David Bowie (Jul. 1978) Stage Live Album Advert – News Feature Chronicle

A full-page Melody Maker advertisement promoting the upcoming release of David Bowie’s live double album Stage, published on July 22, 1978. The advert is distinguished by a striking hand-drawn sketch of Bowie signed “B. 78,” offering a rare personal artistic contribution from Bowie himself. The bold headline “STAGE” and the Shakespearean line “All the world’s a stage… And one man in his time plays many parts” frame the album as a theatrical document of the 1978 Isolar II World Tour.

The advert includes the complete track listing, catalogue numbers and the £5.70 rrp price, urging fans to “order now, to avoid disappointment.” Produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, Stage is presented as a major live release capturing the precision, atmosphere and dramatic energy of Bowie’s late‑1970s performances. The use of Bowie’s own sketch adds a personal, expressive touch to the promotional campaign, setting this advert apart from other RCA materials of the period.

Promotional artwork from a 1978 edition of Melody Maker advertising David Bowie's live double album "Stage" from his tour, featuring hand-drawn imagery alongside a list of songs and a quote about the theatrical nature of performance.

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