David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars: The Motion Picture Soundtrack (50th Anniversary Edition)

“Of all the shows on this tour, this particular show will remain with us the longest, because not only is it the last show of the tour, but it’s the last show that we’ll ever do.” David Bowie, 1973

On July 3rd, 1973, David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust, his most famous alter-ego, in front of 5000 stunned fans at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. Now, the fully restored film and soundtrack will be released for the first time for the 50th anniversary of the show. Renowned filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Bob Dylan – Don’t Look Back, Depeche Mode – 101) captured the momentous event by filming Bowie and The Spiders From Mars backstage and onstage. The digital  restoration of the new version of the film has been overseen by his son, Frazer Pennebaker with remastered audio.

Although filmed 50 years ago, the film was not widely seen for over a decade. However, the film and its soundtrack have been newly remastered with the medley of ‘The Jean Genie/Love Me Do’ medley and ‘Round And Round’ featuring the late legendary Jeff Beck reinstated – the latter track making its very first appearance anywhere. Both performances were newly mixed by long-time Bowie collaborator Tony Visconti.

The show featured Bowie’s famous speech just before the final encore, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide,” where he revealed that he was retiring the Ziggy Stardust persona. The shocking announcement came as a surprise to all in attendance – including members of his band and was the first proclamation of its kind in rock and roll.