davidbowie.com have announced details of the next limited edition DAVID BOWIE IS exhibition release for the opening in Tokyo, Japan next year.

The DBI exhibition opens on 8th January 2017 at Warehouse Terrada G1 Building in Tokyo, where this release will be available exclusively to visitors.

The song titles for the 7" picture disc will be revealed next week.

For more details, information and tickets, visit davidbowieis.jp website.

Also to celebrate the visit of the exhibition to Japan, Sony Records International are to release several limited edition coloured vinyl albums on 11th January.

Namely: 'Heathen' - blue vinyl (SIJP-35), 'The Next Day' - yellow vinyl (SIJP-40), 'Reality' - clear vinyl (SIJP-36) and 'A Reality Tour' - blue vinyl (SIJP-37). More details can be found at davidbowieis.jp

No word yet on whether these releases, including the MICK RONSON 'Heaven And Hull' CD Blu-spec CD2 (SICP-31037) due 21st December via Legacy Recordings will be available via cdjapan.co.jp website.

On Friday night the BBC ONE quiz show MASTERMIND (episode 20) saw a contestant answering questions on his specialist subject DAVID BOWIE.

IAN FENNELL, a software developer from Worcesershire did well, scoring 14, no passes and 13 in his general knowledge, scoring 27 overall.

If you missed the show, you can visit the BBC iPlayer and see how many you score.

Update: The 3 acetates realised a total of £18,375 (including premiums).

The three acetates mentioned on here last September are now for sale at BONHAMS in their 'Entertainment Memorabilia' auction taking place on 15th December in Knightsbridge, London at 12.00 GMT.

LOT 137: David Bowie: A rare acetate recording of 'I Don't Mind' by Davy Jones And The Lower Third, 1965. Estimate: £1,000-£1,200 GBP.
SOLD: Price realised £6,250 (including premium).

A single-sided, 8 inch disc, the label with typewritten title, Davie Jones and the Lower Third in blue ballpoint and numbered 1 in black felt-tip pen, in paper sleeve similarly numbered and also inscribed in blue ballpoint I dont Mind Davie Jones & Lower Third.

Footnotes: This acetate, and the following two, were the subject of an article in Record Collector magazine, October 2016, No. 458, p. 16.

Following the lack of chart success with The King Bees and The Manish Boys, Bowie joined The Lower Third and just a few days after his audition with them on 17th May 1965, the group went into Central Sound studios in London's Denmark Street. It is not known exactly what tracks were recorded but it is believed that the three acetates offered here may have resulted from this session, although the Emidisc example may indicate a separate session. It is possibly David himself who annotated the labels/sleeves.

'Born Of The Night' was previously known about by the existence of a press release for the group, written by Bowie, detailing this track as their forthcoming single. However, following the securing of a record deal, it is likely that producer Shel Talmy rejected 'Born Of The Night' for release and chose instead 'You've Got A Habit Of Leaving' and 'Baby Loves That Way', issued by Parlophone in August 1965.

With regard to the other two tracks on these acetates, 'I Wish You Would' is probably a cover of the song of the same name by Billy Boy Arnold, which had also been released as a debut single by The Yardbirds in 1964. It was later recorded by Bowie on the 1973 album 'Pin Ups'. 'I Don't Mind' is something of a mystery, it being unclear as to whether it is a cover or an original composition.

LOT 138: David Bowie: A rare acetate recording of 'Born Of The Night' by Davy Jones And The Lower Third, 1965. Estimate: £1,500-£2,000 GBP.
SOLD: Price realised £5,250 (including premium).

A single-sided, 8 inch Emidisc, label with typewritten title, inscribed in blue ballpoint Davie & B.L. Jones with the Lower Third and numbered 3 in black felt-tip pen, in paper sleeve similarly numbered.

LOT 139: David Bowie: A rare acetate recording of 'I Wish You Would' by Davy Jones And The Lower Third, 1965. Estimate: £1,000-£1,200 GBP.
SOLD: Price realised £6,875 (including premium).

A single-sided, 8 inch disc, the label with typewritten title Come Back Baby crossed out and I wish you would written in blue ballpoint, Davie Jones & Lower Third also inscribed in blue ballpoint in the same hand, numbered 2 in black felt-tip pen, in paper sleeve similarly numbered and inscribed in blue ballpoint I wish you would Davie Jones & Lower Third.

For more details, information and bidding on these items, please visit Bonhams website.

(BW News item 8th September)

The discovery was first featured in RECORD COLLECTOR magazine (October #457) with a full-page letter article complete with photographs of the three new discoveries.

Owner MR JANES reveals that his father picked up three DAVID BOWIE records at a church sale a while back. The owner filed them away, then when he heard about David's passing, he remembered he had them and dug them out.

The three 8" one-sided acetates by DAVIE JONES & THE LOWER THIRD are:

       1. I Don't Mind.
       2. I Wish You Would.
       3. Born Of The Night.

Collectors will already know about 'Born Of The Night' as it was mentioned by David in a press release at the time. The band were hoping that this song would be released as a single. The song was recorded at Central Sound studio in Denmark Street, played regularly in their live set, but unfortunately, it was rejected by producer Shel Talmy.

