David Bowie had reportedly walked away from a multimillion dollar offer from touring powerhouse Live Nation to book the artist for a run of live performances next year. Following on from the release of The Next Day, Bowie’s first album in 10 years, there’s still no indication that Bowie will return to playing live, but that isn’t stopping the touring agencies from trying.
According to The Mirror, Live Nation were the first to put an offer on the table, waving an undisclosed amount (said to be in the multimillions) under Bowie’s nose to entice him back to the stage for the first time in 8 years. The deal was reportedly for shows throughout London, including Olympic Park, next year.
It’s also believed that fierce rivals AEG will be making a similar bid in the near future, possibly for a performance at London’s Hyde Park.
However, a statement from Bowie’s representative to NME makes it quite clear that “there are currently no plans for any live dates”. Perhaps AEG need to add a couple of extra zeroes to that cheque.
The Thin White Duke’s well overdue return to the stage is once again a hot topic of discussion, considering next year will be the 50th anniversary of Liza Jane, the first-ever single from the artist then known as Davie Jones.
Interestingly enough, guitarist Earl Slick who featured on the new album shut down 2013 tour rumours, only to ignite more for next year. His choice of words has definitely raised a few question marks:
“I get asked all the time. And I say ‘Do you know something I don’t know?’ Really though, there’s no big secret we’re keeping from everyone. There’ll definitely be no shows this year, I can tell you that. As for next year, who knows? There’s no conspiracy about a tour now, there just is no tour”
The biggest touring hint so far has come from Bowie’s old lady Iman who casually mentioned that she and their 12-year-old daughter will have to go and visit him on tour following school commitments.
We gotta have faith guys, c’mon.
(Via NME)
