David Bowie - Lady Stardust - live 1972 (rare footage / 2017 edit)

Rare footage of David Bowie performing 'Lady Stardust' at the Rainbow Theatre, London in August 1972, as well as clips from other performances in 1972 and some backstage footage from 1973 - all shot presumably by the great Mick Rock. (Look out for Angie Bowie in the crowd shot at 1.17s)

Lady Stardust is believed to be a homage to Marc Bolan and although it is not visible in the video, it is said that Marc's face was projected onto the screen behind Bowie whilst he performed this song at the Rainbow.

I initially created this edit in June of last year, putting it together from clips derived from various sources. I held off uploading it back then because I was always hopeful that some better quality footage would turn up to replace some of the rougher quality clips I was using. The excellent documentary 'The Last Five Years' included significant upgrades to some of the clips - so at last I feel I can upload my edit (after a very late night of reworking it). The footage is synched to a 1972 radio session version of the song.

It feels appropriate to finally upload it on what would have been Bowie's 70th birthday.

A slightly different edit of the song (including some footage not seen here) can be found on my Vimeo channel here:

I hope you enjoy it.

[tomrosycat]

this song was about his friend marc bolan...they had a love hate relationship but what a pair of legends..lady stardust was marc bolan..two legends now gone, but their music will be forever..r, i, p my heroes.

[jerrymarlow]

One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

[kathif]

❤ ilove this song actually the entire album❤ miss David.

[guitarocd]

Ziggy saved my life. Only Bowie people would understand this.

[berniemcfadden]

My absolute favorite Bowie song. It totally encompasses what he was about back at that time. Miss him now

[noregretcoyote]

Femme fatales emerged from shadows to watch this creature…

[MiaPaboplanesSantos]

This songs makes me cry inside because it was written for Marc Bolan, my biggest idol. I kinda identify myself with Marc due to the fragile personality. Marc looked so confident but deep inside he was very sensitive. I know it because he really felt very bad when T. Rex stopped having that huge success that they had in 1971-1972. He was quite depressed and fell into the cocaine addiction, he even said "Glam Rock is dead" in an interview. That was very painful because the father of Glam Rock announced its death, the death of something that he created and didn't last long. But for our luck Bowie, Sparks, Suzi Quatro, Slade, Hello, Racey and others kept Glam Rock alive for a while.

[lyndal]

While we are lucky to have so many photos and clips of Bowie's performances, we are really fortunate that people like you Mr Sussex are so skilled and devoted to bringing back the best in a coherent form. Thankyou.

[ginabowyer]

My favourite Bowie song, Lady Stardust. Gina.

[themosquitomaster]

RIP David Bowie. One of the greatest men to have ever lived.

[MarceloHenkin]

fuck. this song is beautiful, this intro is one of the best ever

[jennifercafecafe]

Makes me cry, such a beautiful song for Marc Bolan

[geneclark]

halloween 2022, still the most perfect being whom ever

[caneyebus]

this was the first song I listened to after he passed away. this song still makes me tear up when I hear it. while Bowie may have been thinking of someone else when writing this song, it clearly describes Bowie to a T.

[verena]

i can't believe such a wonderful person left us... he was so cute and kind and very talented, a pure genius

[simondeun]

This is SO F.CKING great. That is why I am in love with DB for 50 years and always will be

[비정한세상]

People stared at the makeup on his face
Laughed at his long black hair, his animal grace
The boy in the bright blue jeans
Jumped up on the stage
And lady stardust sang his songs
Of darkness and disgrace

And he was alright, the band was all together
Yes he was alright, the song went on forever
And he was awful nice
Really quite out of sight
And he sang all night long

Femme fatales emerged from shadows
To watch this creature fair
Boys stood upon their chairs
To make their point of view
I smiled sadly for a love I could not obey
Lady stardust sang his songs
Of darkness and dismay

Oh how I sighed when they asked if I knew his name

Though they was alright, the band was all together
Yes he was alright, and the song went on forever
He was awful nice
Really quite paradise
He sang all night long

[joegervasi]

Holy crap this is the first video I've ever seen him singing this song, this is my favorite Bowie tune.

[patsellinger]

David was always All Right. He will live in my heart forever.

[Brian-osqj]

Thx for the footage, the songs of Bowie always lift spirits