Bowie Lives Live @ The Duke (Photoset & Review)

The Bowie Lives performing live at The Duke in Toronto. Photos by Shannen Frost & Jesse Read.

Bowie fans flocked to The Duke in Toronto to watch The Bowie Lives sold out performance on March 9th. Led by award-winning vocalist Michael Bell, the night featured an all-star band as well theatrics and costumes and turned the whole bar into dance floor full of smiles and singing. I had the opportunity Michael Bell in advance of the show, and in doing research for that I came across a number of raving reviews for the show, after witnessing it myself I can certainly see why, it was a blast! Bell delivers an incredible Bowie, and I think one of the parts that makes it such a great tribute is that he’s not trying to be Bowie, he’s not pretending to be him or dressing up like him but paying tribute to his music through an intimate rock show, and giving fans a chance to finally experience the art of a cherished artist in a live setting without feeling like their being sold a gimmick. And boy did those fans get a bang for their buck! Bowie fans aren’t easily pleased, and I’m sure there were a few superfans who were skeptical about the tribute, but this band won over everyone in the bar that night, fans were singing along word for word, to every song and turned the Duke into raging party. It was a beautiful feeling in the room seeing everyone so connected through music, and I’m sure many fans walked away with some magical memories from the Duke that night. Check out the photos below and to watch our interview with Michael Bell keep scrolling!