OVER the years Inverness music venue Hootananny has put together a number of tribute nights, but for the first of these for 2013, the venue has picked on the man making the year’s most anticipated musical comeback — David Bowie.
With new album "The Next Day" the former Ziggy Stardust has broken a decade long musical silence, though the local bands and solo artists paying tribute to him at Hootananny’s next Thursday are more likely to be delving deep into the Thin White Duke’s back catalogue for their choice of Bowie covers.
There is a local link to the man himself.
The video for Bowie’s new single "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)" features Nairn’s own Tilda Swinton and Bowie as a suburban couple disturbed by their new rock star neighbours. Perhaps she will pop along — and bring a certain friend?
Here some of the artists taking part give their own take on the best — and worst — of Bowie.
Kai Henderson
Heroes: what does David Bowie mean to you?
Bowie has always been part of my musical subconscious, thanks mainly to my family who are massive fans. I think, besides his musical versatility and songwriting gift, I admire his experimentation with personalities and stage persona.
Iain McLaughlin (Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders)
Let’s Dance: What’s your standout Bowie track or album?
"Rock and Roll Suicide" has always been a personal highlight and I’ve also always loved his collaborations with others such as Brian Molko and Trent Reznor. It displays brilliantly how relevant he is at any time and his ability to constantly move forward into new artistic directions.
Donald McColl (Scourgie Heights)
Low: Which Bowie album/track could you best live without?
"Heroes" — art school banal. When someone says they love Bowie and "Heroes" is their favourite track, I think zeros.
Steve Robertson (Toby Michaels Rolling Damned/Bowie night organiser)
Never Let Me Down: Are you looking forward to new album "The Next Day"?
Bowie has had a chameleon like musical persona as he constantly moves with the times. It would be have been easy for Bowie to become a tribute to himself like The Rolling Stones or even The Stone Roses, but Bowie has remained a pioneer and a huge influence over the years on everyone from U2 to Hurts to Culture Club.
Also taking part are Mystic Shoes, Douglas and McLaughlin, Red Ronson and Lionel.
Doors open at 8pm on Thursday 21st March and tickets, priced £7, are available in advance from Hootananny’s Ceilidh Bar, Church Street, Inverness.
