📰 Martian Invasion – Article: Feb. 1976

A one‑page Record Mirror feature charting the return of the Spiders From Mars.

📰 Overview

Published on February 28, 1976, this Record Mirror feature documents the rebirth of the Spiders From Mars, the band once synonymous with David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era. Written by Ray Fox‑Cumming, the article explores how Trevor Bolder revived the group, recruited new members, navigated management setbacks, and prepared for a fresh chapter with a debut album and new single.

📰 Source Details

Publication: Record Mirror

Date: February 28, 1976

Issue: One‑page article

Provenance Notes: Original Record Mirror feature by Ray Fox‑Cumming.

📰 The Story

The article opens by revisiting the original Spiders From Mars lineup—Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder, and Woody Woodmansey—and the band’s dissolution following Bowie’s surprise “retirement” announcement at the Hammersmith Odeon in July 1973. After several years of separate projects, Bolder set out to rebuild the band, bringing Woodmansey back on drums and recruiting two new members from Newcastle: guitarist Dave Black and vocalist Pete McDonald.

The new Spiders wrote and demoed material quickly, completing an album by May 1975, only to have it shelved due to management and financial issues. A later deal with Pye finally cleared the way for release, preceded by the single “White Man Black Man,” which the band admits was lost in the Christmas rush.

The article recounts their low‑key pre‑Christmas live dates, their new single “(I Don’t Wanna Do No) Limbo,” and the positive early radio support from DJs like Alan Freeman and John Peel. Plans for a March UK tour are outlined, along with cautious comments about negotiations to support Bowie at Wembley—talks the band insists are ongoing but far from confirmed.

Looking ahead, the Spiders plan a second album, a U.S. tour, and a broader musical direction that moves beyond expectations tied to their Bowie past. They acknowledge performing two Bowie‑related songs live—“Suffragette City” and “The Man Who Sold the World”—but emphasise their desire to establish a new identity. The article closes with anecdotes about the rushed vocal sessions for the debut album and the band’s determination to refine their process for the next record.

📰 Key Highlights

• Chronicles the re‑formation of the Spiders From Mars under Trevor Bolder

• Details early setbacks, including management issues delaying the debut album

• Covers the singles “White Man Black Man” and “(I Don’t Wanna Do No) Limbo”

• Notes early radio support from Alan Freeman and John Peel

• Mentions negotiations to support David Bowie at Wembley

• Outlines plans for a second album and U.S. tour

📰 Visual Archive

Record Mirror feature on the Spiders From Mars, published February 28, 1976.

📰 Article Text

The article traces the re‑formation of the Spiders From Mars under Trevor Bolder, recounting the band’s origins with David Bowie, their breakup in 1973, and their revival with new members Dave Black and Pete McDonald. It details the writing and recording of their debut album, the delays caused by management issues, and the release of their singles “White Man Black Man” and “(I Don’t Wanna Do No) Limbo.” The piece highlights their early live dates, radio support, and plans for touring, as well as ongoing negotiations about supporting Bowie at Wembley. The band expresses a desire to establish a new musical identity while acknowledging their past.

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📰 Closing Notes

This article captures the Spiders From Mars at a moment of reinvention, balancing the weight of their Bowie legacy with the ambition to forge a new path. It stands as a valuable snapshot of the band’s transitional mid‑70s chapter.

📰 Sources & Copyright

All original text and images remain the copyright of their respective publishers and creators.

This post is presented for historical, educational, and archival purposes only.

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