With ‘David Bowie Nothing Has Changed’ producer Amanda Pelman has created a timeless and tasteful tribute to the genius of David Bowie.
When Bowie died in January this year, he not only left a legacy of songs but also a platform for performance based on the characters he created.
Bowie was the chameleon. From his musical farewell letter ‘Blackstar’, from the early days of ‘Changes’ to the cryptic message in the title ‘Nothing Has Changed’ a year before his death, to the blueprint of the releases since his death, all compiled by Bowie knowing he would not be around to see their release, his orchestrated life could only be best served in the afterlife with an orchestra.
Amanda Pelman first produced ‘Nothing Has Changed’ with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with performances earlier this year at the Sydney Opera House. This Melbourne version with arguably Australia’s greatest orchestra, the Melbourne Symphony, is a stage masterpiece.
The choice of performers articulates the various facades of Bowie, all honouring the legend with class and style. iOTA, Tim Rogers, Steve Kilbey, Deborah Conway and Adalita backed by Davey Lane, Ash Naylor and Robyn Loau each brought a piece of Bowie to the table that would not have been able to be achieved with just one singer. It was a testament to the diversity of Bowie.
iOTA’s theatrics, Rogers style, Kilbey’s presence, Conway’s emotion and Adalita’s rawness showcase the various aspects of the Bowie persona. Lane and Naylor each showcased songs reminding us that Bowie first and foremost was a rock star.
Then there is the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under conductor Vanessa Scammell. Bowie was larger than life and it could only take Australia’s greatest orchestra to portray that. The MSO took each song to a new dimension expanding the perception of the genius for the audience.
The MSO understands rock music. They backed live albums by Kiss, Elton John, Stevie Nicks and Meat Loaf. Bowie was just waiting to happen with the MSO.
‘David Bowie Nothing Has Changed’ is a performance Bowie himself would have been proud off. This is not a covers show. ‘Nothing Has Changed pushes the boundaries Bowie himself always aspired to.
David Bowie Nothing Has Changed is part of the Melbourne Festival. It is on again tonight and tomorrow (October 16 and 17) at Hamer Hall, Melbourne.
David Bowie Nothing Has Changed Setlist
iOTA Space Oddity
Deborah Conway Starman
Tim Rogers All the Young Dudes
Adalita Rebel Rebel/The Jean Genie
Steve Kilbey Stay/Diamond Dogs
iOTA / Deborah Conway Ziggy Stardust/Suffragette City
Tim Rogers / Deborah Conway Fame
Steve Kilbey / Robyn Loau China Girl
Deborah Conway Oh You Pretty Things
Tim Rogers / Adalita Sorrow
iOTA Life on Mars
Steve Kilbey Station to Station
Ashley Naylor Moonage Daydream
Tim Rogers / Deborah Conway Golden Years
Steve Kilbey Changes
Tim Rogers Young Americans
Davey Lane Boys Keep Swinging
Adalita / iOTA Modern Love/Let’s Dance/Fashion
iOTA Ashes to Ashes
Tim Rogers Lazarus
Encore
Tim Rogers and Deborah Conway Five Years
Everyone – ‘Heroes’
