To celebrate an intriguing chapter on the ever-evolving career of David Bowie, Picture House have re-released Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. The film captured a concert of David Bowie’s sci-fi themed persona, Ziggy Stardust and his band, The Spiders from Mars in London, on 3 July 1973. Although the group had toured extensively and gained a loyal following Bowie declared this concert to be their last and retired his Ziggy front man and band, without telling them beforehand.

This re-release features a new intro and interview between Mojo Editor and Chief, Phil Alexander and the last remaining Spider, Woody Woodmansey. With the publication of his autobiography, Spider from Mars: My Life With David Bowie Woodmansey was ready to set the record straight about the rise and end of the loved act. This new intro and book offers insight into Bowie’s creativity but also the harsh reality of his actions towards the band.

The opening introduction is an easy and light one on one chat between Woodmansey and Alexander. The former Spider drummer reminisces about his early days and love of rock music. He was into Classic Rock while Bowie was associated at the time as a Folk artist. He remembers giving up a secure job when an opportunity to work with Bowie came along. He moved with the rest of the chosen band into a flat in London and began working on what would be The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album. An extensive tour followed the album’s release, traveling to Asia as well as across America. The final show of the tour was to be played in London at The Hammersmith Odeon. Pioneering documentary filmmaker, D. A. Pennebaker set out to capture the show, which remains legendary not just due to the bands success but Bowie’s onstage revelation that he would retire the band. Woodmansey remembers the shock of the announcement and reveals that later he received official word from Bowie’s manager that his services were no longer required.

With the interview over the film begins with the eager crowd outside the London venue waiting for the show. We see the band and Bowie getting ready before taking to the stage. Many of Bowies greatest tracks are performed and captured from Moonage Daydream to Starman. The film intercut sections of the behind the scenes world of the show. Bowie changing costumes and the impressive entourage (Ringo Starr) he surrounded himself with. Whether this interrupts the energy of the film and show, is a matter of taste but these are peeks into a fascinating world.

Continued criticism of the film and footage is the way the sound was captured which is honestly not well done. Against the visuals and passionate crowd, it feels flat. It does not capture the rawness of the performance despite the brilliance of the music.

What must be addressed is that although no one ever questions Bowie’s creative genius or musical ability his actions at the concert and after paint the man in a less than flattering light. To many Bowie remains a hero, immortalised due to his talent and untimely death but did his creativity excuse his actions? Despite its sound flaws and the inconsolable sensation Bowie’s announcement creates in audiences, (knowing his band were unaware) the film still beautifully captures a time and tone in music. The images and looks of the crowd speak of an emerging generation of music lovers.

An intimate look at a pivotal period in the career of David Bowie. With its added introduction we see an unsympathetic side to the Thin White Duke but the concert is proof of his musical genius.