Preview: Music to Your Ears — Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie was already some eight-plus into his career as a musician and recording artist when he created the landmark album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. The 1972 LP – his fifth – represented an artistic breakthrough. Though he had already scored hit albums and singles in the UK and the United States, Ziggy Stardust brought him to prominence globally. The album’s loose concept centering around a cosmic rock ‘n’ roller gave rise to a compelling stage show, with Bowie adopting the first of a succession of onstage personae. And the music on Ziggy Stardust – from the hit single “Starman” to beloved tracks like “Suffragette City” and the album’s title track – influenced glam rock and the punk movement that was soon to come.

More than a half-century after its release, Ziggy Stardust continues to amaze and inspire listeners. Most recently, D.A. Pennebaker’s concert film from Bowie’s 1973 tour in support of the album has been re-released to theaters, renewing interest in the million-selling music. A timeless album, Ziggy Stardust sounds as fresh and vital today as it did 50-plus years ago.

Now there’s an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate Ziggy Stardust with fellow music lovers. Author and music journalist Bill Kopp will be joined by Mark Casson – singer, musician and songwriter for The Cheeksters as well as long-time leader of tribute group Wham Bam Bowie Band – for an evening of listening and conversation about Ziggy Stardust. Casson may even sing and play a song or two from the classic album. The evening is the latest installment of the popular “Music to Your Ears’ discussion series, hosted by Asheville guitar Bar and sponsored by AshevilleFM.

Join host and music journalist Bill Kopp for an evening in discussion with Mark Casson about David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. We’ll listen to key tracks from the album, and encourage questions from the audience.

ABOUT THE DISCUSSION SERIES
Music to Your Ears is Bill Kopp’s monthly discussion series hosted by Asheville Guitar Bar and sponsored by AshevilleFM. On the first Wednesday of each month, music enthusiasts gather to discuss an important album, artist or musical movement. An interactive evening, Music to Your Ears isn’t a lecture; it’s a discussion led by experts and designed to enrich the listening experience. The character of each session is defined by the participants (that’s you). The conversation goes where the attendees take it: the person seated next to you might have attended Woodstock or seen The Beatles in concert. The insights of everyone in the room are what make each and every Music to Your Ears a unique experience.

ABOUT BILL KOPP
With over 500 bylines in Western North Carolina publications (Mountain Xpress, Bold Life, WNC Magazine and more), Asheville-based author and music journalist is an acknowledged expert on popular music. Author of two books – Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon and Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave – Bill Kopp writes for publications across the country and abroad. A contributing editor at Goldmine Magazine and contributing writer at GRAMMY.com, he has authored more than 30 album liner note essays and conducted more than 1000 interviews. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance, and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts.

WHAT: Music to Your Ears Discussion Series: Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust
WHO: Discussion led by music journalist/author Bill Kopp with special guest Mark Casson
WHERE: Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr., Suite D, Asheville
WHEN: Wednesday July 5 @ 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (doors open 6:30) $10 at the door / SEATING IS LIMITED