David Bowie’s Nov. 6, 1974, concert at Cleveland’s Public Auditorium was a ground-breaking show. Bowie’s return to Cleveland – as part of his Diamond Dogs Tour – ushered in a completely different show and set list just five months after his last visit to Cleveland.
The drastic changes in November 1974, which became known as the Soul Tour or the Philly Dogs Tour, ushered in a minimalist stage set from previous tours and introduced a much more soul-infused sound, tracing back to Bowie’s time spent in a Philadelphia sound studio.
Accompanied by a new backup band and a backing vocal ensemble, and with support from the legendary Luther Vandross as a vocal arranger, Bowie serenaded the audience with such hits as “Rebel, Rebel,” “Changes,” “Young Americans,” “Suffragette City,” “Moonage Daydream,” and “Diamond Dogs.” Interestingly enough, several of the songs performed that night predated their official album release in March 1975.
Cleveland has always been on the cutting edge of rock and roll history, and David Bowie’s November 1974 concert was no exception. It was a transformational night for both David Bowie and Cleveland.
Check out Cleveland’s rock history in Cleveland Landmarks Press’ book, All Access Cleveland: The Rock and Roll Photography of Janet Macoska.