As for the other two songs, logic says 'I Wish You Would' is probably the Billy Boy Arnold song. This was covered by The Yardbirds, and as you know DB re-recorded this on his 1973 Pin Ups album as his nod to the band.

'I Don't Mind' could possibly be the James Brown penned song that was released in 1961 on the King label. This song was covered and released by The Who, The In Crowd and The Moody Blues all in 1965.

• DAVID BOWIE's ★ album has been voted 'Best Album of 2016' in both MOJO and UNCUT magazines in their January 2017 issues. Mojo (issue 278) contains a full-page article for ★ their 'number one best album' written by Mark Paytress with help from Tony Visconti, and there is also a five-page feature entitled: 'The Year of Bowie' written by Andrew Male with breakdown of events, releases and news from 27th July 2015 through to 1st November 2016...

• ART VINYL invite you to vote for 'Best Art Vinyl 2016' on their website. Voting began today and the winners will be announced on 5th January at The Hari Hotel in London. Simply go to artvinyl.com - pick you three nominees for favourite album artworks in order, fill-in the form and submit. As a thank-you for voting, they will automatically enter your name into the draw to win a Play & Display Triplepack worth £99.99 - (thanks to Baz for the heads-up)...

• Showing tonight on SKY ARTS TV is 'AUCTION: DAVID BOWIE COLLECTOR' tonight at 8pm, only on Sky Arts...

• At the King's Cross Theatre in London, more tickets have been released for LAZARUS and are now available. Extra £35 and £15 tickets available in November/December - book now at lazarusmusical.com - be quick...

• The DAVID BOWIE: GLAMOUR fanzine currently in production will be available in January. Details and the contributors to be announced...

• For the US THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH 40th Anniversary newly restored movie arrives to the USA market on Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray on 24th January via Lionsgate - [More details]...

Currently in the pipeline for next year is a new book 'UNMADE UP: Recollections of a Friendship with David Bowie' by artist EDWARD BELL due on 30th June 2017 via the Unicorn Publishing Group.

As I'm sure you are aware, Edward Bell famously designed the artwork for David Bowie's 1980 'Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)' and the 'Tin Machine II' albums. There were also various single releases 'Ashes To Ashes', 'Fashion', and other artworks including 'Flash Daylight' and 'Glamour' which was used on the 1982 official Bowie calendar. There were also several artworks created for various Tin Machine single releases, and has produced other Bowie artworks over the years.

About the author: Edward Bell is a photographer, designer and artist living in Wales. Having studied at Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art he went on to work as a freelance photographer and illustrator for Vogue, Tatler and Elle magazines. As well as his commissions for album covers for David Bowie he was also commissioned by other outstanding musicians and groups of the time. His art covers many genres from life paintings to pop art to sculpture; he has worked and exhibited all over the world, especially in the US and Ireland. He now lives in Wales, quietly.

Highlights from an article published in Staffordshire What's On stated...

David Bowie's death earlier this year has sparked memories for artist Edward Bell. In 1980 he created a sleeve for David Bowie's 'Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)' album which featured his number one single 'Ashes To Ashes', along with some singles and posters. David subsequently bought all the artwork and some other paintings for his private collection.

David had met Edward, at his artist's Private View in a Covent Garden gallery, after which they went out for dinner. The original concept was for the artist to base the image on a photograph by Brian Duffy and he duly turned up for the session to find Bowie in full make-up dressed in a pierrot costume. The artist had his own vision and asked Bowie to remove his hat and mess up his costume. 'I wanted him to tear the clown thing apart and I felt it worked. He had too much make-up on, but it looked good when smudged. But what was so good was that he didn't just stand there. He just saw the angle which was very much of its time: decadent glamour.' The final design was based on an eight foot by four foot painting which he based on his own photograph.

After a gap of ten years Edward Bell got a phone call, out of the blue, at two o'clock in the morning. "Hi, this is David", "David who?", "David Bowie", "pull the other one", he was about to slam the phone down when he heard the distinctive chuckle. "Look, you're my favourite artist so I want you to do another album cover for me." - Tin Machine II was the result.

The artist's recollections of his association with David Bowie will now become a book which he is currently writing. It will include previously unpublished photographs and illustrations from his collection.

• Birthday memories of HAYWOOD STENTON JONES, born on this day in Doncaster, South Yorkshire in 1912 (David Bowie's father)...

• Happy Birthday wishes to legendary photographer MICK ROCK...

• On this day, 47 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed a solo acoustic gig at Poperama (inside old Corn Exchange) in Devizes, Wiltshire, England in 1969...

• On this day, 38 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at Lang Park, Brisbane, Australia during his 1978 world tour...

• On this day, 29 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at Kooyong Stadium, Melbourne, Australia during his 1987 Glass Spider Tour...

Heads up for a scheduled publication in July 2017, is EARTHBOUND: David Bowie and The Man Who Fell To Earth by SUSAN COMPO, to be published by Jawbone Press on 15th July [Update: Now scheduled for 24th October].

Synopsis: 'Before there was Star Wars... before there was Close Encounters... there was The Man Who Fell To Earth.' - advertising tag line for 1981 reissue of the film.

