David Bowie 1978 Isolar 2 Era – The Chronology
David Bowie 1978 Isolar 2 Era
Songs performed were (Total 25 songs):
Alabama Song (Bertold Brecht song) / Art Decade / Be My Wife / Beauty And The Beast / Blackout / Breaking Glass / Fame / Five Years / Hang On To Yourself / “Heroes” / Rebel Rebel / Rock ‘N’ Roll Suicide / Sense Of Doubt / Soul Love / Sound And Vision / Speed Of Life / Star / Station To Station / Stay / Suffragette City / The Jean Genie / TVC 15 / Warszawa / What In The World / Ziggy Stardust
Tour by David Bowie
Associated album: Low & “Heroes”
Start date: 29 March 1978
End date: 12 December 1978
Legs: 4
Shows: 77
Tour band
- David Bowie – vocals, chamberlain
- Adrian Belew – lead guitar, backing vocals
- Carlos Alomar – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- George Murray – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Dennis Davis – drums, percussion
- Roger Powell – keyboards, synthesizer, backing vocals (except 11–14 November 1978)
- Dennis Garcia – keyboards, synthesizer (11–14 November 1978 only)
- Sean Mayes – piano, string ensemble, backing vocals
- Simon House – electric violin
The Isolar II World Tour Begins – January 1978
📅 1978-01-05
📍 West Berlin, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ 🗒️ Note: Space
🎸 Event: Early Band Concept Sessions
🗒️ Note: David and Carlos Alomar begin refining the musical direction for the upcoming tour. The challenge is translating the ambient textures of ‘Low’ and ‘”Heroes”‘ into a powerful live format. (Exact date not confirmed)
🏛️ 🗒️ Note: Space
🎸 Event: Early Band Concept Sessions
🗒️ Note: David and Carlos Alomar begin refining the musical direction for the upcoming tour. The challenge is translating the ambient textures of ‘Low’ and ‘”Heroes”‘ into a powerful live format. (Exact date not confirmed)
📅 1978-01-10
📍 West Berlin, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Hotel Berlin / Film Set
🎸 Event: Costume Design Meetings
🗒️ Note: Between filming scenes for ‘Just a Gigolo’, David meets with designer Natasha Kornilof. They spend hours scribbling costume ideas on the backs of envelopes. These sketches eventually evolve into the baggy white trousers and snakeskin jacket used for the Isolar II Tour.
🏛️ Hotel Berlin / Film Set
🎸 Event: Costume Design Meetings
🗒️ Note: Between filming scenes for ‘Just a Gigolo’, David meets with designer Natasha Kornilof. They spend hours scribbling costume ideas on the backs of envelopes. These sketches eventually evolve into the baggy white trousers and snakeskin jacket used for the Isolar II Tour.
📅 1978-01-15
📍 New York City / Dallas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Travel & Integration
🎸 Event: Adrian Belew Joins the Ranks
🗒️ Note: Following his “recruitment” from Frank Zappa’s band, guitarist Adrian Belew officially joins the rehearsals. His unconventional style becomes the “secret weapon” for the 1978 sound.
🏛️ Travel & Integration
🎸 Event: Adrian Belew Joins the Ranks
🗒️ Note: Following his “recruitment” from Frank Zappa’s band, guitarist Adrian Belew officially joins the rehearsals. His unconventional style becomes the “secret weapon” for the 1978 sound.
📅 1978-01-24
📍 Irving, Texas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Full Scale Production Rehearsals
🗒️ Notes: The band moves to Texas for intensive rehearsals. Work begins on the minimalist stage design, featuring the iconic neon fluorescent tubes that will define the Isolar II aesthetic.
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Full Scale Production Rehearsals
🗒️ Notes: The band moves to Texas for intensive rehearsals. Work begins on the minimalist stage design, featuring the iconic neon fluorescent tubes that will define the Isolar II aesthetic.
📅 1978-02-10
📍 Irving, Texas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Intensive Musical Rehearsals
🗒️ Notes: The band works on the complex arrangements of the ‘Low’ and ‘”Heroes”‘ material. David insists on a “mechanical but soulful” sound, integrating George Murray’s solid bass with Adrian Belew’s wild guitar textures.
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Intensive Musical Rehearsals
🗒️ Notes: The band works on the complex arrangements of the ‘Low’ and ‘”Heroes”‘ material. David insists on a “mechanical but soulful” sound, integrating George Murray’s solid bass with Adrian Belew’s wild guitar textures.
📅 1978-02-15
📍 West Berlin, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Café Wien / Kurfürstendamm
🎸 Event: Final Scenes of ‘Just a Gigolo’
🗒️ Notes: David completes his final days of filming for ‘Just a Gigolo’. David spends his last Berlin evenings photographing his own artworks, creating a Polaroid archive of his transition before flying out to the intense US tour rehearsals.
🏛️ Café Wien / Kurfürstendamm
🎸 Event: Final Scenes of ‘Just a Gigolo’
🗒️ Notes: David completes his final days of filming for ‘Just a Gigolo’. David spends his last Berlin evenings photographing his own artworks, creating a Polaroid archive of his transition before flying out to the intense US tour rehearsals.
📅 1978-02-22
📍 Irving, Texas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Stage & Lighting Tests
🗒️ Notes: The first full technical run-through with the neon light cage. David explores the visual impact of the stark, white fluorescent lighting, which he believes mirrors the “European” atmosphere of his recent work.
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Stage & Lighting Tests
🗒️ Notes: The first full technical run-through with the neon light cage. David explores the visual impact of the stark, white fluorescent lighting, which he believes mirrors the “European” atmosphere of his recent work.
📅 1978-02-28
📍 Irving, Texas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Finalizing the Setlist
🗒️ Notes: The tour structure is finalized. The show will be divided into segments: starting with the stark ‘Berlin’ material, followed by a selection of 1972-1976 classics, and ending with an encore of ‘Ziggy’ era favorites.
🏛️ The Studios at Las Colinas
🎸 Event: Finalizing the Setlist
🗒️ Notes: The tour structure is finalized. The show will be divided into segments: starting with the stark ‘Berlin’ material, followed by a selection of 1972-1976 classics, and ending with an encore of ‘Ziggy’ era favorites.
The Isolar II Tour Launch – March 1978
📅 1978-03-06
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK / Worldwide
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Single Release: ‘Beauty and the Beast’
🗒️ Note: Released as the second single from the ‘”Heroes”‘ album. Despite its experimental production and Robert Fripp’s dissonant guitar work, the single reaches the UK Top 40, further cementing David’s commercial comeback during tour rehearsals.
