David Bowie’s Lost 1978 Concert Reborn as Global Immersive Experience

Nearly half a century after David Bowie’s 1978 Isolar II tour was captured on film but left unseen, the legendary footage is finally stepping into the spotlight. Stage, a new immersive concert experience, will premiere in Berlin on February 14, 2027, before touring arenas across Europe and the UK later that year. The project blends restored 35mm footage with cutting-edge visuals and sound, offering fans a chance to witness Bowie at his live peak—reimagined for modern audiences.

A Long-Awaited Revival

The original Stage footage was shot by director David Hemmings during Bowie’s three-night run at London’s Earls Court in June 1978. Though Bowie released a live album of the same name later that year, the film itself was shelved. In a 2001 interview, Bowie admitted he disliked the original edit, calling it "pretty good" but ultimately unworthy of release. Now, filmmaker Brett Morgen—known for his 2022 Bowie documentary Moonage Daydream—has spent nearly a decade restoring and reconfiguring the footage, using longer takes and meticulous color grading to craft an experience Bowie himself might have approved.

The result is a multi-screen spectacle designed to make audiences feel as if Bowie and his band have materialized onstage. The production features: - Restored 35mm concert footage from the Isolar II tour, supporting Low and “Heroes”. - Transparent LED screens and large-scale projections for a 360-degree visual experience. - Immersive audio mixed by Oscar winner Paul Massey (Bohemian Rhapsody, No Time to Die), using spatial audio tech to deliver 7.1 surround sound to every seat. - Lighting by Patrick Woodroffe, whose credits include the Rolling Stones and Elton John.

What to Expect

The Isolar II tour was a pivotal moment in Bowie’s career, bridging his Berlin-era experimentation with his later stadium-rock phase. The setlist drew heavily from Low and “Heroes”, alongside classics like "Ziggy Stardust" and "Fame." Bowie’s backing band—including guitarist Adrian Belew, bassist George Murray, and drummer Dennis Davis—delivered some of his most electrifying performances.

For the 2027 revival, Stage is designed for large venues (5,000+ capacity), ensuring an intimate yet grand atmosphere. The Berlin premiere coincides with the 77th Berlin International Film Festival, a fitting tribute given Bowie’s deep ties to the city, where he recorded “Heroes” at Hansa Studios.

Tour Dates and Tickets

The world premiere takes place at Berlin’s Uber Arena on February 14, 2027, with tickets available via Eventim. European dates follow in May 2027, with UK performances—including a return to Earls Court—planned for June and July. Additional cities and dates are expected to be announced soon.

Part of Bowie80

Stage arrives amid Bowie80, a year-long celebration of what would have been Bowie’s 80th birthday. The campaign includes: - BOWIE (breaking) GLASS: A symphonic production pairing Bowie’s music with live orchestras. - David Bowie: You’re Not Alone: An immersive exhibition expanding from London to Manchester, Brighton, and Hamburg. - Archival releases and merchandise.

For fans, Stage offers a rare chance to experience Bowie’s genius in a format he never got to share. As Morgen and the Bowie Estate revive this lost treasure, it’s not just a concert—it’s a time capsule of one of rock’s most visionary performers at his peak.