Earthbound is the first book-length exploration of a true classic of twentieth-century science-fiction cinema, shot under the heavy, ethereal skies of New Mexico by the legendary British director Nicolas Roeg and starring David Bowie in a role he seemed born for as an extraterrestrial named Thomas Newton who comes to Earth in search of water. Based on a novel by the highly regarded American writer Walter Tevis, this dreamy, distressing, and visionary film resonates even more strongly in the twenty-first century than it did on its original release during the year of the US Bicentennial.

Drawing on extensive research and exclusive first-hand interviews with members of the cast and crew, Earthbound begins with a look at Tevis's 1963 novel before moving into a detailed analysis of a film described by its director as 'a sci-fi film without a lot of sci-fi tools' and starring a group of actors - David Bowie, Buck Henry, Candy Clark, Rip Torn - later described by one of them (Henry) as 'not a cast but a dinner party.' It also seeks to uncover the mysteries surrounding Bowie's rejected soundtrack to the film (elements of which later ended up his groundbreaking 1977 album Low) and closes with a look at his return to the themes and characters of The Man Who Fell To Earth in one of his final works, the acclaimed musical production Lazarus.

• DAVID BOWIE's new 'Legacy' compilation album has entered the UK Official UK Album Chart Top 100 at number #13, and at #16 in Scotland...

• A big shout out to Belgium, the ONLY country in the world where DAVID BOWIE's ★ album has continually stayed (for 45 weeks) in both their Official Album Charts. Also Croatia, Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Spain deserve a cigar too!...

• This week in the UK Official Album Charts DAVID BOWIE's ★ has re-entered at #90, whilst in the Official Vinyl chart it has climbed to #9. Check out the worldwide album chart positions for ★...

• On this day, 1 year ago, DAVID BOWIE digitally released his 9:57 minute ★ single in 2015...

• Happy Birthday wishes to GAIL ANN DORSEY...

• On this day, 44 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at Pirates World Amusement Park in Dania, Florida, US in 1972...

• On this day, 2 years ago, DAVID BOWIE released the 10" vinyl single 'Sue (Or In A Season Of Crime)' in 2014...

• On this day, 2 years ago, DAVID BOWIE released his 'Nothing Has Changed' compilation album in 2014...

• On this day, today, sees the opening of the GOLDEN YEARS art exhibition by LOUIS SIDOLI at Castle Fine Art, 12-14 King Street, Manchester M2 6AG. Free entry...

Check out the events announced so far for the DUBLIN BOWIE FESTIVAL which takes place on 5th - 10th January 2017...

One particular highlight of the event takes place on 5th January at 7.30pm. Lazarus/The Man Who Fell To Earth at The Sugar Club - playwrite ENDA WALSH is guest of honour to discuss his insights on working with David Bowie as co-writer of the successful off-Broadway show 'Lazarus'.

Walsh was of course one of the last people to work with David and the Q&A will provide a fascinating insight into Bowie's working methods and his more personal side.

The discussion will be proceeded by a showing on the big screen of the inspiration for 'Lazarus' and arguably Bowie's finest celluloid outing, 'The Man Who Fell To Earth', which has just been re-released in a 4K restoration for its 40th anniversary.

• The Sound & Vision auction is back, this time raising funds for Stand Up To Cancer. Items on offer include a portrait of DAVID BOWIE, The Next Day signed album, a guitar from Damien Hirst and more - [More details]...

• The DAVID & I photo exhibition by Denis O'Regan comes to Glasgow, plus Q&A - [More details]...

• For vinyl completists: There are two DAVID BOWIE related releases for RECORD STORE DAY Black Friday 2016 taking place in the US on 25th November namely the 2-LP 'Underworld: (Music From The Motion Picture)' which includes David Bowie featuring Maynard James Keenan and John Frusciante 'Bring Me The Disco King (Loner Mix)' and there is the 12" vinyl release of 'Strung Out In Heaven' by Amanda Palmer and Jherek Bischoff - [More details]...

In case you missed the fabulous interview with JONATHAN BARNBROOK who was guest of MARY ANNE HOBBS on BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC earlier this morning, you can hear it online here...

More on the upcoming movie documentary 'BESIDE BOWIE' - The Mick Ronson Story, a film by JON BREWER. Narrated by DAVID BOWIE. Yes you read it correctly... narrated by David Bowie.

Check out the teaser below...

Check out the latest video offering from NACHO...

Released today is the brand new DAVID BOWIE compilation album entitled: BOWIE - LEGACY.

This album collects together a selection of David Bowie's most popular tracks and singles, from 1969's 'Space Oddity', through to the final singles 'Lazarus' and 'I Can't Give Everything Away', issued earlier this year.

Available now on CD and 2-CD Deluxe formats and MP3 digital, with the double 2-LP Vinyl edition released later on 7th January.

All formats include a previously unreleased version of 'Life On Mars?' newly mixed by Ken Scott.

The full tracklistings run as follows:

BOWIE - LEGACY 1-CD Edition

01. Let's Dance (single version) (4.08).
02. Ashes To Ashes (single version) (3.35).
03. Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie (4.04).
04. Life On Mars? (2016 mix) (3.37).
05. Changes (3.35).
06. Oh! You Pretty Things (3.11).
07. The Man Who Sold The World (3.58).
08. Space Oddity (5.12).
09. Starman (original single mix) (4.12).
10. Ziggy Stardust (3.12).
11. The Jean Genie (original single mix) (4.05).
12. Rebel Rebel (4.30).
13. Golden Years (single version) (3.27).
14. Dancing In The Street - David Bowie and Mick Jagger (3.11).
15. China Girl (single version) (4.15).
16. Fame (4.16).
17. Sound And Vision (3.03).
18. "Heroes" (single version) (3.33).
19. Where Are We Now? (4.09).
20. Lazarus (radio edit) (4.05).

