Just In:St. Louis Symphony to collaborate with David Bowie’s bandmates for February concert..

In what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated events of 2024, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is set to collaborate with some of David Bowie’s most iconic bandmates for a February concert. This unique musical partnership will celebrate the legendary British artist’s expansive career and his lasting impact on the music world. The concert will feature renditions of some of Bowie’s most beloved songs, performed live in a symphonic setting, blending rock and orchestral music in an extraordinary way.

A Tribute to an Icon

David Bowie, whose career spanned over five decades, is known for his chameleon-like ability to reinvent himself. Whether performing as Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke, or simply as David Bowie, his music continually pushed the boundaries of rock, pop, and experimental sounds. Known for his fearless experimentation with genres, Bowie was as influential in fashion and art as he was in music, and his influence endures today.

This February concert, titled A Bowie Celebration: A St. Louis Symphony Tribute, is designed to honor Bowie’s vast catalog of music and his pioneering spirit. The concert will feature an array of musicians, but what makes this event particularly special is the involvement of some of Bowie’s former collaborators, including members of his legendary bands.

David Bowie’s Bandmates: Key Players in the Tribute

One of the key aspects of this concert is the collaboration between the St. Louis Symphony and some of Bowie’s former bandmates, who will be performing alongside the orchestra. These musicians played a critical role in shaping Bowie’s sound and bringing his music to life on stage throughout the years. Among those expected to take part are guitarist Adrian Belew, who played on albums like Lodger and Scary Monsters, and Gerry Leonard, who was part of Bowie’s band during the 2000s era, notably during the Reality tour.

Belew, a guitar virtuoso known for his work with King Crimson, David Byrne, and Frank Zappa, worked with Bowie on albums that are often cited as some of his most experimental, including the Berlin Trilogy. His technical skills and distinctive sound were a vital component of Bowie’s creative vision in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Fans can expect his expert guitar work to shine through in the concert, blending with the grandeur of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Meanwhile, Gerry Leonard (known as “Spooky”) played an instrumental role in Bowie’s sound in the 2000s, particularly during the A Reality Tour. Leonard’s atmospheric guitar playing contributed to Bowie’s later albums, bringing a modern edge to the artist’s evolving sound. His involvement in this tribute concert promises to bring a contemporary flavor to Bowie’s classics, complementing the rich arrangements of the symphony.

Both Belew and Leonard’s involvement offers a rare opportunity to hear Bowie’s music interpreted through the lens of those who were integral to its creation. They will be joined by other musicians who worked with Bowie throughout his career, further enriching the concert’s authenticity.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s Role

Under the baton of David Robertson, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will bring a new dimension to Bowie’s music. The orchestra’s extensive experience in tackling a wide range of genres—from classical masterpieces to film scores—makes them the ideal group to interpret Bowie’s eclectic catalog. Robertson, a former music director of the St. Louis Symphony, is known for his dynamic conducting style and his ability to blend orchestral arrangements with contemporary music.

The symphony will provide lush, sweeping arrangements for Bowie’s songs, giving them a grandeur that was previously not possible in the original rock recordings. The lush strings, brass, and woodwinds will enhance the emotional depth of songs like “Life on Mars?”, “Heroes,” and “Space Oddity,” transforming these iconic tracks into epic orchestral works. The symphony’s ability to meld rock with classical instrumentation will bring Bowie’s music to new heights, offering fans a fresh take on his timeless songs.

The collaboration between rock musicians and the symphony will create a musical dialogue that blends the raw energy of live rock performance with the sophistication of orchestral arrangements. It’s a musical partnership that speaks to Bowie’s own genre-defying career, where he frequently blended disparate influences into something uniquely his own.

The Setlist: What to Expect

The setlist for A Bowie Celebration: A St. Louis Symphony Tribute is expected to be a mix of Bowie’s greatest hits, with the symphony providing new, orchestrated versions of these beloved songs. Fans can anticipate hearing some of Bowie’s most famous tracks, including “Space Oddity,” “Changes,” “Rebel Rebel,” and “Heroes,” alongside deeper cuts that span the breadth of his career.