Description
This video is a new restoration of David Bowie performing Space Oddity, on U.S. TV in January 1980.
Commencing countdown
The show was The Sensational, Shocking, Wild and Wacky Seventies; a 2-hour look back at the people, events, music, and trends of the 1970s. It was presented by Dick Clark, who had been the host of American Bandstand since the mid-50’s, a show that is cited as having introduced rock and roll to many Americans.
The entire Sensational Shocking Wonderful Wacky 70's show is on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/iw4Pcp9BQrU?si=bksmzodpZ9Xee6JI
You've really made the grade
For his segment in the show, David Bowie mimed to the U.S. 7” single version of his 1969 breakout track, Space Oddity. Space Oddity had not been an immediate hit in the U.S. upon its 1969 release, failing to chart initially. However, a 1973 re-release became a hit, peaking at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Bowie's first major commercial success in America.
The papers want to know whose shirts you wear
Bowie looks uber cool wearing a Willy Brown designed khaki/green jump suit, with a graphic pattern inspired by Le Corbusier. He accessorized it with 3 flying saucer shaped pin buttons.
The jumpsuit has the suggestion of a 1950’s sci-fi movie outfit, very much in keeping with Bowie’s love for playing around with Retro futurism. It was the perfect look for a nostalgic return to a late ‘60’s hit about a lost spaceman.
Bowie sported the jumpsuit extensively during that era. He wore it for a night out at Studio 54 in NYC in May ‘79. Bowie is again seen socializing in the jump suit, in a pair of photos from a September '79 visit the Blitz Club in London, where he was accompanied by Daniella Parmar and Toni Basil. The photos were taken by Robert Rosen. In a 2017 article in Rag Trader, Rosen says:
Steve Strange, who ran the [The Blitz Club] night, had called to let me know David Bowie was coming and I should bring my camera. I was quite nervous and while waiting in the VIP area, checked the camera. It had no film in it! A friend ran off to buy some for me so when Bowie arrived I was ready. As soon as he sat down, I snapped a shot, the flash erupting. Bowie beckoned me over: “Don’t you know it’s rude not to ask first ..” I apologised and said something about the flash going off. I asked if I could take another photo, to which he kindly agreed, saying “Of course."
- https://www.ragtrader.com.au/news/david-bowie-grace-jones-andy-warhol-stories-from-a-fashion-photographer
Bowie purchased the 3 UFO pin badges at a shop called Detail in Covent Garden on the same day as his visit to the BLITZ.
Bowie also had a salmon pink Willy Brown jumpsuit, that he wore in the 1979 DJ video, which he teamed with a vintage green trench coat.
My spaceship knows which way to go
Bowie's segment for the show was recorded in late '79, and was was broadcast by NBC on the 4th of January 1980. A few days later, on February 8th, recording sessions began for what would become the Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps) album, at the Power Station in New York.
Thanks to Mark Wardel for insights on the jumpsuit.
Headings idea knicked from Mark Adams.
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In February 1980, I bought the Alabama Song / Space Oddity 7” single. The UK picture sleeve folded out to a square colour poster featuring a still from Bowie’s appearance on The Sensational, Shocking, Wild and Wacky Seventies Show. Being in the UK, I knew nothing about the show. But I remember thinking Bowie looked super cool in the photo. At the end of my video, I couldn’t resist making that sleeve briefly come to life.
Hope you dig it!
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Credits
Video Source:
David Bowie | Space Oddity | From the Sensational Shocking Wonderful Wacky 70's | Recorded circa November 1979 | Produced by Dick Clark | Directed by Jeff Margolis |Broadcast on NBC on 4th January 1980
Audio Source:
David Bowie | Space Oddity | U.S. 7” single edit | Originally recorded and released in 1969
℗ 2019 Jones/Tintoretto Entertainment Company LLC under exclusive license to Parlophone Records Ltd, a Warner Music Group Company
David Bowie | Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Stylophone, Synthesizer
Herbie Flowers | Bass
Keith Christmas | Acoustic Guitar
Mick Wayne | Guitar
Rick Wakeman | Mellotron
Terry Cox | Drums
Tony Visconti | Flutes, woodwind
Gus Dudgeon | Production
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Thanks to BowieStation uploader bowiestuff, to Tyler and to Bernd.
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Always more videos to follow, so please keep your electric eye on me babe!
I don't own the rights, and I'm not making any money out of this etc. Just a fan making videos for other fans.
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