It’s been ten months since the untimely passing of the iconic, one of a kind talent that was David Bowie. There are few artists who have had the same cultural impact as Bowie and so a tribute with a full orchestra and some of the country’s most loved singers certainly seems deserving. With an all-star cast featuring iOTA, Deborah Conway, Tim Rogers, Steve Kilbey and Adalita, each performer sang to their strength while embodying the spirit of Bowie.
iOTA kicked off the evening’s proceedings with a pitch perfect version of Space Oddity, by far surpassing his fellow performers with his vocal range and Blue Clown costume amongst many others. Adalita commands the moment she steps on to stage with Rebel Rebel and The Jean Genie which prove to be the perfect song choices for her. Tim Rogers certainly got into the spirit of things but lacked the natural delivery of the other vocalists, that is until a raw performance of Lazarus off Bowie’s final album Blackstar that showed his vulnerable side.
Rogers’ You Am I bandmate Davey Lane got a chance to shine with his energetic rendition of Boys Keep Swinging, while Ashley Naylor also impressed with Moonage Daydream. Duets were a plenty with iOTA and Deborah Conway striking a perfect balance on Ziggy Stardust and Suffragette City. Steve Kilbey alongside backing vocalist Robyn Loau delivered a majestic version of China Girl, a song particularly suited to Kilbey given that his vocals have the dreamy quality that makes the track so memorable. iOTA and Adalita make for an unlikely pair but their onstage chemistry is certainly something during Let’s Dance and Fashion.
Ending with the uplifting Heroes, all vocalists sang in unison and capped the show off on a powerful note. It’s quite remarkable to see how one person’s music can bring so many people together, with the overall sense that pervaded the evening, one that reflected a united love for a musician who defied being ordinary.
While some moments of the performance felt overdone, the vocalists alongside the orchestra brought new and exciting dimensions to Bowie’s songs. Bowie’s star is unlikely to ever burn out and thanks to the talent of other performers and nights like this, will continue to shine as brightly.
By Holly Pereira
Highlight: Pretty much every time Adalita was on stage.
Lowlight: Being so high up on the balcony all the performers were tiny ants.
Crowd Favourite: The person with the killer sequin blazer. Bowie would be proud.
