As you’ve no doubt heard by now, this week saw the tragic passing of David Bowie. A bona fide legend of popular music, the 69-year-old left behind an untouchable artistic legacy and legions of mourning fans.
Tributes began flowing for the late icon as soon as news broke, with close friends, family, fans, and the countless artists who’ve been personally influenced by Bowie coming out to share their thoughts and condolences.
Fans around Australia can also pay tribute to the man whose work touched so many lives by hitting up one of the many Bowie tribute nights happening around the country this week. Here’s a few that are worth checking out.
SYDNEY
Sydney Festival Presents A David Bowie Tribute Set
When: 13 January between 6.15pm
Where: Meriton Festival Village, Hyde Park North
Price: Free
As a tribute to the passing of one of the greatest figures of modern music, Sydney Festival’s free DJ sets at Meriton Festival Village will be dedicated to the greatest hits of David Bowie on the evening of January 13. Manning the decks is 2SER’s Music Director, Andrew Khedoori, so don your best Ziggy Stardust attire and head down.
More info.
‘Speed of Life’: A Live Tribute to David Bowie
When: 30 January at 7pm
Where: Freda’s, 107-109 Regent Street, Chippendale
Price: $5 entry before 8pm / $10 after
The crew at Sydney’s intimate haunt will be honouring Bowie and his music with their next House Band night on Saturday 30th January. Curated by life long Bowie fan and lookalike, local muso Alex Cross – Music, the night will cover his career taking in classics and oddities from his seminal albums including Hunky Dory, Heroes, Alladin Sane, Ziggy Stardust and more.
More info.
ADELAIDE
Let’s Dance: A David Bowie Tribute Night
When: 16 January at 11pm
Where: Jive, 181 Hindley Street
Price: N/A
The man who brought DiG Adelaide’s much loved retro night to Jive over the past few years Craig Flanigan is hosting an event to pay tribute to The Thin White Duke. Plenty of Bowie will be played as well as influential rock and pop tunes from the 70s and 80s. ‘Let’s Dance’ away the blues.
More info
BRISBANE
David Bowie Video Tribute
When: 14 January at 6:30pm
Where: New Globe Theatre, 220 Brunswick St
Price: Free
New Globe Theatre cinema will be paying tribute to the rock icon this Thursday with a special video night. Commencing at 6.30pm with a screening of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars (Bowie’s final concert as the Ziggy Stardust persona) it will be followed by a 90 minute compilation of doco clips, performance footage and music videos on the big screen. There will also be a licensed bar open so it’s strictly 18+.
More info.
Ziggy Played Guitar
When: 21 February at 6:30pm
Where: The Foundry, 228 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Price: $12/ $15
The heartbroken crew at The Foundry will be paying tribute to Ziggy Stardust himself, in a night of music, togetherness and charity, with proceeds donated to help those with cancer, who work tirelessly to eradicate the disease that ended the half-century career, and life, of David Bowie. Great man, great cause, great music.
More info.
PERTH
Let’s Dance – A Tribute Night to David Bowie
When: 15 January at 8:30pm
Where: Rocket Room, 174 James St, Northbridge
Price: $20
WA folk celebrate a night of Bowie with a live band, Wesley Goodlet Jamboree Scouts, playing hit after hit all night long. They’ll also be showing back to back live concerts on the screens and encourage the public to dress in their favourite Bowie costume. Dance, laugh, cry and drink to the man that made the soundtrack to so many lives.
More info.
GEELONG
Sunday Service / David Bowie Tribute Night
When: 17 January at 3pm
Where: The Barwon Club Hotel, 509 Moorabool Street
Price: Free before 7pm / $5 after
The Barwon Club Hotel’s regular Sunday Service will be playing host to a dress up party in Bowie’s honour. Come dressed as your favourite Bowie personality and celebrate David’s life with drink specials and DJs spinning tunes all arvo including a very special ‘Bowie Hour in the Barn’ from 9pm.
More info.
MELBOURNE
Let’s Dance and Celebrate the Life of Bowie
When: 14 January at 10pm
Where: Ding Dong Lounge, 18 Market Lane
Price: Free
This Thursday, Ding Dong Lounge will be hosting a homage to the late Starman with a dress up party kicking off at 10pm. DJs will be playing Bowie classics from 10pm-1am and the price is $5 or dress up for free entry. Get there early though because this one is looking like it’s going to be packed.
More info.
Open Mic Bowie Tribute
When: 20 January at 6pm
Where: Whole Lotta Love, 524 Lygon Steet, East Brunswick
Price: N/A
Love Bowie? Fancy yourself a singer? Play an instrument? Like to dress up? Well choose one song from Bowie’s repertoire and put it in yours, then contact Mark Gardner showusyourloveopenmic@gmai
More info.
Bowie Tribute Trivia
When: 14 January at 5pm
Where: The Wilde, 153 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Price: N/A
Are you Bowie’s biggest fan? Well prove it tomorrow night at The Wilde’s very special Bowie edition of trivia. Not competitive? That’s ok because while the ground floor will be running Bowie trivia from 7.30pm and Bowie tunes all night, the first floor screening room we will be screening the following classics for your enjoyment: Labyrinth 5pm, The Man Who Fell To Earth 7pm and Basquiat 9.30pm.
More info.
The Speed of Life : A Night of Bowie at The Curtin
When: 15 January at 5pm
Where: The Curtin29 Lygon St
Price: Free
Local legends Kate Reid (Psychedelic Coven/ It records) and Per Bystrom (EXHAUSTION/ Ooga Boogas / Gimme Shelter) will be taking to the Curtin decks this Friday night to pay tribute to the one and only with an all Bowie DJ set from 10:30 pm till late. Grab a spot with some mates in a booth, feel some feelings and dance the night away.
More info.
David Bowie: A Celebration of Life
When: 15 January at 8pm
Where: Federation Square
Price: Free *flash mob*
A collective of Bowie lovers are getting together to mourn the fact that The Goblin King is dead. The Thin White Duke is no more. Head to Fed Square and dress like Ziggy Stardust, and celebrate with fellow Startdusted lovers. Everyone welcome, as the invite says “invite literally everyone on the planet. Bring the music and let’s all sing together”.
More info.
The Sunday Set: Bowie
When: 17 January at 4pm
Where: The Toff In Town, 252 Swanston St
Price: Free
Like every Sunday Set, head to the Toff to grab some Sunday afternoon delight in the Carriage room at The Toff with DJs Andy Black and Shaggis, the only difference is that this week it’ll be a very special Bowie themed arvo.
More info.
POW! Fridays – David Bowie Tribute
When: 15 January at 9pm
Where: Mynt Lounge, 185 Watton Street, Werribee
Price: Free
Kicking off at midnight POW! will be playing host to ‘The Sweatshop’ featuring nothing but the best of David Bowie’s music as a tribute to the iconic rock legend. Their big screen in the main room will feature nothing but his music videos and the unforgettable The Labrynth. Glam inspired dress and makeup will also be acceptable, in fact it’s encouraged!
More info.
Vale Bowie! – Saturdays at The Richmond Yard
When: 16 January at 4pm
Where: The Richmond Yard, 55 Cremorne St, Cremorne
Price: Free
The crew at Richmond Yard couldn’t let this week pass without responding creatively to the passing of someone so many people feel so connected to in so many ways. They’ll be spinning precious eclectic treasures and rarities by Bowie and his collaborators as well as playing artistic hommage across the trailer park site and reflecting on Melbourne’s intimate connection to this trailerblazer.
More info.