BOWIE - LEGACY 2-CD Deluxe Edition

CD 1
01. Space Oddity (5.12).
02. The Man Who Sold The World (3.58).
03. Changes (3.35).
04. Oh! You Pretty Things (3.11).
05. Life On Mars? (2016 mix) (3.37).
06. Starman (original single mix) (4.12).
07. Ziggy Stardust (3.12).
08. Moonage Daydream (4.40).
09. The Jean Genie (original single mix) (4.05).
10. All The Young Dudes (3.09).
11. Drive-In Saturday (4.29).
12. Sorrow (2.53).
13. Rebel Rebel (4.30).
14. Young Americans (original single edit) (3.14).
15. Fame (4.16).
16. Golden Years (single version) (3.27).
17. Sound And Vision (3.03).
18. "Heroes" (single version) (3.33).
19. Boys Keep Swinging (3.17).
20. Ashes To Ashes (single version) (3.35).
21. Fashion (single version) (3.25).

CD 2:
01. Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie (4.04).
02. Let's Dance (single version) (4.08).
03. China Girl (single version) (4.15).
04. Modern Love (single version) (3.56).
05. Blue Jean (3.11).
06. This Is Not America - with The Pat Metheny Group (3.51).
07. Dancing In The Street - David Bowie and Mick Jagger (3.11).
08. Absolute Beginners (edit) (4.46).
09. Jump They Say (radio edit) (3.53).
10. Hallo Spaceboy (PSB Remix) - with The Pet Shop Boys (4.23).
11. Little Wonder (edit) (3.40).
12. I'm Afraid Of Americans (V1 edit) (4.25).
13. Thursday's Child (radio edit) (4.25).
14. Slow Burn (radio edit) (3.57).
15. Everyone Says 'Hi' (edit) (3.29).
16. New Killer Star (radio edit) (3.42).
17. Where Are We Now? (4.09).
18. Lazarus (radio edit) (4.05).
19. I Can't Give Everything Away (radio edit) (4.25).

BOWIE - LEGACY 2-LP Vinyl Edition

Side 1:
01. Let's Dance (single version) (4.08).
02. Ashes To Ashes (single version) (3.35).
03. Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie (4.04).
04. Life On Mars? (2016 mix) (3.37).
05. Changes (3.35).

Side 2:
01. Oh! You Pretty Things (3.11).
02. The Man Who Sold The World (3.58).
03. Space Oddity (5.21).
04. Starman (original single mix) (4.12).
05. Ziggy Stardust (3.12).

Side 3:
01. The Jean Genie (original single mix) (4.05).
02. Rebel Rebel (4.30).
03. Golden Years (single version) (3.27).
04. Dancing In The Street - David Bowie and Mick Jagger (3.11).
05. China Girl (single version) (4.15).

Side 4:
01. Fame (4.16).
02. Sound And Vision (3.03).
03. "Heroes" (single version) (3.33).
04. Where Are We Now? (4.09).
05. Lazarus (radio edit) (4.05).

All formats of DAVID BOWIE - LEGACY are available for pre-ordering NOW.

Purchase and pre-order links:

[2-LP Vinyl]  [2-CD Deluxe]  [1-CD]  [Digital]

The three BOWIE/COLLECTOR auctions at SOTHEBY's in London have just finished.

The prices realised (including buyer's premium) were as follows:

Part I: Modern and Contemporary Art: Evening Auction, 10th November, realised £24,306,000 GBP.

Part II: Modern and Contemporary Art: Day Auction, 11th November, realised £7,213,250 GBP.

Part III: Post-Modernist Design: Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis Group, 11th November, realised £1,387,000 GBP.

TOTAL REALISED: £32,906,250 GBP (including buyer's premium).

• Published yesterday is Lazarus: The Complete Book and Lyrics by DAVID BOWIE and ENDA WALSH via Nick Hern Books...

• DAVID BOWIE l'Europeo Photo Exhibition by PHILIPPE AULIAC is now open in Bologna, Italy in San Giorgio in Poggiale. The exhibition takes place from 10th November 2016 throughout to 29th January 2017 - [More details]...

• Tonight: WOODY WOODMANSEY is at Topping & Co bookstore in Bath, England. Doors open at 7:45pm, starts 8pm - [More details...

• On this day, 10 years ago, DAVID BOWIE performed at the 3rd Annual Black Ball Benefit for Keep A Child Alive (KCA) at the Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC, USA in 2006. David performs three songs: 'Wild Is The Wind' (with Mike Garson on piano), 'Fantastic Voyage' (backed by Alicia Keys' band) and 'Changes' (duet with Alicia Keys). This was David's last-ever performance with a band on stage, although not strictly his last "singing" performance on stage. That took place on 19th May 2007 at Madison Square Garden, where he sang a section of 'Pug Nosed Face', before introducing comedian Ricky Gervais, during the H&M High Line Festival that he curated...

