|
 |
Bowie: A Reality TourDir: Marcus Viner Rating: E 140 mins (approx) Sony There's something you should keep in mind when coming to this DVD: it's David Bowie, live, on this year's 'Reality' tour... and that's it. There's no clips, interviews, extras, commentary, documentaries or anything else. It is exactly what it claims to be: David Bowie. Live. On the 'Reality' tour. And frankly, that's plenty. Those who saw his jaw-droppingly brilliant show at the EntCent will have plenty to enjoy here - and those who didn't go will kick themselves when they realise what they missed. The set is similar to the Adelaide show, kicking off with Rebel Rebel and New Killer Star before pulling out the expected classics (Ashes To Ashes, The Man Who Sold The World, Fame) and more recent fare (Battle For Britain, Bring Me The Disco King, I'm Afraid Of Americans). Most of the highlights are the steps to left-field: Bowie reclaims his All The Young Dudes from Mott The Hoople, bassist Gail Anne Dorsey's powerful voice makes a fine substitute for the late Freddie Mercury on Under Pressure and guitarist Gerry Leonard's elegant, stripped down arrangement gives new life to Loving The Alien. The band is tight as a drum, mixing new blood like Leonard with seasoned session pros (Dorsey, drummer Sterling Campbell) and old Bowie sidemen (guitarist Earl Slick and pianist Mike Garson, whose familiar jazzy arpeggios on Life On Mars? bring a lump to the throat). That said, there are a few superfluous touches: there are few bigger Pixies fans than myself but I'd still trade Bowie's take on Cactus for almost any of his own songs, and the more atmospheric and intimate moments (Heathen, for example, or The Loneliest Guy) don't really work as well in the huge arena setting. That said, Be My Wife is an entirely unexpected - and inspired - choice. Naturally it all ends on a huge, extended run through "Heroes" . And then there's a pause... As in Adelaide, the encore set is given over to songs from '...Ziggy Stardust...': Five Years still tears the heartstrings, although a too-fast Hang On To Yourself is a little by-the-numbers, but Ziggy Stardust brings things to a perfect close, as the screens wildly flash B-O-W-I-E. And, as stated above that's it. It's nothing but live footage - but it's live footage of David Bowie. That's enough.  |
|
The latest issue available now!     |
All content copyright dB Magazine