Live: Lower Refectory, Sheffield

David Bowie performed at Sheffield University’s Rag Ball on 18 February 1972.

Although this was an early date of the Ziggy Stardust Tour, Bowie was the support act for soul singer Labi Siffre. Also on the bill were The Scaffold, Shakin’ Stevens and the Sunsets, Brinsley Schwartz, Spencer’s Washboard Kings, and Bronx Cheer.

The show is believed to have taken place at the Lower Refectory, which later became the Foundry.

I was on the entertainment committee and very excited that he’d been booked. He was not scheduled to go on until about 1.30am. I was quite shocked to get into the room to find a guy manning the bar, and standing next to four drunken lecturers chatting up four slightly inebriated girl students. I found myself the only person paying him any attention. It was amazing that someone who would later be so central, and vital, in music I had a virtual one-to-one with. When every Bowie album came out it was an event.