David Bowie with Arcade Fire – Five Years (Fashion Rocks, 2005)

David Bowie | Arcade Fire | Five Years | Radio City Music Hall | New York | 8 September 2005

A couple of weeks ago, I (Nacho) put up my restored version of the first time Bowie performed Five Years, on the Old Grey Whistle Test, 7 February 1972. It is a classic performance that many of us know and cherish.

On the 8th of September 2005, Bowie performed Five Years for the last time. He performed it with a new band he was championing, Arcade Fire. The occasion was the Fashion Rocks Show, held at Radio City Music Hall, in New York. Bowie claimed before the show, “I discovered (Arcade Fire) a year ago. Coldplay’s Chris Martin has been saying he’s discovered them first, but I did!”

Win Butler: “David Bowie was one of the band’s earliest supporters and champions. He not only created the world that made it possible for our band to exist, he welcomed us into it with grace and warmth. I will take to the grave the moments we shared talking, playing music and collaborating as some of the most profound and memorable moments of my life. A true artist even in his passing, the world is more bright and mysterious because of him, and we will continue to shout prayers into the atmosphere he created.”

It’s a remarkable performance, especially considering it was Bowie’s first after the 14-month hiatus following the heart attack that forced him to abandon the remainder of the Reality tour. And it’s also one of the very last live appearances Bowie would ever make.

So here’s my restoration, based on less than perfect sources. For sure it’s a video and audio upgrade on what’s currently out there.

Personnel:

David Bowie | vocals, guitar
Win Butler | guitar
Régine Chassagne | keyboards
Richard Reed Parry | double bass
Tim Kingsbury | guitar
Jeremy Gara | drums
William Butler | bass
Sarah Neufeld | violin
Owen Pallett | violin
[ Any corrections to Arcade Fire members listed here are welcome ]

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