David Bowie's last-ever UK concert voted 'most magical moment' in poll
Ahead of The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac
David Bowie's final UK concert when he headlined Isle of Wight Festival in 2004 has been voted the “most magical moment” in the event’s fabled history.
To celebrate the launch of the Isle of Wight Festival Experience 25 exhibition at London’s The O2, a poll was conducted on social channels asking fans to have their say on the festival’s defining moments.
David Bowie’s legendary bill-topping set at Seaclose Park on 13th June 2004 duly triumphed.
Opening with ‘Rebel Rebel’ and wrapping up with ‘Ziggy Stardust’, Bowie played a career-spanning set peppered with anthems like ‘Heroes’, ‘All the Young Dudes’ and ‘Ashes to Ashes.’
Isle of Wight Festival 2004 was Bowie's last-ever concert in the UK and it came only 12 days before his final show at Germany’s Hurricane Festival.
John Giddings, IOW organiser since the festival was revived in the early noughties, recalled: “It was during the Euros and I’d decided to put France versus England on the main screens.
“When I went to collect David from the dressing room it was 1 - 0 to England. By the time we’d gotten to the stage it was 2 - 1 to France, so he walked on to a silent crowd. I tell you, if it was anybody else they would have died completely but he came on, opened with ‘Rebel Rebel’ and the rest is history.”
The Isle of Wight Festival Magic Moments top 5 were as follows:
1) David Bowie’s last ever UK performance (2004)
2) Fleetwood Mac one of their first shows as a full band since the late 90s (2015)
3) Jimi Hendrix last ever UK Performance (1970)
4) The Rolling Stones playing their first UK festival since 1976 and being joined on stage by Amy Winehouse for an iconic performance of Ain’t too Proud to Beg (2007)
5) Andrea Corr & Gary Kemp performing Starman in tribute to David Bowie to a crowd of thousands wearing masks with his face on (2016)
Commenting on Amy Winehouse performing with The Rolling Stones 17 years ago, John Giddings said: “In 07 I came up with the idea of putting Amy Winehouse onstage with The Rolling Stones.
“I thought the hardest bit would be to get Mick Jagger to let Amy up there. So I went to him and he jumped at the opportunity… but then I went to Amy who said she could never do it; she was too nervous! It took me about half an hour to persuade her to do it but when you see the result of it… it was amazing.”
Experience 25 will run at the Innovation Centre at The O2 in London from Thursday 19th September to Wednesday 13th November 2024.
The ‘25’ in the title references the 25th edition of Isle of Wight Festival that took place this year – the fabled inaugural events in 1968, 1969 and 1970 organised by Ray Faulk, plus the 22 IOW weekends that have taken place since 2002 when promoter John Giddings revived the festival.
Take a look through David Bowie through the years:
David Bowie's childhood home
David Bowie - born David Jones - lived at 40 Stansfield Road in Brixton until he was six-years-old.
1960s - David Bowie in Davy Jones and The Lower Third
Before he became the music legend known as David Bowie, he went by Davy Jones. After being part of several bands in his teenage years, the singer was part of blues trio Davy Jones and The Lower Third.
1967 - David Bowie shares 'The Laughing Gnome'
David Bowie then pursued a solo career and in 1967 he released 'The Laughing Gnome' as a novelty single, which follows a conversation David has with a gnome. It was re-released in 1973 and it made it to Number 6 on the UK Charts.
1969 - David Bowie releases 'Space Oddity'
David Bowie had his first big hit with 'Space Oddity' in 1969. It gained popularity as it was used by the BBC alongside footage of the Apollo 11 moon landing. This song was inspired by Stanley Kubrick's film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
A reissue of the track 'Space Oddity' in 1975 gave the musician his first UK Number 1.
1970 - David Bowie releases 'The Man Who Sold The World'
Following the success of 'Space Oddity', his 1970 album 'The Man Who Sold The World' helped catapult David Bowie to international recognition.
1971 - David Bowie releases 'Hunky Dory'
Following his 'The Man Who Sold The World' album, David Bowie took some time off from touring and recording and focused on writing. He created his fourth studio album 'Hunky Dory' in 1971 which included the hugely popular tracks 'Changes' and 'Life on Mars?', as well as songs inspired by Andy Warhol and Bob Dylan.
1972 - David Bowie releases 'The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars'
As he grew in fame, David Bowie took on the persona of Ziggy Stardust. He saw Ziggy as a doomed rockstar who performed with backing group The Spiders From Mars. He released 'The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars' album in 1972 and it shot David to stardom.
