Released in 1972, David Bowie’s The Rise & Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, was a lightning bolt game changer of an album for many people around the world.

At a time when artists like Don McLean and Yes were sending the fun-loving public into a coma, Bowie arrived with bells on and not a moment too soon.

Shining like a beacon for all the misfits and freaks in the world; Ziggy taught them it was okay not to conform and be straightjacketed by what the world and society wanted them to be.

Tonight, local stalwarts Even, along with friends on keyboards, saxophone, cello and extra guitars, paid tribute to an album that has touched the lives of many, particularly the sold out crowd present at Melbourne’s Cherry Bar.

Kicking off with a mini-set of Even originals, featuring the likes of “Black Umbrella”, “Rock N’ Roll Saved My Life” and, in a nice link to the main part of the proceedings, a lovely track called “Bowie In My Dreams” Even suitably warmed up the very excited audience.

Playing the 40-year-old album in full, from “Five Years” right through to “Rock N’Roll Suicide”, this was a warm and wonderful tribute to a fantastic album.

Singer/guitarist Ash Naylor really excelled himself, channelling both the unique vocal stylings of Mr Bowie and, in particular, the stinging guitar attack of Mick Ronson. On tracks like “Starman”  and “It Ain’t Easy”,  Naylor truly had it going on in both departments.

Other highlights included “Moonage Daydream” and of course, the title track, which had the crowd smiling and singing for all they were worth.

In short, this was a hugely enjoyable night, particularly for Bowie aficionados who have been, throughout their lives, stunned, moved and inspired by this truly groundbreaking album, which still sounds potent, relevant and inspiring four decades later as rendered by Even in the live setting.

– Neil Evans

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