David Bowie (September 30, 1972) – “Hard Rock Prices Protest” Letter - Unknown Publication

Sep 30, 1972

2 min read

This reader's letter uses David Bowie's opening-night appearance at Manchester's Hardrock venue as the basis for a wider criticism of rising prices at concert halls. While praising the venue and the Bowie performance itself, the writer argues that excessive food and drink charges risk alienating the very audiences such venues are designed to attract.

Publication: Unknown Publication

Date: September 30, 1972

Country: United Kingdom

The letter writer explains that they recently attended David Bowie's concert at the opening night of the Hardrock venue in Manchester. Although complimentary about the hall itself, including its lighting and sound systems, the writer expresses strong dissatisfaction with the prices charged for refreshments.

The letter questions whether organisers were attempting to recover the substantial investment made in the venue through inflated catering charges. Examples are provided, including a bowl of soup priced at 25p, a piece of chocolate cake at 35p and a toasted sandwich costing 50p. Beer is also criticised for being sold at approximately twice its normal price.

Despite enjoying the David Bowie concert, the writer argues that such pricing policies leave visitors feeling exploited. The concern expressed is that audiences are first attracted by major performers and then faced with what the writer regards as unreasonable costs once inside the venue.

The letter concludes by questioning whether entertainment venues are in danger of pricing themselves beyond the reach of ordinary concertgoers. While acknowledging the quality of the facilities and the performance, the writer suggests that the overall experience is damaged by excessive charges.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published during David Bowie's breakthrough period, the letter is unusual because it focuses less on the artist and more on the business side of the concert-going experience. Bowie serves as the reason for the visit, but the writer uses the occasion to highlight concerns about venue pricing.

The clipping nevertheless provides evidence of the public interest surrounding Bowie's appearances in 1972, with his opening-night concert at Manchester's Hardrock venue serving as the central reference point for the discussion.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Reader reaction following David Bowie's opening-night Hardrock concert

Era: 1972 Ziggy Stardust era

Tone: Critical and consumer-focused

Photography: No photographs visible in the supplied clipping

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• Reader recalling attendance at David Bowie's Hardrock concert in Manchester

• Criticism of food and drink pricing at the venue

• Praise for the concert hall's sound and lighting facilities

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