David Bowie & The Spiders from Mars (1972–1973)
Between 1972 and 1973, David Bowie achieved worldwide fame through his explosive collaboration with The Spiders from Mars, the band that brought the Ziggy Stardust persona to electrifying life on stage.
The classic lineup — Mick Ronson (guitar), Trevor Bolder (bass) and Mick Woodmansey (drums) — provided massive distorted power, dramatic backing vocals and tight rhythmic drive that transformed Bowie’s songs into a theatrical rock spectacle.
Quick Facts
| Years | 1972–1973 |
| Main Artist | David Bowie |
| Band | The Spiders from Mars |
| Members | Mick Ronson – Trevor Bolder – Mick Woodmansey |
| Tour | Ziggy Stardust Tour / Aladdin Sane Tour |
| Style | Glam rock, theatrical hard rock |
Background
The formation of The Spiders from Mars marked the most radical reinvention of Bowie’s career. With dyed hair, space-age costumes and an alien rock persona, Bowie transformed the traditional rock concert into a fully staged theatrical performance.
Ronson’s aggressive guitar lines and harmony vocals became an essential sonic signature, while Bolder and Woodmansey anchored the band with muscular bass and pounding drums. Together they elevated songs like Moonage Daydream, Suffragette City and Rock ’n’ Roll Suicide into explosive live events.
Live Performances & Locations
- 1972 – United Kingdom – Ziggy Stardust Tour
- 1972 – United States – First US Ziggy tour
- 1973 – Europe & Japan – Aladdin Sane world tour
- 1973 – Hammersmith Odeon, London – Legendary farewell concert
Surviving Audio & Video
A significant number of professional and semi-professional recordings from the Ziggy era survive, including multi-camera footage, live albums and historic television broadcasts.
David Bowie – Opening Credits Intro (Live At Hammersmith Odeon, 1973)
Moonage Daydream – Spiders from Mars Live Performance
Historical Importance
The Ziggy Stardust tours remain among the most influential live performances in rock history. Bowie’s transformation into an alien rock messenger permanently changed the relationship between music, visual identity and stage performance.
The partnership with The Spiders from Mars established Bowie as a global superstar and laid the foundations for all future conceptual transformations in his career.
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