MEMORIES of a time 44 years ago, when the biggest global rock acts played in Blackburn, are set to be re-ignited.
A series of events and concerts entitled ‘1973: The Year Bowie Came to Blackburn’ will take place in the town this year.
The Heritage Lottery-funded project will launch with an event on Saturday at King George’s Hall.
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It is expected to attract interest from people who attended some of the concerts and those who want to discover more about the music scene from the era or the history of the venue.
The evening will feature music sets by local bands as well as a chance to see memorabilia from the 1973 concerts.
Special significance will be given to Bowie’s May Bank Holiday appearance, with today the first anniversary of the cultural icon’s death.
As well as the concert by Bowie during the Aladdin Sane tour, 1973 saw performances from The Sweet, Slade, Steeleye Span, Status Quo, Mott the Hoople and Queen.
Ian Alderson, one of the music fans leading the project who attended many of the 1973 concerts at King George’s Hall, including David Bowie’s, said: “Bowie’s death in January last year deeply saddened me because I was a huge fan.
“But it did get me reminiscing with old friends from Blackburn about his May 1973 King George’s Hall concert and how witnessing his electrifying performance had affected all of us.
“We were naïve young northern teenagers all but it knocked us for six and is still miraculously burned deep into all our memories 44 years later.
“The 1973 Bowie Came To Blackburn project feels like a great way for all of us to relive these memories.”
Frankie Mullen, project director said: “We are very excited to launch the project.
“Last Sunday would have been Bowie’s 70th birthday and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate the lifetime achievements of the original ‘Starman’.”
At the launch ‘star objects’ from the King George’s Hall 1973 archive will be unveiled, which will be on display in a cabinet in Blakey’s Bar throughout the year. The event takes place at Blakey’s Bar from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. There will be performances of 70s classics by Sky Valley Mistress and an acoustic set by Teri Birtwistle., vocal tutor and activities for children including the opportunity to have a 70s face-painting makeover.
Tickets or registration is not required for the event.
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