Clubs, concerts, and extraordinary live performances—the capital’s music scene is always good for a surprise. Whether it’s the reopening of the iconic Parisian club Silencio, which will also host concerts and performances in the future, or the numerous musical highlights Berlin regularly has to offer. But now a very special event is on the horizon: On February 14, 2027, Berlin’s Uber Arena will be the venue for an extraordinary musical world premiere. In collaboration with the Berlinale, award-winning documentary filmmaker Brett Morgen will present his new project, “David Bowie ‘STAGE’.”
The production promises far more than just an ordinary concert film: With the help of newly discovered and meticulously restored original footage from 1978, as well as a specially developed lighting and sound design, David Bowie’s legendary stage presence will come to life once again nearly 50 years later. The venue is particularly symbolic. For Bowie, Berlin was not only an important stop on his musical career but also a personal retreat and a significant source of artistic inspiration. The world premiere is also taking place during a special anniversary year: On January 8, 2027, the musician—who passed away in 2016—would have turned 80.
In 1978, David Bowie was on his legendary “Isolar II World Tour,” which took him to numerous cities between March and December. During two performances at London’s Earls Court, the musician had his concerts professionally filmed on 35-millimeter film. British actor and filmmaker David Hemmings directed the project. But Bowie was apparently dissatisfied with the result. As a result, the footage was never released as a complete concert film and disappeared into his archive for decades. Now, nearly half a century later, it is set to be presented to the public in an entirely new form.
American documentary filmmaker Brett Morgen discovered the archival footage about ten years ago while researching the Bowie documentary “Moonage Daydream,” which was released in 2022. As early as 2018, initial plans were made in collaboration with Bowie’s estate to develop the footage into a standalone concert experience.
What makes “David Bowie ‘STAGE’” unique is its combination of historical concert footage with modern event technology. Transparent LED screens will create the illusion that Bowie and his band from that era are actually on stage. Three large projection screens enable an elaborate visual production, while a specially developed 7.1 surround sound system is designed to make the music come to life spatially throughout the entire arena.
The concert footage will be accompanied by a synchronized light show tailored to the historic performances. Patrick Woodroffe, who has previously collaborated with international music legends such as the Rolling Stones and Elton John, is responsible for the lighting design. Oscar winner Paul Massey, who worked on the music film “Bohemian Rhapsody,” among other projects, is handling the sound design. Viewers can therefore expect neither an ordinary movie nor a classic live concert, but rather an immersive production designed to give the impression of seeing David Bowie on stage once again.