1973 - David Bowie releases 'Aladdin Sane'
David Bowie put an end to his iconic Ziggy Stardust persona in 1973 to instead become Aladdin Sane. His extensive touring across the US influenced the glam-rock album and the character Aladdin Sane, who he described as an American-influenced version of Ziggy Stardust.
1976 - David Bowie appears in The Man Who Fell To Earth
As it turns out, David Bowie's talents didn't just lie with music, and in 1976 he starred in The Man Who Fell To Earth. He appeared as alien Thomas Jerome Newton in the sci-fi drama.
1977 - 1979 - David Bowie releases 'The Berlin Trilogy'
From 1977 to 1979, David Bowie released the albums 'Low', 'Heroes' and 'Lodger' as part of 'The Berlin Trilogy'.
The albums were worked on after his move from the US to Europe, with recording taking place in France, Switzerland, and Germany as well as New York.
Although these are not his most commercially successful albums, they are critically acclaimed and have been influential for other artists.
1980 - The Elephant Man
David Bowie also tried his hand at acting on stage and took on a role in The Elephant Man on Broadway from July 1980 to January 1981.
1983 - David Bowie releases 'Let's Dance'
David Bowie brought out his dance-pop album 'Let's Dance' in 1983 and it was a huge commercial success, topping the UK Charts for three weeks. The album was even nominated for a Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1984.
Nile Rodgers, who produced the title track, said of the song: "When David wrote those lyrics, he was talking about the dance that people do in life; the conceptual dance of not being honest. He sings, 'put on your red shoes and dance the blues.' Like you're pretending to be happy but you're sad."
1986 - David Bowie stars in Labyrinth
One of David Bowie's most famous and iconic film roles has to be Jareth the Goblin King in the classic 80s film Labyrinth, which came out in 1986.
1988 - David Bowie fronts Tin Machine
While he juggled acting and music throughout the 80s, David Bowie came to work with musicians Reeves Gabrels and Tony and Hunt Sales in a side project called Tin Machine. The group brought out the albums 'Tin Machine' (1989) and 'Tin Machine II' (1991).
1996 - David Bowie is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
David Bowie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 by David Byrne of Talking Heads. Of his induction, the Rock Hall said: 'Bowie's fifty-year career is one of constant evolution, brilliant innovation, and enduring artistry. His legacy endures as one of a talent that defied form and a man who defied definition.'
1997 - David Bowie receives a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
One year after his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, David Bowie was awarded with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2000 - David Bowie performs at Glastonbury
David Bowie's performance at Glastonbury Festival in 2000 is regarded as one of the most incredible headlining slots at the festival, as well as a career-defining moment for the musician.
He played songs like 'Starman', 'China Girl' and 'Under Pressure' and also released his performance as a live album.
2004 - David Bowie goes on his final tour
David Bowie went on what would be his final tour in 2004. The 'A Reality Tour' took him across Europe, North America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia and was the longest tour of his career.
While at one of his shows, he suffered a heart attack on stage which led him to retire from performing live in 2006.
2006 - David Bowie receives the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
As well as being nominated for 16 Grammy Awards and winning five of them throughout his career, in 2006 David Bowie was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
2013 - David Bowie returns to music with 'The Next Day'
Following a break from the public eye and recording, David Bowie returned in 2013 with his 25th studio album 'The Next Day'.
2016 - David Bowie releases his final album
In January 2016, on his 69th birthday, Davie Bowie released the album 'Blackstar'. The album had been recorded in secret and was the last music released by the music legend as he sadly passed away just two days after it came out.
2016 - Tributes paid to David Bowie following his death
Following his tragic death, friends and fans of the music legend were shocked and saddened by the news and tributes came pouring in from across the world.
As many people were in disbelief over the announcement, David's son Duncan Jones confirmed the news, sharing a photo of himself with his father and writing: 'Very sorry and sad to say it's true'.
Fellow musician Bruce Springsteen Tweeted: 'Over here on E Street, we're feeling the great loss of David Bowie. David was a visionary artist and an early supporter of our music.'
Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones wrote: 'We had so many good times together. He was my friend, I will never forget him'.
Madonna added a tribute, writing: 'Talented. Unique. Genius. Game Changer.'
Tony Visconti, who produced a number of David Bowie's albums wrote in a statement: 'His death was no different from his life - a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn't, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us.'
