David Bowie 1973-07-03 London ,Hammersmith Odeon ,Complete soundboard of the famous last Ziggy concert – SQ 9
Robin Mayhew who was the sound mixer on the Ziggy Stardust tour has released his version of the famous last Ziggy concert. The recording is complete including Jeff Beck and is straight from the soundboard.
Recorded directly from the sound console. This recording was made on a portable cassette machine on the night of the show , transferred to reel to reel in 1976 and to CD in 2008 .The only studio engineering done on Robin Mayhew recording is the first part of Wendy Carlo’s March from Clockwork Orange because the orginal tape was slightly stretched (note:you can hear Ronno join in with a couple of shorts at the end) and the attenuation of a feedback howl during the opening song Hang on To Yourself
No one knew this would be the last show ever so no special recording arrangement was made by Robin Mayhew. In other words what you hear is just how it was with no mastering or modifications. This is what happened on stage that night and though the poor cassette is a little worn ,
Robin Mayhew do hope you enjoy what was heard that momentous night in London in July 1973.
The 3rd Ziggy Stardust UK tour finishes at the Hammersmith Odeon Theatre, London. This concert comes to be known as the “Retirement Gig.” Jeff Beck attends as special guest. Before this gig Bowie had announced that he would take a short holiday when the tour was over, before recording at the Chateau in France and then planned to return to the US for another tour.
Tracking list:
101. Introduction by Barry Bethal
102. Mick Garson’s medley
103. March from the Clockwork Orange (Beethoven’s Ode to Joy)
104. Hang On To Yourself
105. Ziggy Stardust
106. Watch That Man
107. Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud (medley)
All The Young Dudes
Pretty Things
108. Moonage Daydream
109. Changes
110. Space oddity
111. My Dead
Interval
201. Announcement and William Tell Overture
202. Cracked Acctor
203. Time
204. Width Of A Circle – Band Introduction
205. let’s Spend The Night Together
206. Suffragette City (end and return)
207. White Light ,White Heat
208. The Jean Genie – Love Me Do (With Jeff Beck)
209. Round And Round
210. Farewell Speech – Rock And Roll Suicide
211. Pomp and Circumstance by Edward Elgar
Disc 1 53:49 / Disc 2 56:01
SOUND SAMPLE !!!!!!!!!
Only Mick and Suzie (later Ronson) knew of Bowie decision to kill Ziggy persona that night. Robin Mayhew believe Suzie must have told stage manager Peter Hunsley at some point after the interval as he alerted Robin via the stage to mixer intercom giving Robin the news. It came as no real surprise to Robin and quitting while ahead seemed the perfect and logical way to end something which would soon have become repetitious
The concert is filmed by D.A Pennebaker and recorded by RCA Mobile with the intention of releasing a live double album in February 1974 provisionally tilted BOWIE-ING OUT. This eventually becomes the 1983 soundtrack album, film and video ZIGGY STARDUST – THE MOTION PICTURE minus the live performances of “Jean Genie/Love Me Do” and “Round and Round.” Just prior to the last encore number Bowie steps up to the mike and announces:
“Everybody…this has been one of the greatest tours of our lives. I would like to thank the band. I would like to thank our road crew. I would like to thank our lighting people. Of all of the shows on this tour, this particular show will remain with us the longest (cheers from the audience) because not only is it…not only is it the last show of the tour, but its the last show that we’ll ever do. Thank you”
Illustration by Mike Allred (Red Rocket 7 #4 November 1997)
This shocks Ziggy fans who scream “No!” Bowie then launches into “Rock n Roll Suicide” and at the finish of the song concludes:
“Thank-you very much. Bye-bye. We love you.”
Bowie’s announcement is also a major shock for The Spiders From Mars who were unaware that Bowie had also decided to retire them from ever touring again. Only Tony DeFries and Mick Rock were aware of the announcement. That night Bowie and a handful of friends hold a small party at the Inn On the Park..
Robin Mayhew is selling selfmade CDRs for £10 (UK) and £15 (International) at his website. 20% goes to charity.
You can buy the 2 CDR-set from:
http://www.robinmayhew.co.uk/pages/rmshop.htm
Songwriter/Composer/Producer,
Barnham, West Sussex
www.robinmayhew.co.uk
Note Robin
Please – if you ever visit You Tube have a listen to one of my songs which will be a bonus track on my forthcoming album Shallow and Deeper. The song is called Together (A Song for Isobel) sung by Charlotte Howard. If you are a parent or perhaps a grandparent you may enjoy the sentiment. Please spread the word. Simply search with my name in YouTube and you will find it.
