Celebrating David Bowie

Following a full day of activities at the Victoria and Albert Museum, it was time to head off for  a very special concert: Celebrating David Bowie at the O2 Academy, Brixton.

This was part of a very short tour which would go on to New York, California, Australia and Japan. Featuring Gary Oldman and a core band of Bowie luminaries including Mike Garson, Gail Ann Dorsey, Earl Slick, Mark Plati, Gerry Leonard plus a galaxy of drummers, a choir, an orchestra and numerous special guest stars.

The seats were unreserved in the circle so it meant queuing for a long time outside the O2. As the torrential rain fell without pause, I noticed  number of large rats scurrying around in the residential carpark to my left. Beggars frequently held out their bowls as they made their way up and down the queues. The tube strike had started, making the journey back to King's Cross problematic. My thoughts at this point were unquestionably selfish: This had better be a great gig.

The O2 was packed to the rafters and there was a heavy sense of expectation. Everyone was there for a good time, to experience a true celebration of the music of David Bowie, on what would have been his 70th birthday.

The show certainly did not disappoint as a cavalcade of stars took us on a musical journey lasting just a little under three hours. It was a unique experience, as the touring personnel will change as the show moves around the world.

The images below should help to convey some of the highlights of a wonderful evening.

Gary Oldman opened the show with Dead Man Walking

Gaby Moreno's Five Years was undoubtedly one of the evening's highlights

The legendary Mike Garson

La Roux guested on Golden Years

Bernard Fowler powered his way through several songs, including Rebel Rebel

Earl Slick in full flow

Young Americans, with Gail Ann Dorsey and Steve Norman

Angelo Moore perhaps controversially announced himself as 'Nigger Stardust.'

Def Leppard's Joe Elliott

Changes featured Tony Hadley 

Holly Palmer gave us Lady Grinning Soul

Space Oddity saw Gail Ann Dorsey return to vocal duties

The first encore song saw Catherine Russell and Gerry Leonard duetting on Loving the Alien

Let's Dance with Simon Le Bon 

Full stage!

This brings to an end my week of Bowie-related articles.

Here are links to the rest of the series.

The Beginning of an End

Standing by the Wall

Waiting for the Gift Of...

I've Got Drama, Can't Be Stolen

Holy Holy