• On this day, 25 years ago, TIN MACHINE performed in Cambridge, England. Here's some video footage I filmed of DAVID BOWIE signing autographs outside the hotel and walking to the venue for the soundcheck with Corinne and Jerry.

HOLY HOLY have announced more UK shows for 2017 where they will be performing 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars' album in its entirety.

The band featuring WOODY WOODMANSEY and TONY VISCONTI and an all-star line up are to play at the following venues:

28th March - Manchester, Bridgewater Hall - [Tickets].
30th March - London, O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - [Tickets].
3rd April - Aylesbury Friars Aylesbury on April - [Tickets].

Coming in January/February 2017 is CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE - a global goodwill concert series.

This one-time only worldwide concerts featuring Bowie people, performing Bowie music, Bowie style.

Including: Mike Garson, Earl Slick, Adrian Belew, Mark Plati, Gerry Leonard, Gail Ann Dorsey, Sterling Campbell, Zachary Alford, Holly Palmer, Catherine Russell, and a massive extended family of the best musicians in the world - and very special guests.

These worldwide concerts are to benefit charities worldwide.

Please visit davidbowie.com for more information and ticket details.

Update: Announced so far are London, Brixton O2 Academy on 8th January with (with Gary Oldman and friends).

• Lazarus writer ENDA WALSH interviewed and talking about DAVID BOWIE 'He had more to write' - [Read here]...

• 'How DAVID BOWIE Realized Theatrical Dreams on 'The Man Who Sold the World' - [Read here]...

• Birthday memories of Terence Guy Adair Burns born on this day in 1937. (David Bowie's half-brother)...

Here's your chance to win one of FIVE copies of 'SPIDER FROM MARS: MY LIFE WITH BOWIE' by WOODY WOODMANSEY, courtesy of St. Martin's Press.

This hardcover, 320-page US edition of the book, published by St. Martin's Press, New York, is scheduled for publication on 3rd January 2017 in the USA.

To enter this free prize draw, please visit BW COMPETITION for the low-down.

If you are entering the competition via the David BowieWonderworld Facebook page then please click on the LIKE PAGE button before entering.

Likewise, if you are entering via TWITTER please follow @bowieww

All entrants in this prize draw, will be issued internally with a number, and the FIVE winners will be drawn at random.

This prize draw competition ends at midnight (GMT) on Wednesday 30th NOVEMBER 2016.

If competitions aren't your thing, you can pre-order your copy at all good US book stores now.

Alternatively, if you live outside the US, the UK version has just been published by Sidgwick and Jackson on 3rd November and is available to purchase now (note different front cover).

Synopsis: In January 2016, the unexpected death of David Bowie rocked the globe. For millions of people, he was an icon celebrated for his music, his film and theatrical roles, and his trendsetting influence on fashion and gender norms. But no one from his inner circle has told the story of how David Jones - a young folk singer, dancer, and aspiring mime - became one of the most influential artists of our time.

Drummer Woody Woodmansey is the last surviving member of Bowie's band The Spiders From Mars which helped launch his Ziggy Stardust persona and made David Bowie a sensation.

In this first memoir to follow Bowie's passing, Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie reveals what it was like to be at the white-hot centre of a star's self-creation. With never-before-told stories and never-before-seen photographs, Woodmansey offers details of the album sessions for The Man Who Sold The World, Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, and Aladdin Sane: the four albums that made Bowie a cult figure. And, as fame beckoned by eventually consumed Bowie, Woodmansey recalls the wild tours, eccentric characters, and rock 'n' roll excess that eventually drove the band apart.

A vivid and unique evocation of a transformative musical era and the enigmatic, visionary musician at the centre of it, with a foreword by legendary music producer Tony Visconti and an afterword from Def Leppard's Joe Elliot, Spider from Mars is for everyone who values David Bowie, by one of the people who knew him best.

About the author: Michael "Woody" Woodmansey was the drummer for David Bowie's The Spiders From Mars from 1969-1973 on the hit albums The Man Who Sold The World, Hunky Dory, and The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars and Aladdin Sane. Born in Driffield, Yorkshire, in 1951, he is the last surviving member of The Spiders From Mars. He continues to play with his band Holy Holy and lives in London.

BBC TWO announces a new landmark film, DAVID BOWIE: THE LAST FIVE YEARS to air in January 2017, produced and directed by Francis Whately as a follow-up to his acclaimed David Bowie: Five Years which was broadcast on BBC Two in 2013.

As with the first film, this new piece will feature a wealth of rare and unseen archive footage and early audio interviews which have never been released before. This includes the original vocal which Bowie recorded for Lazarus, his last release before his death, which has never been heard before.

Additionally, BBC FOUR will broadcast BOWIE AT THE BBC, a compilation of rarely seen archive exploring Bowie's incredible career as captured by the BBC from his very first appearance in 1964 to through to his death in 2016.

BBC RADIO 2 will broadcast a documentary, LIFE ON MARS, presented by Martin Kemp examining the legacy of the song which is widely regarded as Bowie's masterpiece, featuring unreleased music archive.

BBC RADIO 6 MUSIC will be asking listeners to vote for their favourite Bowie album and holding a Listening Party for the No 1 choice, and Marc Riley will present a show in tribute to the singer.

The programmes will air in January 2017, marking what would have been David Bowie's 70th birthday and one year on from the legendary musician's death.

David Bowie: The Last Five Years will focus on the three major projects of Bowie's last five years - the best-selling albums, Blackstar and The Next Day, alongside the musical Lazarus which, following rave reviews and a sold out run off Broadway, arrived in London this Autumn. With unprecedented access to Bowie's closest friends and collaborators this will be an unforgettable tribute to one of the greatest musical icons of modern times. And it will also be an opportunity to experience some of Bowie's iconic songs from his incredible back catalogue which will illustrate the continuity of his later work with the rest of his career.

Francis Whately says: "I always hoped that I would make another film about Bowie as we were only able to scratch the surface in the first film, but I just didn't expect it to be this soon. However, looking at Bowie's extraordinary creativity during the last five years of his life has allowed me to re-examine his life's work and move beyond the simplistic view that his career was simply predicated on change - Bowie the chameleon... 'ch ch ch changes' etc. Instead, I would like to show how the changes were often superficial, but the core themes in his work were entirely consistent - Alienation, Mortality and Fame."

Adam Barker, Channel Executive for BBC Two and BBC Four, says: "BBC Two is thrilled to have commissioned this unique documentary chronicling the most recent achievements of one of the most significant figures in the history of music."

The original band members of The Next Day album will be reunited alongside Bowie's long-time producer Tony Visconti to recreate the production process for key tracks on the album. There will be interviews with the video directors and the stars of Bowie's last videos, including The Stars (Are Out Tonight), exploring how the album consolidates Bowie's back catalogue with thematic and musical references to his past, whilst at the same time being a triumphant return to form after a ten year hiatus.

For the album, Blackstar, the film visits the famous 55 bar in New York where Bowie first encountered the jazz quartet who would become the musicians for this, one of his most innovative and original albums. Whately explores how the record was to become Bowie's stunning epitaph. And the film features exclusive access to the writer, director and cast of Lazarus and will tell the story of the project from its inception through to the opening night, showing Bowie's unwavering commitment to the project right up to the very end of his life.

Lazarus illustrates the connections between the play and David's own career and explores the extent to which it is possible to draw a comparison between the main character, Thomas Jerome Newton, first introduced in The Man Who Fell To Earth film, and Bowie himself. The play includes a reworking of some of Bowie's greatest hits including "Heroes", Life On Mars? and Changes. Whately is given access to film the rehearsals in London plus a complete performance.

Bowie at the BBC on BBC Four is a compilation of clips from the BBC archive giving an overview of Bowie's extraordinary career from 1964 to 2016. It will feature legendary and rarely seen performances, interviews and insights into his many personas. From a 17-year-old David Jones interviewed by Cliff Michelmore in 1964, onto 1973 when as David Bowie he gave his seminal Top of the Pop's performance of Starman, and to 2000 when he performed at Glastonbury.

The programme includes other classic Top of the Pops and The Old Grey Whistle Test performances of Bowie singing Queen Bitch, Oh! You Pretty Things and The Jean Genie, and looks at Bowie the actor with interviews about his roles in The Elephant Man, Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence and Absolute Beginners. Bowie at the BBC will give an insight into the one of the most significant performers of the 70s and beyond with interviews and performances showing just how innovative, funny, surprising and influential Bowie and his many personae were to generations.

For BBC Radio 2, in Life On Mars (Monday 9th January, 10pm), Martin Kemp explores this 1971 song of Bowie's which is widely regarded as his masterpiece. With access to exclusive unreleased music archive, the documentary examines how Life On Mars? came into being and the significance of the lyrics. Kemp explores whether it could be seen as the musician's legacy song - the one for which he will be most remembered. The programme will feature never before broadcast archive recordings, Bowie's original piano and voice demo and further archive, and hears from those who worked closely with Bowie to create this memorable recording. These include original producer Ken Scott, former EMI A&R Tris Penna, Rick Wakeman, Mick Rock (who shot the video), and archive interviews with Bowie. Produced by Sue Clark Productions.

Martin Kemp says: "In celebration of the genius that is David Bowie, I'm excited and honoured to present this programme Life on Mars? in January for Radio 2 to mark what would have been his 70th birthday. For me Bowie was a great inspiration and influence on my own music career."

On BBC Radio 6 Music, on what would have been his 70th birthday Sunday 8th January, there will be a Now Playing special with presenter Tom Robinson. 6 Music will also be asking listeners to vote for their favourite ever Bowie album, from a Top 10 shortlist compiled by the station's presenters. On Monday 9th January, the number one album will be played in full at 10pm in a 6 Music Listening Party presented by Gideon Coe. On Tuesday 10th January (the first anniversary of Bowie's death) Marc Riley will present a tribute show to him. 6 Music will also broadcast again Iggy Pop's Bowie special in which Iggy devoted a whole show to his friend and collaborator, playing his favourite Bowie tracks and chatting about the times their paths crossed over the years.

Paul Rodgers, Head of Programmes for BBC Radio 6 Music, says: "I remember the sadness people felt in January 2016 when we learned of David Bowie's death. It feels appropriate that the 6 Music community should commemorate and celebrate his life and legacy one year on."

David Bowie: The Last Five Years is commissioned by Jan Younghusband for BBC Two. Produced and directed by Francis Whately for BBC Studios. BBC Executive Producer is Phil Dolling. It is distributed internationally by BBC Worldwide.

