David Bowie (Aug. 1978) Stage Live Album Advert – News Feature Chronicle

A full-page New Musical Express advertisement promoting the upcoming release of David Bowie’s live double album Stage, published on August 5, 1978. The advert uses a dramatic black-and-white photograph of Bowie in a white sailor cap, arm raised against vertical stage lighting, to position the album as a theatrical document of the 1978 Isolar II World Tour. The bold headline “STAGE” dominates the layout, accompanied by the Shakespearean line “All the world’s a stage… And one man in his time plays many parts,” reinforcing the album’s conceptual framing.

The feature includes the complete track listing, catalogue numbers, and the £5.70 rrp price, encouraging fans to pre-order “to avoid disappointment.” Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, Stage is presented as a major live release capturing the precision and atmosphere of Bowie’s late‑1970s performances. The advert reflects RCA’s promotional style of the period, combining stark imagery, literary reference and practical detail to build anticipation for the album’s arrival.

Promotional image for David Bowie's live double album "Stage," featured in the New Musical Express on August 5, 1978. The design highlights a bold, commanding presence and lists tracks from the album, with a call to order ahead of its release.

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