David Bowie (June 24, 1978) “Ha! Ha! said the clown” Sounds – Concert Review

The June 24, 1978 edition of Sounds magazine features a detailed review of David Bowie’s concert at Newcastle City Hall, praising his commanding stage presence and the theatrical power of the show.

Publication: Sounds

Date: June 24, 1978

Country: United Kingdom Location: London

Section: Live Review

THE STORY

Reviewer Phil Sutcliffe describes Bowie’s performance in glowing terms, noting his control over the audience, dramatic delivery, and the strong connection with the band. The review highlights Bowie’s ability to command the stage without props or gimmicks, delivering a powerful set that left the crowd exhilarated.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

This concert took place during David Bowie’s 1978 world tour promoting the Low and “Heroes” albums. It was part of his “Isolar II” tour, which showcased a more stripped-back yet intensely theatrical approach compared to earlier shows. Newcastle City Hall was a frequent stop for major artists in the 1970s.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS 

Event: Live concert review Era: 1978 (Low / “Heroes” era)

Tone: Enthusiastic, vivid, appreciative Photography: Multiple black & white live shots of David Bowie on stage

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Bold headline “Ha! Ha! said the clown”

• Extensive review text by Phil Sutcliffe

• Several dynamic black & white live photographs of Bowie performing

• Detailed analysis of the show’s atmosphere and Bowie’s stagecraft

RELATED MATERIAL 

This June 24, 1978 Sounds review captures David Bowie during his late-70s “Berlin Trilogy” period and complements other 1970s Bowie live coverage in the scrapbook.

For other relevant posts, see the tags at the foot of the page.

All magazine scans, photographs and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference.