David Bowie 1974 Diamond Dogs The Chronology

πŸ“… Start date: 14 June 1974

πŸ“… End date: 02 December 1974

🧭 Legs: 3

🎟️ Shows: 73

🎀 The Band – June–July

  • David Bowie – vocals
  • Earl Slick – guitar
  • Michael Kamen – electric piano, moog synthesizer, oboe
  • Mike Garson – piano, mellotron
  • David Sanborn – alto saxophone, flute
  • Richard Grando – baritone saxophone, flute
  • Herbie Flowers – bass
  • Tony Newman – drums
  • Pablo Rosario – percussion
  • Gui Andrisano – backing vocals
  • Warren Peace – backing vocals

🎀 The Band – September

  • David Bowie – vocals
  • Earl Slick – guitar
  • Carlos Alomar – rhythm guitar
  • Mike Garson – piano, mellotron
  • David Sanborn – alto saxophone, flute
  • Richard Grando – baritone saxophone, flute
  • Doug Rauch – bass
  • Greg Errico – drums
  • Pablo Rosario – percussion
  • Gui Andrisano – backing vocals
  • Warren Peace – backing vocals
  • Ava Cherry – backing vocals
  • Robin Clark – backing vocals
  • Anthony Hinton – backing vocals
  • Diane Sumler – backing vocals
  • Luther Vandross – backing vocals

🎀 β€œThe Soul/Philly Dogs Tour” – October–December

  • David Bowie – vocals
  • Earl Slick – lead guitar
  • Carlos Alomar – rhythm guitar
  • Mike Garson – piano, mellotron
  • David Sanborn – alto saxophone, flute
  • Emir Kasan – bass
  • Dennis Davis – drums
  • Pablo Rosario – percussion
  • Warren Peace – backing vocals
  • Ava Cherry – backing vocals
  • Robin Clark – backing vocals
  • Anthony Hinton – backing vocals
  • Diane Sumler – backing vocals
  • Luther Vandross – backing vocals

The Birth of Halloween Jack

πŸ“… 1973-11-01 β€” 1973-12-15
πŸ“ London, UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
πŸ›οΈ Trident Studios / Ludolph Hall

🎧 Recording: Diamond Dogs / 1984 Sessions
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David begins recording new material. For the first time, he takes over lead guitar duties himself, moving away from the Spiders from Mars sound toward a darker, soul-influenced rock.
πŸ“… 1973-12-15
πŸ“ London, UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
πŸ›οΈ Television Centre (BBC)

πŸ“Ί TV: The Russell Harty Plus Pop Special
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David gives a major interview and performs ‘My Death’ and ‘Drive-In Saturday’. He appears with a patch over his eye, subtly introducing the aesthetic of his new persona, Halloween Jack.

1974

The Diamond Dogs Sessions

πŸ“… 1974-01-01 β€” 1974-01-10
πŸ“ London, UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
πŸ›οΈ Trident Studios

🎧 Recording: Diamond Dogs Sessions
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David continues working on his dystopian masterpiece. For the first time, he takes full control of the electric guitar, creating the jagged, “Stones-y” sound that defines the album.
πŸ“… 1974-01-14 β€” 1974-01-31
πŸ“ Nederhorst den Berg, NL πŸ‡³πŸ‡±
πŸ›οΈ Studio Ludolf

🎧 Recording: Finishing ‘Rebel Rebel’
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David moves the production to the Netherlands. At Studio Ludolf (near Hilversum), he completes the recording and mixing of ‘Rebel Rebel’. He instructs guitarist Alan Parker that he wants the riff to “sound like the Stones”.

