“Not only is it the last show of the tour, but it’s the last show that we’ll ever do. Thank you.” – These were the words which will forever remain in history, the words that David Bowie said when, on the verge of schizophrenia, he killed his Ziggy Stardust character on July 3, 1973.

David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust, his most celebrated alter-ego, in front of 5,000 disbelieving fans onstage at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. 50 years to that day, Ziggy Stardust returned for one night. Magical moments included songs such as Rock’n’Roll Suicide, as well as the incredible Wild Eyed Boy from Freecloud powerfully transitioning into All the Young Dudes!

On July 3, 2023, The Eventim Apollo Hammersmith (formerly the Odeon) hosted the global premiere of the newly restored version of ‘Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars: The Motion Picture’ with the film also being shown in 1000+ cinemas worldwide during the month of July.

Most striking was the moment, when following My Death (Jacques Brel), fans in the room shouted “Me, me, me” straight after the iconic lyrics “Angel or devil, I don’t care – For in front of that door, there is..”. The worldwide premiere gave fans a rare opportunity to finally see the complete set that was played on that fateful night for the first time and features the performance of legendary guitarist Jeff Beck whose scenes were famously cut from the original version of the film.

Renowned filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker (Monterey Pop, Bob Dylan Don’t Look Back, Depeche Mode 101) captured the momentous event back in ’73 – filming Bowie and The Spiders From Mars backstage and onstage. Ringo Starr even dropped in for a chat. The digital restoration of the new version of the film has been overseen by his son, Frazer Pennebaker. Now in 4K and with 5.1 sound, the complete version provides Bowie fans with a moment to relive the iconic moment which changed popular culture forever.

Friends and admirers of Bowie included Richard E Grant, Don Letts, and the wonderful Mike Garson in a panel discussion which preceded the screening of the film.

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