David Bowie (July 14 1973) – “Bowie’s Farewell Party” – Melody Maker

This Melody Maker music‑paper clipping from July 1973 captures the aftermath of David Bowie’s legendary “farewell” concert at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. The photograph shows Bowie seated with Lou Reed and Mick Jagger at his post‑show party, marking the end of the Ziggy Stardust era and the beginning of a new creative chapter.

Publication: Melody Maker   Date: July 14 1973 Country: United Kingdom

The page features several short news items from the week’s music scene. The central photograph documents Bowie’s farewell celebration, attended by Lou Reed and Mick Jagger, following the Hammersmith Odeon performance where Bowie announced he was retiring “from live performance.”

The accompanying text notes that the concert was recorded by the BBC and that RCA planned a possible live album release.

It also mentions Bowie’s upcoming studio sessions in France and Italy with drummer Aynsley Dunbar and guitarist Mick Ronson.

Surrounding articles include updates on Dizzy Gillespie’s tribute concert for Tubby Hayes, Jack Bruce’s withdrawal from a U.S. tour, and new releases from Stealers Wheel and the Strawbs — situating Bowie’s farewell within a broader snapshot of 1973’s musical landscape.

CONTEXT AND NOTES  

Bowie’s Hammersmith Odeon concert on July 3 1973 became one of rock’s defining moments, closing the Ziggy Stardust period and shocking fans who thought he was ending his career entirely.

The Melody Maker coverage reflects the excitement and confusion surrounding his announcement, while the photo of Bowie with Reed and Jagger symbolises the passing of the glam‑rock torch among its leading figures.

Within weeks, Bowie began work on Pin Ups, his covers album recorded in France later that year

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS  

Event: Bowie’s farewell concert and post‑show party

Era: 1973 – Ziggy Stardust Farewell Period Tone: Informative, reflective, and celebratory Photography: Black‑and‑white image of Bowie, Lou Reed, and Mick Jagger at a London dinner table

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Headline references Dizzy Gillespie, Stealers Wheel, and Bowie’s studio plans

• Central photograph captioned “Lou Reed, Mick Jagger and David Bowie at Bowie’s farewell party in London last week”

• Short news items detailing Bowie’s recording schedule and concert broadcast plans

All magazine scans, photographs, and original text excerpts referenced in this entry remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This Chronicle entry is a transformative, non‑commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.