A slightly amended recording of the Ziggy retirement show at Hammersmith Odeon on 3rd July 1973. It was released alongside a film of the gig and a VHS video version in October 1983.

In order to fit the show onto 2 LP’s “Width Of A Circle” was edited down to under 10 minutes from it’s original 15 minutes and “Changes” position in the set was moved (both were restored to their original length and position on the 2003 re-issue). Also Jeff Beck refused to have his guest appearance on the “Jean Genie/Love Me Do” medley and cover of Chuck Berry’s “Round And Round” included, some say he wasn’t satisfied with his playing, some say he didn’t know it was being filmed and didn’t like what he was wearing ! The  “Jean Genie/Love Me Do” medley was finally included in the “Moonage Daydream” documentary in 2022. “Round And Round” remains un-issued.

During the mixing of the 1983 release Bowie and Visconti were unsatisfied with some of the (backing ?) vocals and recorded new ones. Visconti has stated that the original vocals are still there but were “embellished” with the newly recorded takes. An organ track was also added to “My Death”.

Apart from those changes the album is a fairly accurate representation of an historic night. A great chance to hear the Spiders From Mars in their pomp. A special mention for opening song “Hang On To Yourself”, those first few bars as The Spiders kick into gear, that’s Punk Rock happening right there in London in 1973.

Wild Eyed Boy From Freecloud/All The Young Dudes/Oh! You Pretty Things - https://youtu.be/ZPxLbMXGGBY