2021 - David Bowie's New York home sells for $16.8 million.
When news of David Bowie's sad death reached fans, they flocked to his flat in New York to create a memorial.
He had bought the property in 1999, and in 2021 the property sold for a whopping $16.8 million (£12,110,280).
Following his death, David Bowie's childhood home also became a shrine for the music legend.
2021 - David Bowie's 'Toy' album is released
In 2021, David Bowie's estate posthumously released his album 'Toy'. The singer had recorded the album in 2000 and it includes re-recordings of some of his 1964 and 1971 tracks as well as some new songs.
The album was originally meant to be released in 2001 but was shelved for financial reasons. It remained unheard until it was leaked in 2011. It was officially released for the first time in November 2021 as part of a box set and the album made it to Number 5 on the UK Albums Chart.
2022 - David Bowie's estate sells his entire music catalogue
In January, it was announced that David Bowie's entire music catalogue had been sold to Warner Chappell Music. Although the exact figure wasn't revealed, it's thought that the sale was for upwards of £185million.
The sale includes all 26 of his studio albums as well as the posthumous album 'Toy'.
2022 - Madame Tussauds creates second David Bowie waxwork
Having worked with Madame Tussauds to create an accurate waxwork in 1983, the museum announced that they had created a new waxwork based on David Bowie's famous 70s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.
General Manager at Madame Tussauds London Tim Waters said of the addition to their collection: "We were honoured to work with his estate in what would have been his 75th year and play our small part in keeping his inimitable legacy alive for generations to come."
2022 - Moonage Daydream
In April a new film following the incredible life and career of David Bowie was announced. With previously unseen footage from his decade-spanning career, Moonage Daydream has been made in collaboration with David Bowie's estate.
Described as an "experiential cinematic odyssey", the film is set to hit cineams on 16th September.
2022 - Mattel makes a David Bowie Barbie doll
Inspired by David Bowie's look in his 'Life on Mars?' music video, Mattel released a specially designed Barbie doll, complete with replicated powder-blue suit, platform shoes, hair and make-up to match his outfit in the video.
The release celebrated the 50th anniversary of his 'Hunky Dory' album.
2022 - David Bowie is voted Britain's most influential artist of the past 50 years
In August, it was announced that David Bowie had topped the Sky Arts list of 50 influential artists from the past 50 years.
To mark the acheivement, Sky Arts commissioned artist Joe Black to create artwork of David Bowie. He made a huge portrait of the musician using 8,610 plectrums.
2022 - David Bowie receives a stone on the Music Walk of Fame
In September 2022, David Bowie received a stone on the Music Walk of Fame. The event was attended by many friends, collaborators and fans of the late singer.
2022 - David Bowie's son recreates his intro to The Snowman
In December 2022, David Bowie's son Duncan Jones recreated the intro to The Snowman film that his dad had recorded in 1984 using the same scarf from the iconic video.
Having found the scarf in 2020, Duncan paid tribute to his father in the recreation of the video with his own spin on the story, saying: "When I was a little lad, my dad used to tell me a story about when he was little, he had a friend who was a snowman. He was such a good friend that one day he gave him a gift.
"I always thought that that story was made up but then one day when I got a bit older my dad gave me that gift and it was a beautiful blue scarf. And now I wonder if maybe the story was true? Merry Christmas everyone."
2023 - David Bowie's 80,000-piece archive to go on public display
David Bowie's 80,000-piece archive was announced to go on public display at the V&A Museum.
The vast array of items include handwritten lyrics, letters, sheet music, original costumes, fashion, photography, film, music videos, set designs, musical instruments, album artwork and awards from David Bowie's fabled six-decade career.
2024 - Rue David Bowie © Alamy
The first street in the world to be named after David Bowie has officially opened in Paris. Rue David Bowie is located at the intersection with Avenue Pierre-Mendès-France in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, a vibrant cultural quarter of the French capital.
2024 - David Bowie's last-ever UK concert voted 'most magical moment'
David Bowie's last-ever UK concert voted 'most magical moment', ahead of The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac. To celebrate the launch of the Isle of Wight Festival Experience 25 exhibition at London's The O2, a poll was conducted on social channels asking fans to have their say on the festival's defining moments. David Bowie's legendary bill-topping set at Seaclose Park on 13th June 2004 duly triumphed.
Now read:
David Bowie: A celebration of the much-missed icon
Previously unseen footage of David Bowie performing 'Starman' has been released