The Dutch Invasion

πŸ“… 1974-02-07
πŸ“ Hilversum, Netherlands πŸ‡³πŸ‡±
πŸ›οΈ AVRO TV Studios

πŸ“Ί TV: AVRO’s TopPop
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David records a lip-sync performance of ‘Rebel Rebel’. Sporting a red neckerchief and his iconic eye patch, this appearance cements the visual identity of Halloween Jack.
πŸ“… 1974-02-13
πŸ“ Amsterdam, Netherlands πŸ‡³πŸ‡±
πŸ›οΈ Amstel Hotel

πŸ† Event: Edison Awards
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David receives a prestigious Edison Award for Ziggy Stardust. He accepts the award from Willeke Alberti. This is his final major public appearance in the Netherlands before returning to London.
πŸ“… 1974-02-15
πŸ“ Worldwide 🌎
πŸ›οΈ RCA Records

πŸ’Ώ Release: ‘Rebel Rebel’
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The lead single from Diamond Dogs is released. It reaches number 5 in the UK charts, signaling his transition to a more raucous rock-and-roll sound.
πŸ“… 1974-02-16 β€” 1974-02-28
πŸ“ London, UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
πŸ›οΈ Trident Studios

🎧 Recording: Final Diamond Dogs Mix
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David and engineer Keith Harwood spend the final weeks of February mixing the album. The complex transitions between ‘Sweet Thing’ and ‘Candidate’ are perfected here.

The Atlantic Crossing

πŸ“… 1974-03-27
πŸ“ Southampton, UK πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
πŸ›οΈ Port of Southampton

🚒 Event: Departure for New York
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David boards the SS France for his final departure from England for many years. He travels with a small entourage, including his personal assistant Corinne “Coco” Schwab.
πŸ“… 1974-03-28 β€” 1974-04-01
πŸ“ Atlantic Ocean 🌊
πŸ›οΈ SS France

🚒 Event: Atlantic Crossing
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: During the five-day voyage, David enjoys the isolation of the sea. He is reportedly reading occult literature and fine-tuning the concepts for the upcoming Diamond Dogs Tour.

Arrival in Hunger City

πŸ“… 1974-04-11
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Pier 92, Hudson River

🚒 Event: Arrival in the United States
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The SS France docks in New York at 9:00 AM. David steps onto American soil, greeted by fans and the press, to begin a new chapter in his career.
πŸ“… 1974-04-12
πŸ“ Port Chester, New York πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Capitol Theatre

🎸 Event: Start of Tour Rehearsals
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Intensive rehearsals begin for the Diamond Dogs Tour. The production is so massive that the band needs weeks to master the complex cues and the dystopian set design.
πŸ“… 1974-04-19
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Carnegie Hall / Shun Lee Restaurant

πŸ“Έ Event: Todd Rundgren Party
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David attends a Todd Rundgren concert and the subsequent after-party. He famously tells reporters: “I’ve got to spend the next two months here getting the tour ready.”
πŸ“… 1974-04-22
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Kenny’s Castaways

🎸 Event: Socializing with the New York Dolls
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David is spotted at a New York Dolls show during a blizzard. He begins immersing himself in the NYC nightlife, which will heavily influence his future “soul” direction.

The Release of Diamond Dogs

πŸ“… 1974-05-04
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ RCA Records

πŸ’Ώ Release: ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll With Me’ (US)
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Released as a single in the United States to build anticipation for the upcoming tour. The soulful ballad showcases David’s vocal evolution.
πŸ“… 1974-05-15
πŸ“ Port Chester, New York πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Capitol Theatre

🎸 Event: Full Technical Rehearsals
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The massive Hunger City stage set is fully assembled for the first time. It includes movable skyscrapers, a bridge, and a cherry picker crane, pushing the boundaries of rock theater.
πŸ“… 1974-05-24
πŸ“ Worldwide 🌎
πŸ›οΈ RCA Records

πŸ’Ώ Release: Diamond Dogs (Album)
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David’s eighth studio album is released. A dystopian masterpiece influenced by Orwell’s ‘1984’. The cover, featuring David as a half-man, half-dog by Guy Peellaert, causes immediate controversy.
πŸ“… 1974-05-31
πŸ“ Port Chester, New York πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Capitol Theatre

🎸 Event: Dress Rehearsals
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Final rehearsals before the tour starts in Canada. David fine-tunes his Halloween Jack persona, wearing the iconic colorful jumpsuits designed by Freddie Burretti.