From the BBC.

• DAVID BOWIE: 'The Last Five Years' a new landmark film by Francis Whately, the BAFTA award-winning producer and director of David Bowie: Five Years, airs on BBC Two in January 2017 - [More details]...

• The LAZARUS Original Cast Recording enters the US BILLBOARD 200 chart at Number 129 (5,000 units, nearly all from album sales) and at Number 2 on Top Cast Albums...

• Showing tonight on BBC 2 is the chat WOODY WOODMANSEY had with Jools Holland. Later airs at 23.05 - [More details]...

• The 2017 UK DAVID BOWIE Convention is taking place on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th May at the Boom Bar, 86 Prosepct Street, Hull, the Convention celebrates the life and times of DAVID BOWIE and the SPIDERS FROM MARS. Nine live acts, free raffle, merchandise and more. The acts confirmed so far are: Aladdinsane, Spizz Energi, The Bowie Contingent, Luxury Stranger and Ronson Kipling. More acts to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now. Contact Jimster Draper on Facebook or email ...

• There is a brand new DAVID BOWIE fanzine in the pipeline. Entitled: 'DAVID BOWIE GLAMOUR' the frst issue is scheduled for January 2017. Follow on Twitter @QuietSeclusion...

• Check out Music Heritage latest podcast with artist GEORGE UNDERWOOD to discuss making iconic LP covers and friend since childhood DAVID BOWIE - [Listen here]...

• The campaign for a DAVID BOWIE statue in Market Square, Aylesbury has now raised over £17k through crowdfunding - [More details]...

• DAVID BOWIE's ★ album was nominated in the 2016 Q AWARDS for 'Best Album'. The ceremony took place at London's The Roundhouse. Unfortunately he didn't win, the prize went to The 1975...

• Featured in the next upgrade of iOS 10.2 sees a new emoji that resembles DAVID BOWIE. Officially, it isn't supposed to be Bowie, it's simply 'Boy Singing' (coloured blue) and 'Girl Singing' (coloured pink) - [More details]...

WOODY WOODMANSEY is reading from his autobiography in Hull and Manchester this month.

Woody is appearing in Hull for the HUMBERMOUTH LITERARY FESTIVAL tomorrow Saturday 5th November and will be interviewed about his book by Russ Litten. Starts at 7.30pm and takes place at Hull Libraries (Hull City Council).

Woody's book entitled Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie is published today 3rd November by Sidgwick and Jackson; (Main Market Ed. edition).

This 320-page, hardcover is a poignant memoir by the last surviving member of DAVID BOWIE's The Spiders from Mars band.

You can pre-order Spider from Mars: My Life with Bowie NOW.

The US edition via St. Martin's Press is scheduled for publication on 3rd January 2017.

Watch this space for a BW competition to win 1 of 5 copies of the US edition, courtesy of SMP. (US residents only).

Out now is the 2016 newly revised and expanded Seventh Edition of THE COMPLETE DAVID BOWIE by NICHOLAS PEGG via Titan Books.

Incorporating 'Blackstar', 'The Next Day', the 'David Bowie Is' exhibition, the 'Lazarus' stage show, this year's heartbreaking news, and every other development in the world of David Bowie since the last update was published back in 2011, this new edition will be the biggest one yet.

For USA... owing to distribution schedules and other logistics, the US publication date has been confirmed as 29th November.

"This is the best Bowie reference book one could ever hope for" - TONY VISCONTI.

You can purchase The Complete David Bowie revised and updated 7th edition 2016 NOW!

Are you up for a bit of writing about DAVID BOWIE? Written submissions are required for a forthcoming book with profits going to charity.

Be a part of a collection of Bowie stories - written entirely by his fans - that span all decades of his work!

In the months since David's untimely death, there have been bits and pieces of your favorite memories surfacing - this book will bring together all those wonderful stories!

Your submission can be from any decade as long as it is heartfelt and entertaining. The compilation will be edited and published by Dale K. Perry, a writer and longtime Bowie enthusiast.

Story submissions: Please submit your story no later than 1st December 2016.

Make sure the year and location of the event you are writing about is included. If you wish to include photographs, they must be your own personal photos not copyrighted professional pictures. Please suggest a title for your piece. Assistance with writing and/or editing is available.

Your submission should be true - this is not a work of fiction. If your narrative is accepted for use you will receive contributor credit (or you may remain anonymous if you prefer).

For more information, or to share your story, please email

For information on how to submit using regular snail mail, please email the above address.

A brand new DAVID BOWIE compilation album entitled: BOWIE - LEGACY is set for release this month on Friday 11th November.

This album collects together a selection of David Bowie's most popular tracks and singles, from 1969's 'Space Oddity', through to the final singles 'Lazarus' and 'I Can't Give Everything Away', issued earlier this year.

Available on CD and 2-CD Deluxe formats and MP3 digital, with the double 2-LP Vinyl edition released on 7th January.

All formats will include a previously unreleased version of 'Life On Mars?' newly mixed by Ken Scott.

