When Ziggy played The Marquee Club in Soho, London, in October 1973, most people could never imagine this would be the last time.
David Bowie had created one of the most iconic and game-changing figures in modern pop culture but was about to leave behind his alter-ego forever.
The star gave the photographer Terry O’Neill unprecedented access to document the event, both on-stage and behind the scenes.
O’Neill has realeased the book When Ziggy Played the Marquee, which is packed with never-before-seen images and revealing interviews with the famous faces who were lucky enough to witness amoment of music history.
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O’Neill captured Bowie and his crew backstage as they went through costume changes, and Bowie transformed into his iconic character.
On stage, dodging television cameras and lights, O’Neill snapped the incredible stage presence for which Bowie and his crew had become renowned.
O’Neill remembers of Bowie: “He became a character on stage. As much as a person takes a role in a play for the West End or on Broadway, learning the lines, putting on the costumes – this was, I think, the way Bowie treated his stage. This night at the Marquee, I witnessed a modern-day Hamlet – and it was Ziggy Stardust”.
The book also includes remarkable testaments from many of those in the crowd like Suzy Ronson – Mick’s wife and stylist.
All of the interviews are also new and original material, giving a spine-tingling insight into a true phenomenon.
Geoff MacCormack, one of Bowie’s long-time friends and “Spider”, Ken Scott, his sound engineer and producer and backing singer Ava Cherry all share their memories of that night and their experiences of the legendary star.
The book also includes tantalising (and often very indiscrete) gossip about hangers on and some of the women who were drawn to an extarordinary man who challenged gender and sexuality norms and help created a new society.
When Ziggy Played the Marquee by Terry O’Neill (ACC Editions, $45 ) is released on October 16.