David Bowie: "Concert - The Fickle - Pickle Club" Advert (1970)

David Bowie’s "Concert - The Fickle - Pickle Club", a one-page advert in Melody Maker, July 17, 1970.

Advertisement for a performance featuring Aquila and David Bowie at The Fickle-Pickle Club, The Cricketers Inn, Southend, on Friday, July 17th, with lights by Colored Rain. Next week's act: Status Quo.

David Bowie performed at The Fickle Pickle Club, a notable live music venue in Westcliff-on-Sea, next to The Cricketers Inn. The performance was part of Bowie’s early career during his Man of Words/Man of Music tour.

Performers: David Bowie: Billed as a solo act but backed by his band Hype, which included guitarist Mick Ronson, bassist Tony Visconti, and drummer Mick "Woody" Woodmansey. The gig was advertised as the "Debut of David Bowie with Harry The Butcher," reflecting the transitional naming of his backing band before settling on "Hype."

Aquila: Another band on the bill, though specific details about their performance or setlist are not widely documented in the provided sources.

Venue: The Fickle Pickle Club, also known as The Venue or formerly Club Riga, was located at 288 London Road, next to The Cricketers Inn, with the entrance on Milton Road. This venue has a storied history, having hosted iconic acts like David Bowie, Thin Lizzy, and Status Quo.

Vintage poster for Fickle Pickle Club in Southend-on-Sea, featuring performances by Aquila and David Bowie on July 17, Status Quo on July 24, and an event on July 31, with visuals by Colored Rain.

Historical Context: This gig occurred during a formative period for David Bowie, as he was developing his glam rock persona and sound. The performance was significant enough to be noted in local music history, with Bowie being invited during this show to perform at a charity event for Shelter on August 1, 1970.

Setlist: While the exact setlist for July 17, 1970, is not fully detailed in the sources, a related performance by Bowie with Hype around that time included songs like "The Width of a Circle," "Janine," "Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud," "Unwashed and Somewhat Slightly Dazed," "Fill Your Heart," "I’m Waiting for the Man," "The Prettiest Star," "Cygnet Committee," and "Memory of a Free Festival." It’s likely some of these tracks were performed at The Fickle Pickle Club.

Cultural Significance: The Fickle Pickle Club is celebrated for its role in the early careers of major artists. The venue continues to be a vibrant spot for live music, with a legacy tied to performances like Bowie’s. An advertisement from the time also highlights the club’s prominence, noting Bowie’s appearance the week before a Status Quo gig on July 24, 1970.