David Bowie (August 27, 1972) – “Live at the Locarno, Bristol” Concert Advert – Electric Village Presentation

Aug 27, 1972

2 min read

This printed advertisement from August 1972 promotes David Bowie’s appearance at Bristol’s Locarno Centre, presented by Electric Village. The show formed part of the Ziggy Stardust Tour, with support from Thin Lizzy and Gnidrolog, and a screening of the concert film Supershow. The event ran from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., marking Bowie’s 49th date on the tour.

Publication: Local Press Advert / Electric Village Promotional Flyer Date: August 27 1972 Country: United Kingdom

The advert lists Bowie as the headline act, supported by Thin Lizzy and Gnidrolog, with additional entertainment including bars, food stalls, and music. Tickets were priced at £1.25 and sold through Exspation Records on Park Street, Bristol. The concert took place at the Locarno Centre, a multi‑purpose venue known for its ice rink, casino, and ballroom. Bowie’s set featured thirteen songs, including Hang On To Yourself, Ziggy Stardust, Starman, and Suffragette City, performed with the Spiders From Mars.

The poster’s bold typography and minimal design reflect early‑1970s British concert advertising — direct, functional, and focused on the star attraction. The inclusion of Thin Lizzy as support highlights the era’s vibrant rock circuit, where rising acts often shared stages with established performers.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

By August 1972, Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust Tour had become a cultural phenomenon, transforming him from cult artist to mainstream sensation.

The Locarno show captured Bowie and the Spiders From Mars at their most electrifying, blending theatricality with raw rock energy. The tour’s expansion into regional venues like Bristol demonstrated Bowie’s growing reach across the UK, bringing glam rock to audiences outside London’s metropolitan scene.

The Locarno Centre itself was emblematic of post‑war leisure culture — a hybrid entertainment complex catering to music, dance, and nightlife. Hosting Bowie alongside Thin Lizzy and Gnidrolog positioned Bristol as a key stop on the national touring circuit. The event’s combination of live music and film (Supershow) reflected the multimedia experimentation that defined Bowie’s early‑1970s aesthetic.

This advert stands as a snapshot of Bowie’s ascent: a moment when Ziggy Stardust’s glittering persona was conquering provincial stages, reshaping British pop performance, and inspiring a generation of fans. The Locarno would later evolve into the Carling Academy and O2 Academy Bristol, continuing its legacy as one of the city’s most iconic live venues.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS Event: David Bowie live at the Locarno  Centre, Bristol

Era: 1972 – Ziggy Stardust / Glam Rock Era Tone: Promotional, energetic, and historic

Photography: Text‑only advert with bold black lettering

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

Full concert advert for Bowie’s Bristol performance
Support acts: Thin Lizzy and Gnidrolog
Screening of Supershow film
Ticket details and venue information

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