Alistair Hardaker | Images: Grant Anderson for V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee tells the story of Bowie’s 1973 Caird Hall concert with a ticket and Polaroids lent by local fans, as the first venue on the V&A’s Bowie archive tour.
V&A Dundee is telling the story of David Bowie’s 1973 Ziggy Stardust concert in the city through a ticket and Polaroids lent by local fans alongside the wider collection.
The display marks the first venue on the V&A’s national tour of its Bowie archive.
David Bowie: On Tour opens today, and runs until 15 February 2027. and includes more than 100 items from the V&A’s archive.
Developed by V&A Touring and V&A National Programmes with partner venues across the UK, the V&A Dundee says Bowie’s relationship with Scotland is highlighted, namely the sold-out concert at the Caird Hall on 17 May 1973.
Tickets and Polaroids from the night have been lent to the V&A by local fans to bolster the collection.
Svetlana Panova, curator at V&A Dundee, explained: “When researching Bowie’s performances in Dundee, we were struck by how vividly they still live in the hearts and memories of local fans, who have proudly held on to keepsakes such as concert tickets and Polaroid photographs.
“Their dedication has made it possible to tell the cherished local story of 17 May 1973, when Bowie performed Changes, The Jean Genie and Life On Mars? for 2,500 fans at a sold-out Caird Hall in Dundee. Wearing a red Kansai Yamamoto jumpsuit, he played the concert as part of the legendary Ziggy Stardust Tour.”
Visitors are also able share what Bowie means to them within the exhibition. Alongside the local material are objects from the archive itself, including a Ziggy Stardust-era acoustic guitar that V&A Dundee says is on public display for the first time.
The exhibition is accompanied by a city-wide programme called Bowie Town, with themed events and activities in venues across Dundee.
The tour continues to Showtown in Blackpool, the Bowes Museum in County Durham, the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