Rehearsals – June 1974

πŸ“… 1974-06-08
πŸ“ Port Chester, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Capitol Theatre (Rehearsals)
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-09
πŸ“ Port Chester, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Capitol Theatre (Rehearsals)
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-10
πŸ“ Port Chester, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Capitol Theatre (Rehearsals)
🎀 Artist: David Bowie

Diamond Dogs Tour – June 1974

πŸ“… 1974-06-14
πŸ“ Montreal, Canada πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦
πŸ›οΈ Montreal Forum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Opening night of the Diamond Dogs Tour. Fans are stunned by the massive ‘Hunger City’ set and the absence of the Spiders from Mars.
πŸ“… 1974-06-15
πŸ“ Ottawa, Canada πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦
πŸ›οΈ Ottawa Civic Centre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-16
πŸ“ Toronto, Canada πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦
πŸ›οΈ O’Keefe Auditorium

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Two shows (matinee and evening).
πŸ“… 1974-06-17
πŸ“ Rochester, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Memorial Auditorium
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-18
πŸ“ Cleveland, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Public Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-19
πŸ“ Cleveland, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Public Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-20
πŸ“ Toledo, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Sports Arena
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-21
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Ford Auditorium
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Cancelled (re-located)
πŸ“… 1974-06-21
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Cobo Arena
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-22
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Ford Auditorium
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Cancelled (re-located)
πŸ“… 1974-06-22
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Cobo Arena
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-23
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Ford Auditorium
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Cancelled (re-located)
πŸ“… 1974-06-23
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Cobo Arena
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-24
πŸ“ Dayton, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Hara Arena

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Performance at the Hara Arena. The technical crew struggles to fit the enormous set into the smaller venue.
πŸ“… 1974-06-25
πŸ“ Akron, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Akron Civic Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Relocated show from the original date in Columbus. The tour continues to be a sell-out success across the Midwest.
πŸ“… 1974-06-26
πŸ“ Pittsburgh, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Syria Mosque
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-27
πŸ“ Pittsburgh, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Syria Mosque
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-28
πŸ“ Charleston, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Charleston Civic Centre
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-06-29
πŸ“ Nashville, Tennessee πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Municipal Auditorium

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: During ‘Space Oddity’, the cherry-picker crane malfunctions, leaving David suspended precariously over the audience. Despite his fear, he finishes the song perfectly.
πŸ“… 1974-06-30
πŸ“ Memphis, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Mid-South Coliseum
🎀 Artist: David Bowie

The Diamond Dogs North American Tour

πŸ“… 1974-07-01
πŸ“ Atlanta, Georgia πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Fox Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The tour arrives in Georgia. The lush, Arabian-themed interior of the Fox Theatre provides a striking backdrop for the dystopian Hunger City stage set.
πŸ“… 1974-07-02
πŸ“ Tampa, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Curtis Hixon Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-07-03
πŸ“ West Palm Beach, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ West Palm Beach Auditorium
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Cancelled
πŸ“… 1974-07-03
πŸ“ Casselberry, Florida πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Seminole Jai-Alai Fronton

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Relocated show from West Palm Beach. The tour continues to draw massive crowds in the Florida heat.
πŸ“… 1974-07-05
πŸ“ Charlotte, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Charlotte Park Center
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-07-06
πŸ“ Greensboro, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Greensboro Coliseum
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-07-07
πŸ“ Norfolk, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Scope Convention Centre
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-07-08
πŸ“ Upper Darby (Philadelphia), USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Tower Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
🎧 Event: Recording ‘David Live’
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: First of six nights. Before the show, the band threatens a strike over recording fees. David eventually agrees to a significant pay rise to ensure the live album is recorded.
πŸ“… 1974-07-09
πŸ“ Upper Darby (Philadelphia), USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Tower Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Second night of the recorded residency at the Tower Theatre.
πŸ“… 1974-07-10
πŸ“ Upper Darby (Philadelphia), USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Tower Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Third night. The setlist remains focused on the dystopian ‘Diamond Dogs’ material.
πŸ“… 1974-07-11
πŸ“ Upper Darby (Philadelphia), USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Tower Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
🎧 Event: Recording ‘David Live’
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: A key night for the live album. The recordings from this show and the following night (July 12) form the core of the ‘David Live’ album.
πŸ“… 1974-07-12
πŸ“ Upper Darby (Philadelphia), USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Tower Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Fifth night of the residency. Recordings for the ‘David Live’ album continue.
πŸ“… 1974-07-13
πŸ“ Upper Darby (Philadelphia), USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Tower Theatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Final night at the Tower Theatre. The band completes the week-long recording schedule for RCA.
πŸ“… 1974-07-14
πŸ“ New Haven, Connecticut πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Veterans Memorial Coliseum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-07-16
πŸ“ Boston, Massachusetts πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Music Hall

