David Bowie (October 2, 1973) – “David Bowie Set For TV Special” News Feature - The Los Angeles Times

Oct 2, 1973

2 min read

This short news report announces David Bowie's forthcoming television special, marking his first major recorded appearance since revealing that he intended to stop touring. The programme was designed to showcase Bowie's interpretations of classic British rock and pop songs that would later appear on the album Pin Ups.

Publication: The Los Angeles Times

Date: October 2, 1973

Country: United States

Under the headline "David Bowie Set For TV Special", the article reports that David Bowie would appear in a Midnight Special television programme originating from London and scheduled for broadcast on November 16, 1973.

According to the report, the programme would represent Bowie's first significant appearance since announcing in July 1973 that he intended to stop touring. The special was scheduled to be taped between October 18 and October 20 at London's famous Marquee Club.

The show would feature Bowie performing versions of several classic British rock songs that were also included on his forthcoming album Pin Ups.

The report highlights the programme as an opportunity for viewers to experience Bowie's interpretations of songs that had influenced him during the 1960s.

Additional guests announced for the special included The Troggs and Marianne Faithfull, giving the programme a strong British rock focus and reinforcing the connection between Bowie's new album and the artists who had inspired it.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published shortly after Bowie retired the Ziggy Stardust stage character in July 1973, the article reflects growing public curiosity about his next move. Although many people interpreted the announcement as a withdrawal from live performance, Bowie remained active through television appearances, recording projects and special events.

The report is noteworthy because it documents one of the earliest public announcements connected with The 1980 Floor Show, the television production filmed at the Marquee Club that would later become one of the most famous visual documents of Bowie's mid-1970s work.

The article also confirms the close relationship between the television special and Pin Ups, the album of cover versions released later that month.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Announcement of David Bowie's London television special

Era: 1973 Pin Ups era

Tone: Informative and promotional

Photography: No photograph included in the news item

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Announcement of a David Bowie television special

• Recording sessions scheduled for October 18-20, 1973 at the Marquee Club

• Performances linked to the forthcoming album Pin Ups

• Guest appearances by The Troggs and Marianne Faithfull

• Bowie's first major appearance since announcing the end of tourin

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