David Bowie: Philly’s Adopted Son
The legendary David Bowie was born on Jan. 8, 1947. He made a lasting impact on the world of Rock & Roll that’s lasted beyond his unfortunate passing on Jan….
The legendary David Bowie was born on Jan. 8, 1947. He made a lasting impact on the world of Rock & Roll that's lasted beyond his unfortunate passing on Jan. 10, 2016.
Bowie's special connection to Philadelphia still impacts the city with "Philly Loves Bowie Week" every January and, of course, the continued list of timeless hits played on 102.9 MGK. The local bond was best represented in 1974 when Bowie recorded a live album during shows at the Tower Theatre.
David Live : Tower Theatre, 1974
The Diamond Dogs Tour made its way through North America in 1974. It traveled to the Tower Theatre in Upper Darby for six shows in July with the culminating performance on the 15th.
The (now) iconic Delaware County venue built its reputation throughout the 1970s. David Bowie and other Rock & Roll legends like Paul Simon and Neil Young recorded live albums there.
The set list of 25 songs that Bowie recorded at the Tower on David Live included hits like “Changes,” “Suffragette City,” and “Space Oddity” in addition to “Rebel, Rebel” and “1984” from Diamond Dogs.
Shows during the Diamond Dogs Tour included an unusual amount of elaborate props like a catwalk and temporary bridges brought into the venues. Problems with production forced performers to improvise frequently during shows. Later tour dates didn't include all the originally planned elements.
The tour marked a turning point in Bowie's career beyond the era of Ziggy Stardust in the early '70s. He was able to maintain his creative spirit with an appealing visual element that added to his music while creating a new look and sound.
David Bowie: Philly’s Adopted Son
Bowie later revealed that he never listened to David Live himself. However, the local connection with Philly’s adopted son continued beyond just the performance at the Tower. Bowie also recorded the majority of Young Americans, one of his most influential albums, at Sigma Sound Studios on 12th Street in Center City in 1974.
The Diamond Dogs Tour of 1974 even morphed into the Philly Dogs Tour by the fall of ‘74.
When Bowie released “Modern Love” as part of Let’s Dance in 1983, he used footage from a previous show at the Philadelphia Spectrum.
Although Bowie passed in 2016, Rock & Roll fans throughout the world remember his innovative stage presence, his creative and fascinating lyrics, and his unique ties to the city of Philadelphia.