🎀 Artist: David Bowie πŸ—’οΈ Notes: A single evening performance at the Music Hall. David’s stage presence is noted for its increasing intensity during this leg of the tour.
πŸ“… 1974-07-17
πŸ“ South Yarmouth, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Cape Cod Coliseum
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Cancelled
πŸ“… 1974-07-17
πŸ“ Hartford, Connecticut πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Bushnell Memorial Hall

🎀 Artist: David Bowie πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Relocated show following the cancellation of the Cape Cod date.
πŸ“… 1974-07-19
πŸ“ New York, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Madison Square Garden
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-07-20
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Madison Square Garden

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The Final Show of the First Leg. This marks the end of the elaborate ‘Hunger City’ theatrical production. Bowie prepares to transition into his ‘Soul’ era.

The Sigma Sound Sessions

πŸ“… 1974-08-11
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Sigma Sound Studios

🎧 Event: Start of Young Americans Sessions
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David begins recording with a new band, including Carlos Alomar and Luther Vandross. He moves away from rock and dives into “Plastic Soul”. Producer Tony Visconti arrives from London to oversee the sessions.
πŸ“… 1974-08-11 β€” 1974-08-22
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Sigma Sound Studios

🎧 Recording: The Main Sessions
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Over these twelve days, the core of the album is recorded, including tracks like ‘Young Americans’, ‘Right’, and ‘Somebody Up There Likes Me’. David often records throughout the night.
πŸ“… 1974-08-22
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Sigma Sound Studios

🎧 Recording: Final Sigma Session
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The initial recording sessions conclude. Tracks like ‘After Today’ and a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘It’s Hard To Be A Saint In The City’ are recorded during these final hours.
πŸ“… 1974-08-23
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Sigma Sound Studios

πŸ‘₯ Event: The Sigma Kids
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: In the early morning hours, David invites a group of loyal fans (the Sigma Kids) into the studio. He plays them the unfinished tracks and spends hours talking and taking photos with them.

The Philly Dogs Tour – September 1974

πŸ“… 1974-09-02
πŸ“ Los Angeles, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Universal Amphitheatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸŽ₯ Event: Filming ‘Cracked Actor’
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Opening night of the seven-night residency. Director Alan Yentob begins filming for the BBC documentary.
πŸ“… 1974-09-03
πŸ“ Los Angeles, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Universal Amphitheatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-09-04
πŸ“ Los Angeles, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Universal Amphitheatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-09-05
πŸ“ Los Angeles, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Universal Amphitheatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-09-06
πŸ“ Los Angeles, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Universal Amphitheatre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-09-07
πŸ“ Los Angeles, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Universal Amphitheater

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-09-08
πŸ“ Los Angeles, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Universal Amphitheater

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Final night of the LA residency.
πŸ“… 1974-09-11
πŸ“ San Diego, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ San Diego Sports Arena

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-09-13
πŸ“ Tucson, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Tucson Community Center

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-09-14
πŸ“ Phoenix, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Final show before a three-week break from touring.
πŸ“… 1974-09-16
πŸ“ Anaheim, California πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Anaheim Convention Center

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: First of two nights. Elizabeth Taylor is in the audience and meets David backstage for the first time.
πŸ“… 1974-09-16
πŸ“ Anaheim, California πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Anaheim Convention Center (Backstage)

πŸ“Έ Event: Photo Session with Elizabeth Taylor
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Photographer Terry O’Neill captures the first meeting between David and Elizabeth Taylor. These iconic images become some of the most famous portraits of the era.
πŸ“… 1974-09-19
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Electric Lady Studios