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Single Release: ‘Beauty and the Beast’
🗒️ Note: Released as the second single from the ‘”Heroes”‘ album. Despite its experimental production and Robert Fripp’s dissonant guitar work, the single reaches the UK Top 40, further cementing David’s commercial comeback during tour rehearsals.
📅 1978-03-23
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Hotel & Production Offices
🎸 Event: Tour Arrival & Final Preparations
🗒️ Note: Bowie and the touring crew arrive in San Diego several days before opening night to finalize logistics, stage setup and production coordination for the Isolar II World Tour.
🏛️ Hotel & Production Offices
🎸 Event: Tour Arrival & Final Preparations
🗒️ Note: Bowie and the touring crew arrive in San Diego several days before opening night to finalize logistics, stage setup and production coordination for the Isolar II World Tour.
📅 1978-03-24
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Full Band Sound Balance
🗒️ Note: Final sound balancing session with the complete touring band before opening night, focusing on integrating the Berlin-era material into a live arena environment.
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Full Band Sound Balance
🗒️ Note: Final sound balancing session with the complete touring band before opening night, focusing on integrating the Berlin-era material into a live arena environment.
📅 1978-03-24
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Radio Promotion & Press
🗒️ Note: Local radio stations begin heavy promotion for the tour premiere. David avoids major TV interviews, preferring to let the new minimalist stage aesthetic speak for itself through select press photography.
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Radio Promotion & Press
🗒️ Note: Local radio stations begin heavy promotion for the tour premiere. David avoids major TV interviews, preferring to let the new minimalist stage aesthetic speak for itself through select press photography.
📅 1978-03-25
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Lighting Programming Sessions
🗒️ Note: The lighting team programs and tests the full neon tube system used throughout the Isolar II tour, establishing the minimalist visual aesthetic of the show.
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Lighting Programming Sessions
🗒️ Note: The lighting team programs and tests the full neon tube system used throughout the Isolar II tour, establishing the minimalist visual aesthetic of the show.
📅 1978-03-26
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Full Production Run-through
🗒️ Note: Complete run-through of the concert including lighting, staging and sequencing before the final dress rehearsal.
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Full Production Run-through
🗒️ Note: Complete run-through of the concert including lighting, staging and sequencing before the final dress rehearsal.
📅 1978-03-27
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Press Conference / Travel
🎸 Event: Chicago Tribune Interview
🗒️ Note: David grants an interview to the Chicago Tribune, signaling a new era. He declares the shows will be “low profile” with no dramatic characters. “I’ve finished with characters. Now it’s just me,” he states, defining the minimalist intent of the tour.
🏛️ Press Conference / Travel
🎸 Event: Chicago Tribune Interview
🗒️ Note: David grants an interview to the Chicago Tribune, signaling a new era. He declares the shows will be “low profile” with no dramatic characters. “I’ve finished with characters. Now it’s just me,” he states, defining the minimalist intent of the tour.
📅 1978-03-28
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Final Technical/Dress Rehearsal
🗒️ Note: The last private run-through. This was the first time the full 66-neon tube lighting rig was operated at full power, causing technical concerns regarding the arena’s power grid.
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Final Technical/Dress Rehearsal
🗒️ Note: The last private run-through. This was the first time the full 66-neon tube lighting rig was operated at full power, causing technical concerns regarding the arena’s power grid.
📅 1978-03-28
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Final Dress Rehearsal
🗒️ Note: Final closed technical rehearsal before the opening night of the Isolar II World Tour. Lighting, staging and full running order are tested under concert conditions.
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Final Dress Rehearsal
🗒️ Note: Final closed technical rehearsal before the opening night of the Isolar II World Tour. Lighting, staging and full running order are tested under concert conditions.
📅 1978-03-29
📍 San Diego, California, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Archival Recording – ‘San Diego Sailor’
🗒️ Note: The opening night was captured using high-quality audience footage, which later became famous as the bootleg “San Diego Sailor.” David introduces a minimalist stage with 66 neon tubes. The show opens, famously, with “Warszawa,” performed behind a semi-transparent gauze screen to emphasize the atmosphere of the Berlin era.
🏛️ San Diego Sports Arena
🎸 Event: Archival Recording – ‘San Diego Sailor’
🗒️ Note: The opening night was captured using high-quality audience footage, which later became famous as the bootleg “San Diego Sailor.” David introduces a minimalist stage with 66 neon tubes. The show opens, famously, with “Warszawa,” performed behind a semi-transparent gauze screen to emphasize the atmosphere of the Berlin era.
📅 1978-03-30
📍 Phoenix, Arizona, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Veterans Memorial Coliseum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Note: The tour’s second stop. Musicians and critics note the immediate impact of Adrian Belew’s avant-garde guitar style. The setlist successfully bridges the gap between ‘Low’/'”Heroes”‘ and soul-era tracks like ‘Stay’.
🏛️ Veterans Memorial Coliseum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Note: The tour’s second stop. Musicians and critics note the immediate impact of Adrian Belew’s avant-garde guitar style. The setlist successfully bridges the gap between ‘Low’/'”Heroes”‘ and soul-era tracks like ‘Stay’.
📅 1978-03-31
📍 Phoenix, Arizona, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Hotel Leisure
🎸 Event: Poolside Fan Encounter
🗒️ Note: During a rare day off, David is documented relaxing by the hotel pool in turquoise trunks. Sean Mayes (pianist) later recalled in ‘We Can Be Heroes’ how fans huddled behind fences just to catch a glimpse of a “character-less” Bowie.
🏛️ Hotel Leisure
🎸 Event: Poolside Fan Encounter
🗒️ Note: During a rare day off, David is documented relaxing by the hotel pool in turquoise trunks. Sean Mayes (pianist) later recalled in ‘We Can Be Heroes’ how fans huddled behind fences just to catch a glimpse of a “character-less” Bowie.
North America & Canada – April 1978
📅 1978-04-02
📍 Fresno, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Selland Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Fresno, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Selland Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-03
📍 Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-03
📍 Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Forum / Backstage
🎸 Event: Meeting with Iggy Pop
🗒️ Note: Backstage in LA, David meets Iggy Pop. They discuss the disappointing potential results of “The Idiot” and “Lust For Life,” followed by David expressing his support for Iggy’s next project. However, their creative paths soon diverge.
🏛️ The Forum / Backstage
🎸 Event: Meeting with Iggy Pop
🗒️ Note: Backstage in LA, David meets Iggy Pop. They discuss the disappointing potential results of “The Idiot” and “Lust For Life,” followed by David expressing his support for Iggy’s next project. However, their creative paths soon diverge.
📅 1978-04-04
📍 Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-05
📍 Oakland, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Coliseum Arena
🎸 Event: Radio Interview: KSAN-FM
🗒️ Note: David records a rare, candid interview with KSAN-FM. He discusses his retirement from characters like Ziggy and the Thin White Duke, emphasizing his new-found sobriety and the importance of the Berlin environment.
🏛️ Coliseum Arena
🎸 Event: Radio Interview: KSAN-FM
🗒️ Note: David records a rare, candid interview with KSAN-FM. He discusses his retirement from characters like Ziggy and the Thin White Duke, emphasizing his new-found sobriety and the importance of the Berlin environment.
📅 1978-04-05
📍 Oakland, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Coliseum Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Oakland, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Coliseum Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-06
📍 Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Los Angeles, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-09
📍 Houston, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Summit
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Houston, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Summit
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-10
📍 Dallas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Dallas Convention Centre
🎸 Event: TV Filming & Radio Recording
🗒️ Note: A massive day for documentation. Six songs are filmed for the ‘Bowie on Stage’ TV special, and the show is recorded for ‘King Biscuit Flower Hour’. Due to camera glitches, ‘What In The World’ is performed twice. A full-length multi-track audio was also recorded for internal review.
🏛️ Dallas Convention Centre
🎸 Event: TV Filming & Radio Recording
🗒️ Note: A massive day for documentation. Six songs are filmed for the ‘Bowie on Stage’ TV special, and the show is recorded for ‘King Biscuit Flower Hour’. Due to camera glitches, ‘What In The World’ is performed twice. A full-length multi-track audio was also recorded for internal review.
📅 1978-04-10
📍 Dallas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Dallas Convention Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🏛️ Dallas Convention Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-11
📍 Dallas, Texas, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Production Offices
🎸 Event: Review of Filmed Material
🗒️ Note: Production staff review footage and recordings made during the Dallas shows to evaluate material captured for television and archival purposes.
🏛️ Production Offices
🎸 Event: Review of Filmed Material
🗒️ Note: Production staff review footage and recordings made during the Dallas shows to evaluate material captured for television and archival purposes.
📅 1978-04-11
📍 Baton Rouge, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Louisiana State University Assembly Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Baton Rouge, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Louisiana State University Assembly Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-13
📍 Nashville, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Municipal Auditorium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Nashville, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Municipal Auditorium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-14
📍 Memphis, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Mid-South Coliseum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Memphis, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Mid-South Coliseum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-15
📍 Kansas City, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Municipal Auditorium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Kansas City, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Municipal Auditorium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-17
📍 Chicago, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Arie Crown Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Chicago, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Arie Crown Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-18
📍 Chicago, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Arie Crown Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Chicago, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Arie Crown Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-20
📍 Detroit, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Cobo Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Detroit, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Cobo Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-21
📍 Detroit, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Cobo Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Detroit, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Cobo Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-22
📍 Cleveland, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Richfield Coliseum
🎸 Event: The ‘Stage’ Photo Session
🗒️ Note: Photographer Andrew Kent captures several iconic shots during this show. One of these images, featuring David in his baggy Natasha Kornilof trousers under the neon lights, is later selected for the cover of the ‘Stage’ live album.
🏛️ Richfield Coliseum
🎸 Event: The ‘Stage’ Photo Session
🗒️ Note: Photographer Andrew Kent captures several iconic shots during this show. One of these images, featuring David in his baggy Natasha Kornilof trousers under the neon lights, is later selected for the cover of the ‘Stage’ live album.
📅 1978-04-22
📍 Cleveland, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Richfield Coliseum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Cleveland, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Richfield Coliseum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-23
📍 Cleveland to Milwaukee, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Tour Transit
🎸 Event: Tour Travel Day
🗒️ Note: Travel and equipment relocation between shows during the North American leg of the Isolar II tour.
🏛️ Tour Transit
🎸 Event: Tour Travel Day
🗒️ Note: Travel and equipment relocation between shows during the North American leg of the Isolar II tour.
📅 1978-04-24
📍 Milwaukee, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Mecca Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Milwaukee, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Mecca Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-26
📍 Pittsburgh, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Pittsburgh Civic Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Pittsburgh, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Pittsburgh Civic Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-27
📍 Washington, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Capital Centre
🎸 Event: Preparation for Live Recording
🗒️ Note: Technical preparations begin for the upcoming Philadelphia shows, which are planned for official live recording.
🏛️ Capital Centre
🎸 Event: Preparation for Live Recording
🗒️ Note: Technical preparations begin for the upcoming Philadelphia shows, which are planned for official live recording.
📅 1978-04-27
📍 Washington, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Capital Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Washington, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Capital Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-28
📍 Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎸 Event: Recording ‘Stage’ (Night 1)
🗒️ Note: Tony Visconti arrives with the RCA Mobile Unit to record the official live album. The intention is initially to preserve the original concert running order.
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎸 Event: Recording ‘Stage’ (Night 1)
🗒️ Note: Tony Visconti arrives with the RCA Mobile Unit to record the official live album. The intention is initially to preserve the original concert running order.
📅 1978-04-28
📍 Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-04-29
📍 Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎸 Event: Recording ‘Stage’ (Night 2)
🗒️ Note: Final recordings for the ‘Stage’ album are completed. The performance captures the peak chemistry of the 1978 touring band.
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎸 Event: Recording ‘Stage’ (Night 2)
🗒️ Note: Final recordings for the ‘Stage’ album are completed. The performance captures the peak chemistry of the 1978 touring band.
📅 1978-04-29
📍 Philadelphia, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🏛️ The Spectrum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
North America & Canada – May 1978
📅 1978-05-01
📍 Toronto, 🇨🇦 Canada
🏛️ Maple Leafs Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Toronto, 🇨🇦 Canada
🏛️ Maple Leafs Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-02
📍 Ottawa, 🇨🇦 Canada
🏛️ Ottawa Civic Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Ottawa, 🇨🇦 Canada
🏛️ Ottawa Civic Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-03
📍 Montreal, 🇨🇦 Canada
🏛️ Montreal Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Montreal, 🇨🇦 Canada
🏛️ Montreal Forum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-05
📍 Providence, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Providence Civic Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Providence, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Providence Civic Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-06
📍 Boston, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ New Boston Garden Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Boston, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ New Boston Garden Arena
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-07
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-07
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden / Backstage
🎸 Event: Meeting with Dustin Hoffman
🗒️ Note: After the first MSG show, David meets with Dustin Hoffman to discuss a possible film collaboration following ‘Just a Gigolo’.
🏛️ Madison Square Garden / Backstage
🎸 Event: Meeting with Dustin Hoffman
🗒️ Note: After the first MSG show, David meets with Dustin Hoffman to discuss a possible film collaboration following ‘Just a Gigolo’.
📅 1978-05-08
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden / RCA Offices
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Stage’ Album Strategy
🗒️ Notes: Between the MSG shows, David meets with RCA executives. David insists on a chronological structure for the ‘Stage’ live album, prioritizing the artistic narrative over commercial flow.
🏛️ Madison Square Garden / RCA Offices
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Stage’ Album Strategy
🗒️ Notes: Between the MSG shows, David meets with RCA executives. David insists on a chronological structure for the ‘Stage’ live album, prioritizing the artistic narrative over commercial flow.
📅 1978-05-08
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-09
📍 New York City, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎸 Event: Reference Performance for Live Album
🗒️ Note: The final Madison Square Garden performance is later noted as an important reference point during planning and selection for the ‘Stage’ live album.
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎸 Event: Reference Performance for Live Album
🗒️ Note: The final Madison Square Garden performance is later noted as an important reference point during planning and selection for the ‘Stage’ live album.
📅 1978-05-09
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
European Leg Begins – May 1978
📅 1978-05-10
📍 New York City, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎸 Event: North American Leg Completed
🗒️ Note: Following the final Madison Square Garden show, the first major leg of the Isolar II tour officially concludes.
🏛️ Madison Square Garden
🎸 Event: North American Leg Completed
🗒️ Note: Following the final Madison Square Garden show, the first major leg of the Isolar II tour officially concludes.
📅 1978-05-13
📍 New York City → Frankfurt
🏛️ Tour Transit
🎸 Event: Departure for European Leg
🗒️ Note: Bowie and the touring crew travel to Europe to begin the next phase of the Isolar II World Tour.
🏛️ Tour Transit
🎸 Event: Departure for European Leg
🗒️ Note: Bowie and the touring crew travel to Europe to begin the next phase of the Isolar II World Tour.
📅 1978-05-14
📍 Frankfurt, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Festhalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Frankfurt, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Festhalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-14
📍 Frankfurt, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Festhalle
🎸 Event: European Tour Kick-off
🗒️ Notes: The first show on European soil. David appears visibly relaxed returning to Germany, and the neon cage lighting proves highly effective in the venue.
🏛️ Festhalle
🎸 Event: European Tour Kick-off
🗒️ Notes: The first show on European soil. David appears visibly relaxed returning to Germany, and the neon cage lighting proves highly effective in the venue.
📅 1978-05-15
📍 Hamburg, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Kongress Zentrum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Hamburg, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Kongress Zentrum
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-16
📍 Düsseldorf, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Philipshalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: Cancelled
📍 Düsseldorf, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Philipshalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: Cancelled
📅 1978-05-16
📍 Berlin, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Deutschlandhalle / Hansa Studios
🎸 Event: Berlin Homecoming
🗒️ Note: A highly emotional night as David performs in his adopted home city. The setlist, heavy on Berlin-era material, receives a strong audience response.
🏛️ Deutschlandhalle / Hansa Studios
🎸 Event: Berlin Homecoming
🗒️ Note: A highly emotional night as David performs in his adopted home city. The setlist, heavy on Berlin-era material, receives a strong audience response.
📅 1978-05-18
📍 Essen, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Grugahalle / Hotel Breidenbacher Hof
🎸 Event: Press Session: Bravo Magazine
🗒️ Notes: David grants an interview and photo session emphasizing his healthier lifestyle during the tour.
🏛️ Grugahalle / Hotel Breidenbacher Hof
🎸 Event: Press Session: Bravo Magazine
🗒️ Notes: David grants an interview and photo session emphasizing his healthier lifestyle during the tour.
📅 1978-05-18
📍 Essen, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Grugahalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Essen, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Grugahalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-19
📍 Cologne, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Kölner Sporthalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Cologne, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Kölner Sporthalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-20
📍 Munich, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Olympiahalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Munich, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Olympiahalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-21
📍 Bremen, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Radio Bremen Studios
🎸 Event: TV Special: Musikladen Extra
🗒️ Notes: David and the band record a 45-minute special that captures the raw power of the tour.
🏛️ Radio Bremen Studios
🎸 Event: TV Special: Musikladen Extra
🗒️ Notes: David and the band record a 45-minute special that captures the raw power of the tour.
📅 1978-05-22
📍 Vienna, 🇦🇹 Austria
🏛️ Stadthalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Vienna, 🇦🇹 Austria
🏛️ Stadthalle
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-24
📍 Paris, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Pavillon de Paris / TV Studios
🎸 Event: TV Interview: ‘Un sur Cinq’
🗒️ Notes: David records a French television interview discussing European art and electronic music influences.
🏛️ Pavillon de Paris / TV Studios
🎸 Event: TV Interview: ‘Un sur Cinq’
🗒️ Notes: David records a French television interview discussing European art and electronic music influences.
📅 1978-05-24
📍 Paris, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Pavillon de Paris
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Paris, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Pavillon de Paris
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-25
📍 Paris, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Pavillon de Paris
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Paris, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Pavillon de Paris
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-26
📍 Lyons, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Palais des Sports de Gerland
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Lyons, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Palais des Sports de Gerland
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-27
📍 Marseille, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Parc Chaneau
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: Relocated
📍 Marseille, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Parc Chaneau
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: Relocated
📅 1978-05-27
📍 Marseille, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Palais des Sports
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Marseille, 🇫🇷 France
🏛️ Palais des Sports
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-05-30
📍 Stockholm, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🏛️ Grand Hotel / Radio Sweden
🎸 Event: Radio Interview: Swedish National Radio
🗒️ Notes: On a day off, David records an interview discussing his move to Berlin and artistic reinvention.
🏛️ Grand Hotel / Radio Sweden
🎸 Event: Radio Interview: Swedish National Radio
🗒️ Notes: On a day off, David records an interview discussing his move to Berlin and artistic reinvention.
📅 1978-05-31
📍 Copenhagen, 🇩🇰 Denmark
🏛️ Falkoner Teatret
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Copenhagen, 🇩🇰 Denmark
🏛️ Falkoner Teatret
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
European Tour Continued – June 1978
📅 1978-06-01
📍 Copenhagen, 🇩🇰 Denmark
🏛️ Falkoner Teatret
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Copenhagen, 🇩🇰 Denmark
🏛️ Falkoner Teatret
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-01
📍 Copenhagen, 🇩🇰 Denmark
🏛️ Falkoner Teatret / Backstage
🎸 Event: Press Interview: Danish Radio
🗒️ Notes: David discusses the minimalist design of the Isolar II stage and its visual concept.
🏛️ Falkoner Teatret / Backstage
🎸 Event: Press Interview: Danish Radio
🗒️ Notes: David discusses the minimalist design of the Isolar II stage and its visual concept.
📅 1978-06-02
📍 Stockholm, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🏛️ Skansen
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: show relocated
📍 Stockholm, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🏛️ Skansen
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: show relocated
📅 1978-06-02
📍 Stockholm, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🏛️ Kungliga Tennishallen
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Stockholm, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🏛️ Kungliga Tennishallen
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-04
📍 Gothenburg, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🏛️ Scandinavium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Gothenburg, 🇸🇪 Sweden
🏛️ Scandinavium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-05
📍 Oslo, 🇳🇴 Norway
🏛️ Ekersberghallen
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Oslo, 🇳🇴 Norway
🏛️ Ekersberghallen
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-06
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Tour Arrival
🎸 Event: Arrival for Rotterdam Shows
🗒️ Note: Touring crew and production arrive ahead of the filmed Rotterdam concerts.
🏛️ Tour Arrival
🎸 Event: Arrival for Rotterdam Shows
🗒️ Note: Touring crew and production arrive ahead of the filmed Rotterdam concerts.
📅 1978-06-07
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy / Hilton Hotel
🎸 Event: TV Preparation: AVRO / Toppop
🗒️ Notes:: Crew and broadcaster finalize plans for professional filming of the Rotterdam shows.
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy / Hilton Hotel
🎸 Event: TV Preparation: AVRO / Toppop
🗒️ Notes:: Crew and broadcaster finalize plans for professional filming of the Rotterdam shows.
📅 1978-06-07
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-08
📍 Hilversum / Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ AVRO Toppop Studios / Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎸 Event: TV Recording: AVRO Toppop
🗒️ Notes: David visits the Toppop studios before the evening show, which is professionally filmed for later broadcast.
🏛️ AVRO Toppop Studios / Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎸 Event: TV Recording: AVRO Toppop
🗒️ Notes: David visits the Toppop studios before the evening show, which is professionally filmed for later broadcast.
📅 1978-06-08
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-09
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Rotterdam, 🇳🇱 Netherlands
🏛️ Sportpaleis Ahoy
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-11
📍 Brussels, 🇧🇪 Belgium
🏛️ Vorst Forest Nationaal
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Brussels, 🇧🇪 Belgium
🏛️ Vorst Forest Nationaal
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-12
📍 Brussels, 🇧🇪 Belgium
🏛️ Vorst Forest Nationaal
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Brussels, 🇧🇪 Belgium
🏛️ Vorst Forest Nationaal
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-12
📍 Brussels, 🇧🇪 Belgium
🏛️ Forest National / Backstage
🎸 Event: Meeting with Iggy Pop
🗒️ Notes: Iggy Pop visits David backstage in Brussels. They spend the evening discussing Iggy’s upcoming London shows. Pianist Sean Mayes recalls the relaxed atmosphere as David prepares to take the tour to the UK.
🏛️ Forest National / Backstage
🎸 Event: Meeting with Iggy Pop
🗒️ Notes: Iggy Pop visits David backstage in Brussels. They spend the evening discussing Iggy’s upcoming London shows. Pianist Sean Mayes recalls the relaxed atmosphere as David prepares to take the tour to the UK.
📅 1978-06-14
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall / RCA Press Office
🎸 Event: Business: Tour Expansion Announcement
🗒️ Notes: Management announces expansion of the Isolar II tour to Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall / RCA Press Office
🎸 Event: Business: Tour Expansion Announcement
🗒️ Notes: Management announces expansion of the Isolar II tour to Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
📅 1978-06-14
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-15
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-16
📍 Berlin, 🇩🇪 Germany
🏛️ Deutschlandhalle
🎸 Event: Berlin Homecoming Performance
🗒️ Note: The Berlin concert is widely regarded as a symbolic homecoming during the Isolar II tour, reflecting the importance of the city in Bowie’s recent artistic transformation.
🏛️ Deutschlandhalle
🎸 Event: Berlin Homecoming Performance
🗒️ Note: The Berlin concert is widely regarded as a symbolic homecoming during the Isolar II tour, reflecting the importance of the city in Bowie’s recent artistic transformation.
📅 1978-06-16
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Newcastle upon Tyne, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Newcastle City Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-19
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-20
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-21
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-22
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Glasgow, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Apollo Theatre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-24
📍 Stafford, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ New Bingley Hall / Mobile Unit
🎸 Event: Archival Audio Recording
🗒️ Notes: The first Stafford show is recorded for archival purposes, capturing the aggressive live sound of the venue.
🏛️ New Bingley Hall / Mobile Unit
🎸 Event: Archival Audio Recording
🗒️ Notes: The first Stafford show is recorded for archival purposes, capturing the aggressive live sound of the venue.
📅 1978-06-24
📍 Stafford, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ New Bingley Hall County Showground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Stafford, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ New Bingley Hall County Showground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-25
📍 Stafford, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ New Bingley Hall County Showground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Stafford, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ New Bingley Hall County Showground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-26
📍 Stafford, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ New Bingley Hall County Showground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Stafford, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ New Bingley Hall County Showground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-28
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎸 Event: Technical Reset & Setup
🗒️ Note: Final technical preparations and stage setup before the Earl’s Court residency begins.
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎸 Event: Technical Reset & Setup
🗒️ Note: Final technical preparations and stage setup before the Earl’s Court residency begins.
📅 1978-06-29
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-06-29
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court / Backstage
🎸 Event: Live Album Filming & Recording
🗒️ Notes: The opening of the six-night London residency. Tony Visconti and a filming crew are present to capture footage and audio. These sessions are intended to supplement the Philadelphia recordings for the ‘Stage’ project.
🏛️ Earl’s Court / Backstage
🎸 Event: Live Album Filming & Recording
🗒️ Notes: The opening of the six-night London residency. Tony Visconti and a filming crew are present to capture footage and audio. These sessions are intended to supplement the Philadelphia recordings for the ‘Stage’ project.
📅 1978-06-30
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court / Dressing Room
🎸 Event: TV Interview & ‘Stage’ Movie Filming
🗒️ Notes: Just minutes before the show, David is interviewed backstage by Janet Street-Porter for London Weekend Television. Simultaneously, director David Hemmings continues filming the concert for the intended (but unreleased) ‘Stage’ movie.
🏛️ Earl’s Court / Dressing Room
🎸 Event: TV Interview & ‘Stage’ Movie Filming
🗒️ Notes: Just minutes before the show, David is interviewed backstage by Janet Street-Porter for London Weekend Television. Simultaneously, director David Hemmings continues filming the concert for the intended (but unreleased) ‘Stage’ movie.
📅 1978-06-30
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
Europe – July 1978
📅 1978-07-01
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-07-01
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Earl’s Court / Backstage
🎸 Event: European Tour Finale & Post-Show Party
🗒️ Notes: The 77th and final show of the European leg. A star-studded audience including Bianca Jagger and Princess Margaret. After the show, a massive wrap party is held where David celebrates the tour’s success with the band and crew.
🏛️ Earl’s Court / Backstage
🎸 Event: European Tour Finale & Post-Show Party
🗒️ Notes: The 77th and final show of the European leg. A star-studded audience including Bianca Jagger and Princess Margaret. After the show, a massive wrap party is held where David celebrates the tour’s success with the band and crew.
📅 1978-07-05
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK / Kenya, 🇰🇪 Africa
🏛️ Travel & Vacation
🎸 Event: African Safari with Zowie
🗒️ Notes: Following the tour’s conclusion, David takes a well-earned break. David travels to Kenya for a safari holiday with his son, Zowie. This period of reflection marks the end of his intensive 1978 touring schedule until November.
🏛️ Travel & Vacation
🎸 Event: African Safari with Zowie
🗒️ Notes: Following the tour’s conclusion, David takes a well-earned break. David travels to Kenya for a safari holiday with his son, Zowie. This period of reflection marks the end of his intensive 1978 touring schedule until November.
📅 1978-07-15
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK / Worldwide
🏛️ RCA Records Press Office
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Stage’ Album Announcement
🗒️ Notes: While David is on holiday, RCA officially confirms the September release date for the ‘Stage’ live album. the label begins preparing the global marketing campaign, using photos taken by Andrew Kent during the tour.
🏛️ RCA Records Press Office
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Stage’ Album Announcement
🗒️ Notes: While David is on holiday, RCA officially confirms the September release date for the ‘Stage’ live album. the label begins preparing the global marketing campaign, using photos taken by Andrew Kent during the tour.
📅 1978-07-20
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK / New York, 🇺🇸 USA
🏛️ Hemmings Production Office
🎸 Event: Review of ‘Stage’ Concert Footage
🗒️ Notes:: Director David Hemmings and David’s management review the footage filmed at Earl’s Court. Although the footage was intended for a theatrical release, David remains dissatisfied with the ‘clinical’ look of the film, leading to the project being shelved indefinitely.
🏛️ Hemmings Production Office
🎸 Event: Review of ‘Stage’ Concert Footage
🗒️ Notes:: Director David Hemmings and David’s management review the footage filmed at Earl’s Court. Although the footage was intended for a theatrical release, David remains dissatisfied with the ‘clinical’ look of the film, leading to the project being shelved indefinitely.
📅 1978-08-10
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland
🏛️ Clos des Mésanges
🎸 Event: Domestic Break & Legal Matters
🗒️ Notes: David spends the majority of the month at his home in Switzerland. He uses this quiet period to deal with ongoing legal complexities regarding his previous management and to spend time with his son before the tour resumes in the autumn.
🏛️ Clos des Mésanges
🎸 Event: Domestic Break & Legal Matters
🗒️ Notes: David spends the majority of the month at his home in Switzerland. He uses this quiet period to deal with ongoing legal complexities regarding his previous management and to spend time with his son before the tour resumes in the autumn.
📅 1978-08-25
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK / Worldwide
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Promotional Campaign: ‘Stage’
.The label focuses on the “live and raw” aspect of the recordings, distributing promotional posters featuring Andrew Kent’s photography to record stores worldwide.
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Promotional Campaign: ‘Stage’
.The label focuses on the “live and raw” aspect of the recordings, distributing promotional posters featuring Andrew Kent’s photography to record stores worldwide.
📅 1978-08-31
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland / Worldwide
🏛️ RCA Records / Legal Office
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Stage’ Final Mastering Approval
🗒️ Notes: David gives the final approval for the ‘Stage’ live album mastering from his base in Switzerland. The album is now fully ready for its worldwide release in September, marking the end of David’s summer hiatus.
🏛️ RCA Records / Legal Office
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Stage’ Final Mastering Approval
🗒️ Notes: David gives the final approval for the ‘Stage’ live album mastering from his base in Switzerland. The album is now fully ready for its worldwide release in September, marking the end of David’s summer hiatus.
📅 1978-09-08
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK / Worldwide
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Album Release: Stage
🗒️ Notes: David’s second live album is released. The controversy over the chronological tracklist and the “clinical” sound. Despite mixed reviews, it reaches No. 5 in the UK charts, further cementing the success of the Isolar II tour.
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Album Release: Stage
🗒️ Notes: David’s second live album is released. The controversy over the chronological tracklist and the “clinical” sound. Despite mixed reviews, it reaches No. 5 in the UK charts, further cementing the success of the Isolar II tour.
📅 1978-09-15
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland
🏛️ Clos des Mésanges / NME Interview
🎸 Event: Press: ‘Stage’ Promotional Interview
🗒️ Notes: David grants an interview to Charles Shaar Murray for NME. That David defends the clinical sound of the live album, stating he wanted to capture the “honesty” of the performance rather than a polished studio-like sound. (Exact date not confirmed)
🏛️ Clos des Mésanges / NME Interview
🎸 Event: Press: ‘Stage’ Promotional Interview
🗒️ Notes: David grants an interview to Charles Shaar Murray for NME. That David defends the clinical sound of the live album, stating he wanted to capture the “honesty” of the performance rather than a polished studio-like sound. (Exact date not confirmed)
📅 1979-09-??
📍 Montreux, 🇨🇭 Switzerland
🏛️ Mountain Studios
🎸 Event: Recording: ‘Lodger’ Sessions Begin
Note: David reunites with his creative team to begin work on the final part of the Berlin Trilogy. The atmosphere is highly experimental, utilizing ‘Oblique Strategies’ cards to challenge the musicians to play in unfamiliar styles and switch instruments.
🏛️ Mountain Studios
🎸 Event: Recording: ‘Lodger’ Sessions Begin
Note: David reunites with his creative team to begin work on the final part of the Berlin Trilogy. The atmosphere is highly experimental, utilizing ‘Oblique Strategies’ cards to challenge the musicians to play in unfamiliar styles and switch instruments.
📅 1978-09-22
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland / Tokyo, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Business: Tour Logistics
🎸 Event: Business: Far East Tour Finalization
🗒️ Notes: From his home in Switzerland, David finalizes the logistical plans for the tour’s final legs. Visas and transport for the massive “neon cage” stage are secured for the upcoming dates in Australia and Japan.
🏛️ Business: Tour Logistics
🎸 Event: Business: Far East Tour Finalization
🗒️ Notes: From his home in Switzerland, David finalizes the logistical plans for the tour’s final legs. Visas and transport for the massive “neon cage” stage are secured for the upcoming dates in Australia and Japan.
📅 1978-09-29
📍 London, 🇬🇧 UK / Worldwide
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Single Release: Breaking Glass (Live)
🗒️ Notes: A live version of ‘Breaking Glass’ is released to promote the ‘Stage’ album.
🏛️ RCA Records
🎸 Event: Single Release: Breaking Glass (Live)
🗒️ Notes: A live version of ‘Breaking Glass’ is released to promote the ‘Stage’ album.
📅 1978-10-10
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland / Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Business: Australian Tour Promotion
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Bowie Down Under’ Press Launch
🗒️ Notes: While David remains in Switzerland, his Australian promoters launch a massive media blitz. The tour is marketed as the biggest musical event in Australian history, with tickets for the outdoor stadium shows selling out in record time.
🏛️ Business: Australian Tour Promotion
🎸 Event: Business: ‘Bowie Down Under’ Press Launch
🗒️ Notes: While David remains in Switzerland, his Australian promoters launch a massive media blitz. The tour is marketed as the biggest musical event in Australian history, with tickets for the outdoor stadium shows selling out in record time.
📅 1978-10-15
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland / London, 🇬🇧 UK
🏛️ Business: Tour Logistics
🎸 Event: Business: Band Coordination
🗒️ Notes: David coordinates with Carlos Alomar to regroup the tour band. That despite the long break since July, the core line-up remains intact for the upcoming legs, with the technical crew beginning the shipment of the ‘neon cage’ to Australia.
🏛️ Business: Tour Logistics
🎸 Event: Business: Band Coordination
🗒️ Notes: David coordinates with Carlos Alomar to regroup the tour band. That despite the long break since July, the core line-up remains intact for the upcoming legs, with the technical crew beginning the shipment of the ‘neon cage’ to Australia.
📅 1978-10-28
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland / Kenya, 🇰🇪 Africa
🏛️ Travel & Transition
🎸 Event: Travel: Departure for the Southern Hemisphere
🗒️ Notes:: David officially leaves his Swiss residence to begin the long journey toward Australia. David uses this travel period to mentally prepare for the final 15 shows of the year.
🏛️ Travel & Transition
🎸 Event: Travel: Departure for the Southern Hemisphere
🗒️ Notes:: David officially leaves his Swiss residence to begin the long journey toward Australia. David uses this travel period to mentally prepare for the final 15 shows of the year.
The Oz Tour – Australia & New Zealand – November + December 1978
📅 1978-10-30
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Tour Logistics
🎸 Event: Production Arrival in Australia
🗒️ Note: Stage equipment and technical crew arrive ahead of Bowie for setup of the Australasian leg.
🏛️ Tour Logistics
🎸 Event: Production Arrival in Australia
🗒️ Note: Stage equipment and technical crew arrive ahead of Bowie for setup of the Australasian leg.
📅 1978-11-05
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Sebel Town House / ABC Studios
🎸 Event: Press: The ‘Bowie Down Under’ Press Conference
🗒️ Notes: Upon arrival, David holds a major press conference at the Sebel Town House. David appears healthy and tanned, famously charming the Australian press while discussing his transition from the ‘thin white duke’ to his current ‘clean’ lifestyle.
🏛️ Sebel Town House / ABC Studios
🎸 Event: Press: The ‘Bowie Down Under’ Press Conference
🗒️ Notes: Upon arrival, David holds a major press conference at the Sebel Town House. David appears healthy and tanned, famously charming the Australian press while discussing his transition from the ‘thin white duke’ to his current ‘clean’ lifestyle.
📅 1978-11-05
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-04
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Airport Arrival
🎸 Event: Arrival in Australia
🗒️ Note: Bowie arrives in Australia ahead of rehearsals and press activities for the Australasian leg of the Isolar II World Tour.
🏛️ Airport Arrival
🎸 Event: Arrival in Australia
🗒️ Note: Bowie arrives in Australia ahead of rehearsals and press activities for the Australasian leg of the Isolar II World Tour.
📅 1978-11-06
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Double Jay (2JJ) Radio Studios
🎸 Event: Radio: The ‘Double Jay’ Interview
🗒️ Notes: David grants a long, candid interview to the alternative station ‘Double Jay’. David is in high spirits, discussing everything from his love for Kraftwerk to his fascination with the Australian landscape.
🏛️ Double Jay (2JJ) Radio Studios
🎸 Event: Radio: The ‘Double Jay’ Interview
🗒️ Notes: David grants a long, candid interview to the alternative station ‘Double Jay’. David is in high spirits, discussing everything from his love for Kraftwerk to his fascination with the Australian landscape.
📅 1978-11-06
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-07
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-08
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-09
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Rehearsals
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-10
📍 Adelaide, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Adelaide Oval
🎸 Event: Charity: Public Soundcheck/ Rehearsals finsh
🗒️ Notes: A day before the official tour start, David opens the gates for a public soundcheck. David proceeds from the $1 tickets are donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, a rare gesture of public accessibility.
🏛️ Adelaide Oval
🎸 Event: Charity: Public Soundcheck/ Rehearsals finsh
🗒️ Notes: A day before the official tour start, David opens the gates for a public soundcheck. David proceeds from the $1 tickets are donated to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital, a rare gesture of public accessibility.
📅 1978-11-11
📍 Adelaide, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Adelaide Oval Cricket Ground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Adelaide, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Adelaide Oval Cricket Ground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-14
📍 Perth, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Perth Entertainment Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Perth, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Perth Entertainment Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-15
📍 Perth, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Perth Entertainment Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Perth, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Perth Entertainment Centre
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-18
📍 Melbourne, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Melbourne Cricket Ground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Melbourne, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Melbourne Cricket Ground
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-21
📍 Brisbane, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Lang Park
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Brisbane, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ Lang Park
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-24
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ RAS Showgrounds / ABC TV
🎸 Event: TV Filming: ‘Bowie Down Under’
🗒️ Notes: The first Sydney show is professionally filmed by the ABC, this footage is used for news segments and promotional clips, capturing the massive scale of the outdoor production and the ‘neon cage’ in the Australian night.
🏛️ RAS Showgrounds / ABC TV
🎸 Event: TV Filming: ‘Bowie Down Under’
🗒️ Notes: The first Sydney show is professionally filmed by the ABC, this footage is used for news segments and promotional clips, capturing the massive scale of the outdoor production and the ‘neon cage’ in the Australian night.
📅 1978-11-24
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ RAS Showgrounds
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ RAS Showgrounds
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-25
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ RAS Showgrounds
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia
🏛️ RAS Showgrounds
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-11-28
📍 Sydney, 🇦🇺 Australia / Christchurch, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
🏛️ Tasman Sea Crossing
🎸 Event: Travel: Trans-Tasman Journey
🗒️ Notes: After the massive Sydney shows, the tour party flies to New Zealand. David uses this travel day for a brief period of recovery, as the intensity of the outdoor stadium shows has been physically demanding.
🏛️ Tasman Sea Crossing
🎸 Event: Travel: Trans-Tasman Journey
🗒️ Notes: After the massive Sydney shows, the tour party flies to New Zealand. David uses this travel day for a brief period of recovery, as the intensity of the outdoor stadium shows has been physically demanding.
📅 1978-11-29
📍 Christchurch, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
🏛️ Queen Elizabeth II Park
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Christchurch, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
🏛️ Queen Elizabeth II Park
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-12-02
📍 Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
🏛️ Western Springs Stadium
🎸 Event: Record: World Attendance Milestone
🗒️ Notes: The final show of the Australasian leg. This concert sets a world record for the largest concert attendance per head of population, with over 41,000 fans in attendance.
🏛️ Western Springs Stadium
🎸 Event: Record: World Attendance Milestone
🗒️ Notes: The final show of the Australasian leg. This concert sets a world record for the largest concert attendance per head of population, with over 41,000 fans in attendance.
📅 1978-12-02
📍 Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
🏛️ Western Springs Speedway Stadium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Auckland, 🇳🇿 New Zealand
🏛️ Western Springs Speedway Stadium
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
Japan – December 1978
📅 1978-12-06
📍 Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Koseinenkin Kaikan / Royal Hotel
🎸 Event: Press: Japanese Tour Launch
🗒️ Notes: Upon arriving in Osaka, David holds a brief press conference. David expresses his deep affection for Japanese culture, which influenced the minimalist ‘Isolar II’ aesthetic.
🏛️ Koseinenkin Kaikan / Royal Hotel
🎸 Event: Press: Japanese Tour Launch
🗒️ Notes: Upon arriving in Osaka, David holds a brief press conference. David expresses his deep affection for Japanese culture, which influenced the minimalist ‘Isolar II’ aesthetic.
📅 1978-12-06
📍 Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Koseinenkin Kaikan
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Koseinenkin Kaikan
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-12-07
📍 Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Koseinenkin Kaikan
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Koseinenkin Kaikan
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-12-09
📍 Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Banpaku Kinen Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Osaka, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Banpaku Kinen Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-12-11
📍 Tokyo, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Nippon Budokan / Mobile Unit
🎸 Event: Archival Recording: Budokan Night
🗒️ Notes: The penultimate show is recorded for archival purposes. The acoustics of the Budokan provided a “massive” sound for the ‘Heroes’ and ‘Station To Station’ segments, which was later captured on high-quality bootlegs.
🏛️ Nippon Budokan / Mobile Unit
🎸 Event: Archival Recording: Budokan Night
🗒️ Notes: The penultimate show is recorded for archival purposes. The acoustics of the Budokan provided a “massive” sound for the ‘Heroes’ and ‘Station To Station’ segments, which was later captured on high-quality bootlegs.
📅 1978-12-11
📍 Tokyo, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Nippon Budokan
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📍 Tokyo, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Nippon Budokan
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
📅 1978-12-12
📍 Tokyo, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ NHK Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: TV broadcast
📍 Tokyo, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ NHK Hall
🎤 Artist: David Bowie
🗒️ Notes: TV broadcast
📅 1978-12-12
📍 Tokyo, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ NHK Hall
🎸 Event: TV Special: ‘The Last Show’ (NHK)
🗒️ Notes: The final concert of the Isolar II World Tour. The show is professionally filmed for the Japanese TV special ‘David Bowie on Stage’. This was a emotional finale, with David addressing the audience in Japanese to thank them for the 78-date journey.
🏛️ NHK Hall
🎸 Event: TV Special: ‘The Last Show’ (NHK)
🗒️ Notes: The final concert of the Isolar II World Tour. The show is professionally filmed for the Japanese TV special ‘David Bowie on Stage’. This was a emotional finale, with David addressing the audience in Japanese to thank them for the 78-date journey.
📅 1978-12-13
📍 Tokyo / Kyoto, 🇯🇵 Japan
🏛️ Travel & Cultural Reflection
🎸 Event: Post-Tour Retreat & Sightseeing
🗒️ Notes: Immediately after the tour’s conclusion, David spends a few quiet days in Japan. David visit to Kyoto, where he reflects on the massive 78-date journey and his growing obsession with Japanese traditional arts, which will soon influence the ‘Lodger’ project.
🏛️ Travel & Cultural Reflection
🎸 Event: Post-Tour Retreat & Sightseeing
🗒️ Notes: Immediately after the tour’s conclusion, David spends a few quiet days in Japan. David visit to Kyoto, where he reflects on the massive 78-date journey and his growing obsession with Japanese traditional arts, which will soon influence the ‘Lodger’ project.
📅 1978-12-19
📍 Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland / Montreux
🏛️ Mountain Studios
🎸 Event: Planning: The ‘Lodger’ Sessions
🗒️ Notes: Back in Switzerland, David meets with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti. While the world is still listening to ‘Stage’, David is already sketching out the ‘nomadic’ concepts for his next album, ‘Lodger’, marking the beginning of the end for the Berlin Trilogy era.
🏛️ Mountain Studios
🎸 Event: Planning: The ‘Lodger’ Sessions
🗒️ Notes: Back in Switzerland, David meets with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti. While the world is still listening to ‘Stage’, David is already sketching out the ‘nomadic’ concepts for his next album, ‘Lodger’, marking the beginning of the end for the Berlin Trilogy era.
📅 1978-12-31
📍 West Berlin, 🇩🇪 Germany / Blonay, 🇨🇭 Switzerland
🏛️ Private Residence
🎸 Event: Year-End: 1978 Achievement
🗒️ Notes: David concludes his most successful touring year to date. Having played to over a million people and successfully launched ‘Stage’, David enters 1979 with total creative control and a renewed focus on studio experimentation.
🏛️ Private Residence
🎸 Event: Year-End: 1978 Achievement
🗒️ Notes: David concludes his most successful touring year to date. Having played to over a million people and successfully launched ‘Stage’, David enters 1979 with total creative control and a renewed focus on studio experimentation.
(Visited 4012 times, 1 visits today)
I think the show in the film is Earl´s Court. Absolutely fantastic, quite possibly the best performance I’ve ever seen.
Jesus Christ, just saw Moonage Daydream & the Heroes footage blew me away. I’ve re-watched it up to 20 times. Don’t know which show that’s from but I know it’s Adrian Belew on guitar. The drumming kills me, Dennis Davis is phenomenal. Anyone know which show this is from?
Great site!