Dale Ryder had wanted to perform a tribute to David Bowie five years ago, two years before Bowie had died, and last April he was finally motivated to go through with it.
Dale mentioned it to Jason Singh last year and the concept started to turn into an event. The event ‘Bowie: Golden Years’ premiered in Melbourne on 10 January 2019, marking the third anniversary of David’s death.
To do justice to Bowie, a variety of voices were needed. Jason’s Taxiride made Tim Watson was recruited as was Rusty Brown of Electric Mary and Gary Pinto of CDB/Boom Crash Opera.
It needed an incredible band. Guitar rock God Dave Leslie of Baby Animals was recruited for lead guitar, Dorian West of Birtles, Shorrock, Goble played bass, Taxiride drummer Sean McLeod joined in, Ash Crick played keyboards, Daniel Agius was on the keys, guitar and percussion and the incredible Alika played the ever so needed sax bit essential for songs like ‘Young Americans’.
With the line-up complete, the setlist was constructed, the songs were allocated to suit each voice, the band rehearsed and the song went on.
There was amazing chemistry with these guys. Being a group of mostly mates with similar tastes helped the band play as one. This actually sounded like a band who had played together for years.
The songs were solid. Mind you, its impossible to play a 90 minute Bowie set and cover all bases. It was pleasing that Dale included the more recent ‘Where Are We Now’ as one of his songs.
If you missed the show, do not fret. There are two more coming up at Publican @ Mornington 3 Feb and and Memo Music Hall 22 March. The Memo show is not on sale yet but sign up to the Memo Music Hall mailing list to be alerted when it is.
Bowie: Golden Years setlist
Opening music – Warszawa
Fashion (Dale)
China Girl (Dale)
Starman (Rusty)
Sorrow (Rusty)
Fame (Jason)
Let’s Dance (Jason)
Ashes to Ashes (Tim)
Space Oddity (Tim)
Young Americans (Gary)
Golden Years (Gary)
Heroes (Jason)
Life On Mars (Rusty)
Changes (Tim)
Modern Love (Jason)
The Jean Genie (all)
Encore:
Where Are We Now (Dale and Rusty)
Under Pressure (all)
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