature / Rock History THE STORY The spread uses dozens of photos to illustrate how rock hai

This substantial three-page Sunday Record feature by Rick Atkinson examines David Bowie during the rapid American breakthrough of Ziggy Stardust. Combining a detailed account of Bowie's recent Carnegie Hall appearance with a retrospective look at his career, the article traces the development from his early folk beginnings and Space Oddity through Hunky Dory to The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars. Publication: The Record / Sunday Record Date: October

This substantial Melody Maker feature speaks with Mott The Hoople drummer Dale “Buffin” Griffin during the remarkable revival of the group’s fortunes in 1972. Buffin looks back candidly at the tensions and disappointments that had brought Mott close to breaking up, discusses the intervention of David Bowie and the success of “All The Young Dudes”, and reflects on the band’s determination to regain control of its own identity rather than simply become part of Bowie’s circle. P

The October 28, 1972 issue of New Musical Express places David Cassidy at the centre of its front-page promotion with the huge headline “CASSIDY TOUR.” A large black-and-white portrait dominates the cover, accompanying news that Cassidy had signed for a major British concert tour. The same front page also promotes a special 20-year chart souvenir and carries additional news concerning King Crimson, Jeff Beck and Slade. Publication: New Musical Express (NME) Date: October 28,

This 1972 mail-order advertisement offers a striking snapshot of the stars being marketed to British pop and rock fans at the height of the glam era. The poster selection includes Alice Cooper, Slade, David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Gary Glitter, Donny Osmond, Cat Stevens, Neil Young, Elvis Presley, David Cassidy and Gilbert O’Sullivan, with several artists available in large full-colour poster formats. Date: October 28, 1972 Country: United Kingdom Advertiser: Permaprints Item: Mai