The Final Performance

David Bowie’s July 3, 1973 concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in London was a landmark event, as it marked the final performance of his legendary Ziggy Stardust persona and the Spiders From Mars band. This show, part of the Ziggy Stardust Tour (1972–1973), is legendary for Bowie’s dramatic announcement that it was “the last show we’ll ever do,” shocking fans and band members alike, as many interpreted it as Bowie retiring from music entirely, though it specifically marked the end of the Ziggy Stardust era.

The concert took place at the Hammersmith Odeon (now the Eventim Apollo), a prestigious London venue. It was the culmination of the Ziggy Stardust Tour, which promoted Bowie’s albums Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and Aladdin Sane. The tour, which began in January 1972, included 182 shows across the UK, US, and Japan, evolving from small gigs to sold-out spectacles.

Setlist: The performance featured a mix of tracks from Bowie’s recent albums, showcasing the glam rock sound and theatricality of the Ziggy Stardust character. The setlist included:

Song played from tape

Symphony no. 9

(Ludwig van Beethoven song) (excerpt of performance by Wendy Carlos)

Hang On to Yourself

Ziggy Stardust

Watch That Man

Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud

All the Young Dudes

Oh! You Pretty Things

Moonage Daydream

Changes

Space Oddity

My Death

(Jacques Brel cover)

Guillaume Tell Ouverture (William Tell Overture)

(Gioachino Rossini song) (excerpt of performance by Wendy Carlos)

Cracked Actor

Time

The Width of a Circle

Let's Spend the Night Together

(The Rolling Stones cover)

Suffragette City

White Light/White Heat

(The Velvet Underground cover)

Encore:

The Jean Genie

(with Jeff Beck)

Encore 2:

Love Me Do

(The Beatles cover) (with Jeff Beck)

Around and Around

(Chuck Berry cover) (with Jeff Beck)

Encore 3:

Rock 'n' Roll Suicide

Special Guest: Guitarist Jeff Beck joined Bowie on stage for the encore, performing on “The Jean Genie/Love Me Do” and “Round and Round.” However, Beck’s performance was initially excluded from the concert film due to his concerns about his appearance (specifically his flares), though it was later reinstated in the 50th Anniversary Edition released in 2023.

The Announcement: Before the final song, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide,” Bowie announced, “Not only is this the last show of the tour, but it’s the last show that we’ll ever do.” This stunned the audience and even some band members, who were unaware of Bowie’s decision to retire the Ziggy persona. The announcement was partly driven by Bowie’s exhaustion with the character, as he had become “hopelessly lost in the fantasy” of Ziggy Stardust.

Band and Production: The Spiders From Mars consisted of Mick Ronson (guitar, vocals), Trevor Bolder (bass), and Mick “Woody” Woodmansey (drums), with additional musicians like Mike Garson (piano), John Hutchinson (rhythm guitar), Geoffrey A. MacCormack (backing vocals, percussion), Ken Fordham (saxophone), and Brian Wilshaw (saxophone, flute). The show featured elaborate costumes by designer Kansai Yamamoto, multiple costume changes, and theatrical elements, including Bowie descending in a metal orb.

Filming and Legacy: The concert was filmed by director D.A. Pennebaker for the documentary Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars: The Motion Picture. The footage, initially released in a limited capacity, faced delays due to editing issues and Beck’s objections but was fully restored for a 50th-anniversary release in 2023, including remastered visuals and a new sound mix by Tony Visconti. The film captures the electric atmosphere, with fans in Pierrot costumes and lightning-bolt makeup, reflecting the cultural impact of Ziggy Stardust.

Fan and Band Reaction: The audience, unaware of Bowie’s plans, was left in disbelief, with some assuming he was retiring from music entirely. Several Spiders From Mars members were also blindsided, adding to the drama. The band’s tensions, including disputes over pay with Bowie’s manager Tony Defries, contributed to the decision to end this chapter.

Aftermath: Post-concert, Bowie moved on to record Pin Ups and later Diamond Dogs, transitioning to new musical styles and personas. The Spiders From Mars disbanded, though Mick Ronson and others continued working with Bowie in later projects. The Hammersmith Odeon show remains a touchstone for Bowie fans, celebrated for its theatricality and emotional weight.

Availability:

The concert is available through the Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars: The Motion Picture DVD, CD, and the 50th Anniversary Edition (2CD, Blu-ray, and limited-edition gold double vinyl), which includes Jeff Beck’s performances. Audio recordings, such as “His Master’s Voice” and “My Death,” are noted for high sound quality (SQ 8.5–9).

Clips, like the 4K-upgraded performance of “Time,” can be found on platforms like YouTube, posted by official Bowie accounts.