The full tracklistings run as follows:

BOWIE - LEGACY 1-CD Edition

01. Let's Dance (single version) (4.08).
02. Ashes To Ashes (single version) (3.35).
03. Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie (4.04).
04. Life On Mars? (2016 mix) (3.37).
05. Changes (3.35).
06. Oh! You Pretty Things (3.11).
07. The Man Who Sold The World (3.58).
08. Space Oddity (5.12).
09. Starman (original single mix) (4.12).
10. Ziggy Stardust (3.12).
11. The Jean Genie (original single mix) (4.05).
12. Rebel Rebel (4.30).
13. Golden Years (single version) (3.27).
14. Dancing In The Street - David Bowie and Mick Jagger (3.11).
15. China Girl (single version) (4.15).
16. Fame (4.16).
17. Sound And Vision (3.03).
18. "Heroes" (single version) (3.33).
19. Where Are We Now? (4.09).
20. Lazarus (radio edit) (4.05).

BOWIE - LEGACY 2-CD Deluxe Edition

CD 1
01. Space Oddity (5.12).
02. The Man Who Sold The World (3.58).
03. Changes (3.35).
04. Oh! You Pretty Things (3.11).
05. Life On Mars? (2016 mix) (3.37).
06. Starman (original single mix) (4.12).
07. Ziggy Stardust (3.12).
08. Moonage Daydream (4.40).
09. The Jean Genie (original single mix) (4.05).
10. All The Young Dudes (3.09).
11. Drive-In Saturday (4.29).
12. Sorrow (2.53).
13. Rebel Rebel (4.30).
14. Young Americans (original single edit) (3.14).
15. Fame (4.16).
16. Golden Years (single version) (3.27).
17. Sound And Vision (3.03).
18. "Heroes" (single version) (3.33).
19. Boys Keep Swinging (3.17).
20. Ashes To Ashes (single version) (3.35).
21. Fashion (single version) (3.25).

CD 2:
01. Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie (4.04).
02. Let's Dance (single version) (4.08).
03. China Girl (single version) (4.15).
04. Modern Love (single version) (3.56).
05. Blue Jean (3.11).
06. This Is Not America - with The Pat Metheny Group (3.51).
07. Dancing In The Street - David Bowie and Mick Jagger (3.11).
08. Absolute Beginners (edit) (4.46).
09. Jump They Say (radio edit) (3.53).
10. Hallo Spaceboy (PSB Remix) - with The Pet Shop Boys (4.23).
11. Little Wonder (edit) (3.40).
12. I'm Afraid Of Americans (V1 edit) (4.25).
13. Thursday's Child (radio edit) (4.25).
14. Slow Burn (radio edit) (3.57).
15. Everyone Says 'Hi' (edit) (3.29).
16. New Killer Star (radio edit) (3.42).
17. Where Are We Now? (4.09).
18. Lazarus (radio edit) (4.05).
19. I Can't Give Everything Away (radio edit) (4.25).

BOWIE - LEGACY 2-LP Vinyl Edition

Side 1:
01. Let's Dance (single version) (4.08).
02. Ashes To Ashes (single version) (3.35).
03. Under Pressure - Queen and David Bowie (4.04).
04. Life On Mars? (2016 mix) (3.37).
05. Changes (3.35).

Side 2:
01. Oh! You Pretty Things (3.11).
02. The Man Who Sold The World (3.58).
03. Space Oddity (5.21).
04. Starman (original single mix) (4.12).
05. Ziggy Stardust (3.12).

Side 3:
01. The Jean Genie (original single mix) (4.05).
02. Rebel Rebel (4.30).
03. Golden Years (single version) (3.27).
04. Dancing In The Street - David Bowie and Mick Jagger (3.11).
05. China Girl (single version) (4.15).

Side 4:
01. Fame (4.16).
02. Sound And Vision (3.03).
03. "Heroes" (single version) (3.33).
04. Where Are We Now? (4.09).
05. Lazarus (radio edit) (4.05).

All formats of DAVID BOWIE - LEGACY are available for pre-ordering NOW.

Pre-order links:

[2-LP Vinyl]  [2-CD Deluxe]  [1-CD]  [Digital]

DAVID BOWIE WONDERWORLD REMINDERS Revised and expanded THE COMPLETE DAVID BOWIE 7th edition book by NICHOLAS PEGG published by Titan Books on 25th October - you can purchase NOW. Brand new LAZARUS: THE COMPLETE BOOK AND LYRICS by DAVID BOWIE and ENDA WALSH published 10th November via Nick Hern Books - you can purchase NOW. 2016 THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH 40th Anniversary Collectors' Edition, containing 4 DISCS and exclusive bonus CD, released 24th October - you can purchase NOW! 2016 THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH 40th Anniversary DVD and Blu-ray, released 24th October - you can purchase both the DVD and Blu-ray versions NOW! New compilation album DAVID BOWIE - LEGACY released on 11th November via Parlophone in the following formats: CD and 2-CD Deluxe and MP3 digital - the double 2-LP Vinyl edition is released on 7th January. LAZARUS (Original Cast Recording) includes 3 previously unreleased David Bowie songs - released on 21st October - you can purchase both the Vinyl 3-LP and 2-CD NOW!         DAVID BOWIE last studio album ★ released 8th January - you can purchase the CD version and Vinyl version as well as the digital album download NOW! Japanese only CD digipak first limited edition Blu-spec CD2 of DAVID BOWIE last studio album ★ released 8th January - you can purchase NOW.                  [CLOSE BOX]