🎧 Event: Mixing ‘David Live’ & Songwriting
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David and Tony Visconti begin mixing the live album at Electric Lady Studios. During these sessions, David also begins writing new lyrics that will later appear on the Young Americans album. (Source: Kevin Cann / Nicholas Pegg / Chris O’Leary)
πŸ“… 1974-09-20
πŸ“ Worldwide 🌎
πŸ›οΈ RCA Records

πŸ’Ώ Release: ‘Knock On Wood’ (Live)
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The live cover of Eddie Floyd’s classic, recorded at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia, is released as a single. It reaches number 10 in the UK charts.
πŸ“… 1974-09-25
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Legal Meetings

πŸ’Ό Event: Mainman Negotiations
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David begins private consultations to discuss his financial situation and his contract with Tony Defries. This marks the beginning of the end for his relationship with Mainman.

The Philly Dogs Tour – October 1974

πŸ“… 1974-10-02
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Electric Lady Studios

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David visits The Rolling Stones during their recording sessions at Electric Lady Studios.
πŸ“… 1974-10-05
πŸ“ Saint Paul, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Saint Paul Civic Centre
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-08
πŸ“ Indianapolis, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Indiana Convention Center

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Performance cut short. After approximately 40 minutes, David leaves the stage due to technical issues and exhaustion.
πŸ“… 1974-10-11
πŸ“ Madison, Wisconsin πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Dane County Coliseum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Confirmed performance in Madison.
πŸ“… 1974-10-13
πŸ“ Milwaukee, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Mecca Arena
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-15
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Michigan Palace
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-16
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Michigan Palace
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-17
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Michigan Palace
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-19
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Michigan Palace
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-20
πŸ“ Detroit, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Michigan Palace
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-22
πŸ“ Chicago, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Arie Crown Theater

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: First of two nights in Chicago.
πŸ“… 1974-10-23
πŸ“ Chicago, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Arie Crown Theater

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Second night in Chicago.
πŸ“… 1974-10-25
πŸ“ USA / Worldwide 🌎
πŸ›οΈ RCA Records

πŸ’Ώ Release: David Live (Album)
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Official US release. Critics are divided over the soul-influenced arrangements.
πŸ“… 1974-10-28
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Radio City Music Hall

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Opening night of a legendary seven-night residency in New York.
πŸ“… 1974-10-29
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Radio City Music Hall

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-29
πŸ“ UK / Worldwide 🌎
πŸ›οΈ RCA Records

πŸ’Ώ Release: David Live (Album)
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Official UK release. The album reaches No. 2 in the charts.
πŸ“… 1974-10-30
πŸ“ New York, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Radio City Music Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-10-31
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Radio City Music Hall

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Halloween Night. The performance is filmed by Alan Yentob for the BBC documentary ‘Cracked Actor’. David’s fragile yet magnetic stage presence is captured in high detail.

The Philly Dogs Tour – November 1974

πŸ“… 1974-11-01
πŸ“ New York, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Radio City Music Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-02
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ ABC Television Center

πŸ“Ί TV: The Dick Cavett Show
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David records his legendary appearance for ABC. Performing ‘1984’, ‘Young Americans’, and ‘Footstompin’, a frail-looking Bowie gives a famously erratic interview.
πŸ“… 1974-11-02
πŸ“ New York, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Radio City Music Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-03
πŸ“ New York, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Radio City Music Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-06
πŸ“ Cleveland, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Public Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-08
πŸ“ Buffalo, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Memorial Auditorium
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-11
πŸ“ Landover, Maryland πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Capital Centre

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-14
πŸ“ Boston, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Music Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-15
πŸ“ Boston, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Music Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-16
πŸ“ Boston, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Music Hall
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-18
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ The Spectrum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-19
πŸ“ Pittsburgh, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Pittsburgh Civic Arena
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-20 β€” 1974-11-24
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Sigma Sound Studios

🎧 Recording: Young Americans Overdubs
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David returns to the studio during a tour break to work on his upcoming album.
πŸ“… 1974-11-25
πŸ“ Uniondale, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Nassau Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Cancelled
πŸ“… 1974-11-25
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ The Spectrum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: An extra show added due to overwhelming demand in Philadelphia.
πŸ“… 1974-11-26
πŸ“ Norfolk, Virginia πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Scope Convention Hall

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: Cancelled. The performance in Norfolk is called off, and David remains in New York for a rest day.
πŸ“… 1974-11-26
πŸ“ Uniondale, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Nassau Veterans’ Memorial Coliseum
🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-28
πŸ“ Memphis, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Mid-South Coliseum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ“… 1974-11-30
πŸ“ Nashville, πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA
πŸ›οΈ Municipal Auditorium
🎀 Artist: David Bowie

The Philly Dogs Tour – December 1974

πŸ“… 1974-12-01
πŸ“ Atlanta, Georgia πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Omni Coliseum

🎀 Artist: David Bowie
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The Final Show of the 1974 Tour. David returns to the Omni for the last performance of the Philly Dogs leg. All subsequent dates in December are cancelled.
πŸ“… 1974-12-04
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ ABC Television Center

πŸ“Ί TV: The Dick Cavett Show (Broadcast)
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: The legendary interview and performance recorded in November is broadcast. David’s performances of ‘1984’ and ‘Young Americans’ introduce his new sound to a national audience.
πŸ“… 1974-12-13
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Record Plant Studios

🎧 Recording: Young Americans Final Sessions
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: With the tour over, David enters the studio to finalize the tracks for his next album. He continues to refine the “Plastic Soul” arrangements.
πŸ“… 1974-12-18
πŸ“ Philadelphia, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ The Spectrum (Backstage)

🀝 Event: Meeting Bruce Springsteen
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David meets Bruce Springsteen for the first time. They discuss Bruce’s music, and David expresses interest in covering his songs.
πŸ“… 1974-12-20
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Electric Lady Studios

🎧 Event: Meetings with John Lennon
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David and John Lennon begin their collaboration. They discuss covering ‘Across The Universe’, which leads to the spontaneous creation of the riff for ‘Fame’.
πŸ“… 1974-12-23
πŸ“ New York City, USA πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
πŸ›οΈ Hotel Pierre

πŸ“Έ Event: George Harrison Party
πŸ—’οΈ Notes: David attends a party in honor of George Harrison following Harrison’s tour finale. This marks one of David’s last major public appearances of the year.
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4 thoughts on “”

  1. Attended the San Diego Sports Arena show on 09/11/1974. As I recall, Bowie did two encores with the backup singers from the Dick Cavett Show. I remember them playing Foot Stomping along with John, I’m Only Dancin’.

  2. I saw Bowie in St Paul, Minn. Oct 5th 1974, I was 16. My gf & I drove from Iowa to MN knowing there would be a terrible snowstorm that day. We had front row seats and arrived early but felt out of place as we were in blue jeans & T-shirts & so many were dressed up, like Bowie! Just farm kids.. well, we were farm kids who were tripping- lol. Oh the lady in the pink & gray outfit.. wow! And the magician who did rope tricks & all of a sudden it was around my neck! Yikes! ALL setting the stage for one of the most remarkable concerts I have ever been to. Being in the front row- I didn’t feel I could make eye contact with anyone on stage- didn’t matter bc we all slammed to front when he started playing. Bowie had this beautiful backdrop screen with … colors & pictures? Lol! sang songs I knew by heart.. beautiful back up singers- a black lady with her hair dyed white I believe.. something this farm girl had never seen..it was all mesmerizing & memorable.. & Bowie’s eyes… OMG… 😍🫠
    And then we drove home in a blizzard.. took us 7 hours! There was no one on the backroads to Iowa.. except two 16 yr old girls..

  3. After Anaheim in September, Bowie scrapped the “Diamond Dogs” stage set and did a series of stripped down concerts, wearing the outfit he appeared in on the “Dick Cavett Show.”

  4. Saw the Diamond Dogs tour in Charlotte 7/5/74 followed by Greensboro the next night. Charlotte was packed and I was so faint with excitement I needed help to get to my seat. The Greensboro audience barely filled half of the auditorium and no one seemed to really know much about Bowie. I peered into the backseat of his limousine and saw his future. There was an 8 track James Brown tape.

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