David Bowie (August 19 1972) – “Bowie to Open Hardrock” Feature – Advertisement

This advertisement from August 1972 announces David Bowie’s upcoming performance to inaugurate the new Hardrock Concert Theatre in Manchester. The piece highlights Bowie’s rising fame and the venue’s innovative design, marking a milestone in British live‑music history.

Publication: Advertisement (UK Press) Date: August 19 1972 Country: United Kingdom

Under the bold headline “Bowie to Open Hardrock,” the notice reveals that “Starman David Bowie, whose latest single is currently high in the charts,”

will open the newly built Hardrock Concert Theatre on Saturday, 2 September 1972. The venue is described as the first purpose‑built concert hall of its kind in the United Kingdom, featuring a semi‑round design and a revolving auditorium floor — a mechanical innovation capable of transforming the space into a discotheque for non‑concert nights.

The advertisement details the theatre’s capacity: 3,000 for concerts and 1,500 for discotheque events, emphasizing its scale and versatility. Bowie’s involvement underscores his growing stature as a leading figure in British pop culture, bridging art, fashion, and performance.

A smaller note at the bottom announces that Emperor Rosko will compere the event, adding further star power to the opening night.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

By mid‑1972, Bowie was riding high on the success of Starman and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

His appearance at the Hardrock Theatre’s opening symbolized his transition from cult artist to mainstream phenomenon.

The venue itself became a landmark in Manchester’s music scene, hosting major acts throughout the 1970s. This advertisement captures the excitement surrounding Bowie’s ascent and the era’s fascination with futuristic design and spectacle — both hallmarks of the glam‑rock movement.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS  

Event: Opening of the Hardrock Concert Theatre, Manchester Era: 1972 – Ziggy Stardust Tour / Glam Rock Peak Tone: Promotional, celebratory, and futuristic

Photography: Black‑and‑white image of Bowie in patterned jacket, light trousers, and tall lace‑up boots, posing confidently with one foot on a stool against a plain backdrop

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Announcement of Bowie’s concert to open Manchester’s Hardrock Theatre

• Description of the venue’s revolving floor and large capacity

• Mention of Emperor Rosko as compere for the event

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