Over Friday, July 26, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, stars and fans alike gather in Liverpool for the third David Bowie World Fan Convention.
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“We’re gonna really honour David,” famed Bowie collaborator Ava Cherry – one of the Convention’s special guests – tells MOJO. Cherry sang backing vocals on Bowie’s Young Americans album and 1974’s ‘Soul Tour’ and was very much a part of Bowie’s mid-’70s inner sanctum. “I’m very excited about the event!” she adds.
Cherry is part of a line-up that includes musicians Carlos Alomar (pictured above at 2022’s event), Woody Woodmansey, Kevin Armstrong and the rarely sighted George Murray; producer Ken Scott; friend and protégé Dana Gillespie; photographers Kevin Cummins and Denis O’Regan; video remixer extraordinaire Nacho; and Simon Goddard, author of the Bowie Odyssey book series.
The event, which takes place at St. George’s Hall, also hosts BBC arts grande fromage Alan Yentob, who discusses the making of his memorable 1975 documentary, Cracked Actor: A Film About David Bowie, and unveils new HD extracts from the film.
Other highlights include Hunky Dory and Ziggy Stardust producer Ken Scott’s masterclass on Bowie’s Life On Mars using the original multitracks; Scott and Woodmansey hosting a Q&A on the recent Rock And Roll Star box set; in-depth discussions on the Diamond Dogs album/tour and the birth of Young Americans; an illustrated talk by Dana Gillespie drawing on her Polaroid collection; and designer Keanan Duffty discussing Bowie’s fashions.
All that, plus #BowieCon centrepiece the Bowie Ball, and a closing acoustic concert performed by a selection of the special guests, including Ava Cherry, who aims to reveal more about the pair’s special bond.
“David was very soulful,” says Cherry, whose new single Fire is out this month. “He was checking out Al Green, he was checking out everyone!”
With her stunning peroxide hair, the one-time Astronette was also a simpatico style icon. “We were like two aliens in a way,” she says.
Fans are urged to check for the final remaining tickets, and sign up for any updates to the Convention programme at www.bowieconvention.com
And keep an eye out for news before, during and after the event on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Photo by: Jazamin Sinclair