A View From The Back Of The Room: Holy Holy (Mike Chapman)

Holy Holy - A Celebration Of Bowie, O2 Academy, Bristol, 11.09.26



Tonight was certainly a night of celebration, as the masses gathered to hear some of the finest songs from one of the finest artists, performed by those who helped craft them.

The lighting dimmed, and musicians entered the stage; tonight was a celebration of the late, great David Bowie. Featuring a Spider From Mars on drums in the form of Woody Woodmansey, esteemed producer Tony Visconti (Man Who Sold The World & More) and Heaven 17 vocalist Glenn Gregory, there was a lot of pedigree on stage, forming a supergroup who all ahd links to the great man, touring together for the last time as Holy Holy.

Opening with the anthemic Five Years, Gregory’s vocals felt perfectly suited; the audience absorbed the performance, and we were all hooked. The set list drifted through fan favourites such as the iconic Ziggy Stardust, Ashes To Ashes, Starman and Space Oddity?, all of which were performed with real emotion by Gregory and co, but there were other real gems here; getting to hear Moonage Daydream and Rock And Roll Suicide performed with such passion and dedication to the originals was a real treat.

The venue was packed, and Visconti occasionally regaled us all with anecdotes from working with Bowie or knowledge of certain songs, a real treat to add to a thoroughly enjoyable ride through these wonderful songs. There was also a really touching statement from Gregory prior to singing Life On Mars?, recalling Bowie’s last birthday and learning of his death, detailing how it impacted all of us, the band included. There was a real sincerity to the whole performance; this very much was the spirit of the evening, a real celebration of not only songs of brilliance, but of the brilliant mind and talent behind them.

The audience was engaged from first song til last, and with a brilliantly received encore featuring Where Are We Now? and the thrilling Rebel Rebel, those on stage were enjoying every second just as much as those in attendance.

If you are a fan of David Bowie’s music, from any era, Holy Holy were an absolute must see, and while this was the final tour, surely they can be lured out of hiding for special events!