Shows & Schedule

David Bowie – Glass Spider Tour Live (1987)

The Glass Spider Tour of 1987 was one of the most ambitious and visually spectacular concert tours in David Bowie's legendary career. Featuring an elaborate stage design, intricate choreography, and a diverse setlist, this tour supported Bowie's Never Let Me Down album, marking a distinctive chapter in his ever-evolving musical journey.

The Glass Spider tour was a bold artistic statement. Bowie had recently reinvented himself in the mid-1980s, embracing a pop-rock style that fused the commercial sound of the '80s with his own avant-garde edge. Never Let Me Down, the album supporting the tour, was met with mixed reviews but included hits like "Day-In Day-Out" and "Time Will Crawl," both of which featured prominently in the live set.

A Visually Stunning Performance
The Glass Spider concerts were a grand spectacle. The stage set itself was massive, featuring a giant spider motif that loomed over the stage, with web-like structures and dynamic projections enhancing the overall visual experience. The tour's aesthetic drew heavily on theater, with Bowie embracing elaborate costumes and choreography, bringing an almost Broadway-like sensibility to his rock performances.

The performances featured a large backing band, including seasoned musicians such as guitarist Carlos Alomar and saxophonist Steve Elson, but also included a dance troupe that complemented Bowie’s theatrical presence. The choreography was an integral part of the show, with Bowie delivering dynamic and energetic performances that often bordered on performance art, emphasizing the larger-than-life persona that Bowie was known for.

Setlist & Highlights
The setlist of the Glass Spider tour mixed the newer material from Never Let Me Down with classic Bowie hits, keeping both longtime fans and newcomers engaged. Highlights of the set included:

• "Day-In Day-Out": The opening track of Never Let Me Down, featuring a driving beat and a powerful live arrangement that set the tone for the show.
• "Time Will Crawl": One of the most poignant tracks from the album, performed with an emotionally charged intensity that resonated with the audience.
• "Let's Dance": One of Bowie's biggest hits, it was a crowd favorite and a moment of pure joy on the dancefloor. The live version included a funk-driven arrangement that highlighted Bowie's ability to blend pop with soul and funk.
• "China Girl": Another classic hit from the Let's Dance album, the performance of "China Girl" brought a sense of intimacy, with Bowie engaging directly with the audience as he delivered one of his most iconic songs.
• "Rebel Rebel": The iconic glam anthem was a highlight, reimagined with a punchy, modern arrangement that kept the crowd on their feet.
• "Heroes": The legendary song was a powerful and moving moment in the show. "Heroes" served as a perfect culmination of the concert, echoing Bowie's themes of overcoming adversity and celebrating the human spirit.

Bowie's stage presence during this tour was magnetic. While the set was visually intense, it was his charisma and interaction with the crowd that truly made the concerts come alive. Whether through his dramatic gestures or moments of introspection, Bowie connected with his audience in a way that only he could.

Legacy of the Glass Spider Tour
While the Glass Spider Tour was not as universally praised as some of Bowie's other tours, it remains a testament to his innovation and ability to push artistic boundaries. The tour marked the last time Bowie would embrace such a theatrical and visually intense stage show. Although Never Let Me Down was not as critically acclaimed as some of his earlier work, the Glass Spider Tour served as a testament to Bowie's ability to reinvent himself in the face of changing musical trends.

The Glass Spider Tour also stands as a reflection of Bowie's tireless work ethic and his drive to evolve as a performer. The production's mix of theater, music, and performance art proved that Bowie was not just a musician but an artist who saw his live shows as an extension of his ever-shifting creative vision.

Ultimately, the Glass Spider Tour is a landmark in David Bowie's career. It blends the music of the '80s with the avant-garde sensibilities of his earlier years, creating a show that was as visually striking as it was sonically daring. For Bowie fans, this tour remains an essential part of his live performance history, capturing the unique energy and ambition that defined his musical legacy during this period of his career.