Ziggy Stardust
A Film Retrospective

The Spiders from Mars ~ and Hull

Arguably Hull’s most important musical export, The Spiders From Mars – Mick Ronson, Trevor Bolder and Woody Woodmansey – joined forces with icon David Bowie to become an unstoppable force on the music scene. Together, they dragged the whole world through musical technicolour in a career that defined a generation and inspired countless others.

Bowie’s creativity and influence can still be seen in a manner of creations, such as giant animated singing crustaceans in Disney films and artistic provocateurs such as Lady GaGa.

As part of the BFI film programme at the UK City of Culture, we presented a double-screening plus Q&A with Woody Woodmansey. The event sold out.
 
ZIGGY STARDUST AND THE SPIDERS FROM MARS (12A)
Director: D.A. Pennebaker
US 1973 1hr 30mins
The double bill kicked off with D.A. Pennebaker’s document of the infamous live performance at the Hammersmith Odeon 1973. The director had ony vaguely heard of Bowie when he was commmissioned by RCA Columbia to shoot the 30 minute film. Included is when Bowie made the sudden surprise announcement that the show would be Ziggy’s last. The public was invited to come re-live that fateful night in 1973 with this feature length film, not only featuring numerous songs like “Ziggy Stardust,” “Moonage Daydream,” and “Suffragette City” but with its fair share of Mick Ronson guitar solos too.

“Indisputably one of the greatest concert films ever made”

Eye for Film

THE SACRED TRIANGLE : BOWIE, IGGY & LOU 1971–73 (18)
Director: Alec Lindsell
UK 2010 1hr 47mins
Fascinating documentary about the intertwining careers of David Bowie, Lou Reed and Iggy Pop. The film covers the maelstrom of influences that gave birth to Ziggy Stardust and the creation of Transformer and Raw Power – in turn changing the sound of rock music forever. Importantly the film also gives a gentle nod to the influence of Mick Ronson, not only on Ziggy Stardust but also the fact he made an indelible stamp on the sound of Transformer too. With rare footage and contributions from many of those who were there at the time including Angie Bowie.

“Definitely worthy of spending two hours of your life watching.”

The Punk Vaults

The event was produced in association with Sensoria – the UK’s festival of film and music. The festival presents a unique mix of live performance, film screenings, installations, exhibitions plus music and film industry activity at venues across Sheffield.

Transformative Film Culture for Hull 2017 provided a film screening programme across the city and was delivered by Film Hub North as part of the BFI Film Audience Network with the support of the BFI awarding funds from The National Lottery. With thanks to Anna Plant.