At 59-years old and after 40 years as artiste, David Bowie – despite emergency heart surgery two years ago – continues to weave a restless web between contemporary music, performance, club culture, the visual arts, the digital world, and film.
Last week Bowie announced ambitious plans for the May 2007 debut of an annual 10-day arts and music extravaganza in New York City, "The High Line Festival," which will blend emerging and star talent and be shaped by a different "iconic visionary curator" each year. Bowie himself will orchestrate next year's show and perform a large outdoor concert at the finale of the event – his first show in NYC since December 2003.
"The High Line Festival" will take place on the street and in neighboring venues alongside the High Line, a public park being created along 1.5 miles of abandoned elevated train tracks on New York City’s West Side.
Bowie – who was just voted the eighth Greatest Rock Hero by NME – said, "I’ve been particularly excited about seeking out emerging artists and giving them a place in a Festival that will also feature some very well-known names. That will be an ongoing mission of The High Line Festival – to offer performances and exhibitions that are unique and original to New York."
So Bowie has something interesting to work on for the next year - I am pleased. As varied and creative as his work has been over his entire career, Bowie's irreducible icon status derives from a protean six-year period 1970-1976 (in addition, Low, Heroes, Scary Monsters, and Let's Dance are all touched with greatness) where the stakes were highest and he delivered the most.
Man Who Sold the World – Station to Station
Guitarist Mick Ronson was summoned to London in 1970 to work with David Bowie on the follow-up to his first hit single, "Space Oddity." Bowie and bassist/producer Tony Visconti were assembling a hard rock band to blow away Bowie's frouffy, flower power image. With the addition of ex-Rat Woody Woodmansey on drums, The Man Who Sold the World lineup was complete.
Article comments
1 - Nik
Great article, Eric! I'm glad Bowie is returning to the stage next year -- it's one of my fond hopes to see him live someday before the end of the world. I missed him in Portland in 2003, and I keep kicking myself over it.
2 - Eric Olsen
thanks Nik! I saw him several times under various circumstances in the '70s-'90s. Always cool and interesting - the Let's Dance Tour is probably my favorite
3 - Lisa Barron
Would anyone know how to submit or get musical artists considered for Bowies upcomming High Line Festival? There is a fresh new artist DR. STEEL, who is emerging, from I think the west coast, but, his fanbase is growing worldwide... I think he would be great to see at High Line Festival. Thanks. If I knew who to contact, or how to contact, I would suggest to Dr. Steel's management to do so... Thanks again.