David Bowie (October 3, 1972) – “David Bowie As Ziggy Stardust” Concert Review - Boston Evening Globe

Oct 3, 1972

3 min read

This enthusiastic review documents David Bowie's appearance at Boston Music Hall during the Ziggy Stardust tour. The article praises both the music and theatrical presentation, describing Bowie and The Spiders From Mars as performers who successfully combined rock music with visual drama to create one of the most distinctive concert experiences of the era.

Publication: Boston Evening Globe

Date: October 3, 1972

Country: United States

THE STORY

Written by Robert A. Mattulina, the review covers David Bowie's performance at the Music Hall before a crowd estimated at roughly two-thirds capacity. The writer immediately places Bowie within a futuristic context, suggesting that Ziggy Stardust represented a glimpse of what popular culture might become.

The concert opened with music from A Clockwork Orange playing through the sound system before Bowie and The Spiders From Mars emerged under dramatic lighting effects. The review notes the importance of visual presentation, describing the band members in multicoloured jumpsuits while Bowie appeared in a skin-tight harlequin-style costume, complete with crimson hair, make-up and glittering eye shadow.

The musicianship receives considerable praise. The review highlights the interplay of guitar, bass and drums, remarking that the instrumental backing was superbly blended and dynamically performed. Bowie himself is described as the dominant visual and musical presence, combining strong vocals with a theatrical stage style.

Particular attention is given to Bowie's voice, which the reviewer compares at times to Anthony Newley's. The article notes that Bowie retained traces of his South London accent and used his vocal style to add further character to the performance. His stage movements, lighting and presentation are all described as carefully coordinated elements of the show.

Among the songs singled out are "Changes", "Starman" and "Space Oddity." Of these, "Space Oddity" is described as the standout performance of the evening. The review also comments that Bowie successfully brought theatricality into rock music without sacrificing musical quality, concluding that he was a force to be reckoned with whether viewed as a performer, songwriter or stage personality.

The article closes with a quotation from Bowie himself:

"So I turned myself to face me. But I've never caught a glimpse of how the others must see the faker. I'm much too fast to take that test."

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during Bowie's first American breakthrough, the review captures the impact Ziggy Stardust was having on audiences unfamiliar with his work. While many American listeners were only beginning to discover Bowie, the reviewer clearly recognised the originality of the presentation and the strength of the music.

The article is also significant because it demonstrates how quickly Bowie was becoming associated with theatrical rock performance. Rather than treating the costumes and make-up as gimmicks, the reviewer views them as an essential extension of the music itself.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: David Bowie and The Spiders From Mars perform at Boston Music Hall

Era: 1972 Ziggy Stardust era

Tone: Enthusiastic and appreciative

Photography: Large photograph of David Bowie accompanying the review

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Review of David Bowie at Boston Music Hall

• Praise for Ziggy Stardust's visual and theatrical presentation

• Positive comments on "Changes", "Starman" and "Space Oddity"

• Recognition of Bowie as a major new musical force

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.