Live: David Bowie and Hype, Arts Centre, Basildon

David Bowie performed at the Basildon Arts Centre on 28 February 1970.

He co-headlined the event with High Tide, which featured his future collaborator Simon House on violin. Also on the bill were Iron Maiden (not the heavy metal band) and Overson.

This was the first show to be billed as David Bowie and Hype. Bowie’s new band – Mick Ronson on guitar, Tony Visconti on bass, and John Cambridge on drums – had performed their first show at London’s Roundhouse on 22 February.

David did agree to accept a job at Basildon Arts Centre on February 28. This venue was similar to his own Arts Lab and they offered to pay him 100% of the takings, less their expenses. The other bands on the bill were High Tide, who were paid fifteen pounds, and Iron Maiden, who received ten pounds. David’s share was fifty-one pounds.

Basildon Arts Centre is now known as Towngate Theatre.