David Bowie Live In Santa Monica '72 CD

Only available in bootleg versions before this 2008 EMI release, LIVE SANTA MONICA '72 presents David Bowie in full glam-rock grandeur completely inhabiting his outlandish Ziggy Stardust persona as he leads his Spiders from Mars through a fierce set that draws heavily from HUNKY DORY and, not surprisingly, THE RISE & FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST. In addition to cherry-picking many of the finest tunes from Bowie's early era (most notably a thunderous extended version of "The Width of a Circle"), the set also finds the erstwhile Davy Jones covering Jacques Brel (a wistful take on "My Death" that nods to key Bowie influence Scott Walker) and the Velvet Underground (a faithful version of "Waiting for the Man"). Easily one of the best Bowie concert albums available, LIVE SANTA MONICA '72 is ideal for Ziggy acolytes and glam disciples.

In 1972, David Bowie set out on his first US tour. He'd recently introduced the world to his Ziggy Stardust persona with his top 5 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' and had completed a hugely successful UK tour. The Santa Monica concert, David's first live US radio broadcast, was aired live on KMET in L.A. Over the last 36 years this historic recording has only been occasionally available as a bootleg. For many, ownership of this concert was regarded as a true test of being a 'proper Bowie fan'. This powerful, galvanizing show allows a more than 70 minute glimpse into the earliest nationwide live radio exposure granted David and the Spiders. The set list is compiled primarily from the 'Hunky Dory' and 'Ziggy Stardust' albums and features two covers, Jacques Brel's "My Death" and the Velvet Underground's "Waiting for the Man," alongside the awesome power of 'The Man Who Sold The World' centrepiece "The Width Of A Circle" (this version is a ten and a half minute sonic assault) and an 'Aladdin Sane' previewing "The Jean Genie." The set list is also quite different from the Ziggy terminating 'Ziggy Stardust - The Motion Picture Soundtrack. Accompanying David was The Spiders From Mars: Mick Ronson - guitar, vocals, Trevor Bolder - bass, Mick "Woody" Woodmansey - drums and Mike Garson - piano. This is David Bowie at the pinnacle of his creative power - in 1981 NME critics called it, "(quite simply) ... the performer's, and one of rock's, best ever bootlegs". The CD will be released as a limited edition with special packaging featuring shots taken at the actual gig for the first time. The double LP will be a heavyweight vinyl one off run. David says:- "I can tell that I'm totally into being Ziggy by this stage of our touring. It's no longer an act; I am him. This would be around the tenth American show for us and you can hear that we are all pretty high on ourselves. We train wreck a couple of things, I miss some words and sometimes you wouldn't know that pianist Mike Garson was onstage with us but overall I really treasure this bootleg. Mick Ronson is at his blistering best."

Recorded live at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California on October 20, 1972.

Personnel: David Bowie (vocals, guitar); Mick Ronson (guitar, bass, background vocals); Mike Garson (keyboards); Trevor Bolder (bass); Mick "Woody" Woodmansey (drums).

Rolling Stone (4/20, p.72) - "...David Bowie's classic concert broadcast with the Spiders From Mars....is finally available as SANTA MONICA '72. And you need it at least for the 10-minute wig out on "The Width of a Circle," a fat slice of the late Mick Ronson in his glitter blitzkrieg-guitar prime..."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.120) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he set has the pace of a well-tuned theatrical show. After an excitable 'Hang On To Yourself,' Bowie introduces a character, plays pop cabaret and the singer-songwriter man..."
Blender (Magazine) (p.92) - 5 stars out of 5 -- "[A]t this show, Bowie sounds awestruck, and so do the kids, face-to-face with something commensurate to their capacity for wonder."
Record Collector (magazine) (p.86) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "'The ragged edges prove just how Ziggy influenced punk....It's obvious why this has been one of the fans' most treasured bootlegs for over 25 years."