David Bowie (September 30, 1978) – “The New Face Of David Bowie” Review - New Musical Express (NME)

Sep 30, 1978

2 min read

This NME review examines David Bowie's live album Stage, assessing how the record captures the changing nature of his music and stage presentation. The article views the album as evidence of Bowie's continuing artistic transformation and explores how older material is reinterpreted through his contemporary sound.

Publication: New Musical Express (NME)

Date: September 30, 1978

Country: United Kingdom

Under the headline "The New Face Of David Bowie", the review focuses on Stage, Bowie's newly released live album recorded during his 1978 world tour. The writer considers the record a showcase for the artist's current musical direction and an opportunity to experience familiar songs in a different context.

The review notes that many of the performances differ substantially from their original studio recordings. Songs drawn from various stages of Bowie's career are reshaped by the larger touring band and influenced by the musical developments that had characterised his recent work. Rather than presenting a straightforward greatest-hits concert, the album is portrayed as a reinterpretation of Bowie's catalogue.

A large live photograph dominates the page, showing Bowie pointing toward the audience during a performance. The image reinforces the article's emphasis on Bowie as a live performer and highlights the theatrical style of the 1978 tour. Throughout the review, the writer assesses how effectively the album translates the atmosphere of the concerts to record.

The article ultimately considers Stage within the broader context of Bowie's constantly evolving career, suggesting that the album reflects an artist unwilling to remain tied to earlier identities and determined to keep moving forward creatively.

CONTEXT AND NOTES

Published shortly after the release of Stage, the review captures contemporary reactions to Bowie's latest live project. By 1978 he had already undergone several major artistic transformations, and the article reflects ongoing fascination with his ability to reinvent both his music and public image.

The title itself, "The New Face Of David Bowie", reinforces the idea that change remained central to Bowie's appeal. The review presents Stage not simply as a live recording but as another chapter in the continuing evolution of one of rock music's most innovative artists.

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS

Event: Review of David Bowie's live album Stage

Era: 1978 Stage era

Tone: Analytical and reflective

Photography: Large live performance photograph of David Bowie on stage

WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS

• NME review titled "The New Face Of David Bowie"

• Analysis of the live album Stage

• Discussion of Bowie's changing musical style and reinterpretation of earlier material

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