The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
His life on Mars
With Space Oddity show and more, David Brighton has left ground control to pay ongoing tribute to a late, ever-burning star, man
The tribute-band zeitgeist continues with seemingly any recording act that experienced platinum success over the last half century having some sort of traveling group celebrating their mainstream catalog.
However, when it comes to originality, creativity and ties to the namesake artist, there are a few outfits that transcend the trend. One such act is Space Oddity — The Ultimate David Bowie Experience, which returns to Lorain County with for a show Sept. 14 at the Lorain Palace Theatre.
The Los Angeles-based act is led by spot-on impersonator David Brighton, who started the band 15 years ago.
“I was a career guitar player originally when I got a job playing George Harrison with a spin-off of a Beatlemania-esque show,” said Brighton, calling from Orange County, California. “I toured the world doing that for about five years before I saw a Las Vegas show called ‘Legends in Concert,’ where they had impersonators for all different acts — Elvis, Madonna and Michael Jackson.
“Bowie was a voice I always got into trouble (with) when I was doing original music. They said I sounded too much like him, even when I wasn’t trying to. It just happened to be a voice that came out. After seeing ‘Legends’ and doing George Harrison with the Beatles shows, I thought it might be fun to take what I’ve learned and put together a David Bowie act.”
Space Oddity — The Ultimate David Bowie Experience will walk fans down Memory Lane with a 20-some-song set that includes the Thin White Duke’s biggest hits — “Rebel Rebel,” “Young Americans,” “Ziggy Stardust,” “Changes,” “China Girl” and “Heroes.” Someone who early on took notice of Space Oddity was Ziggy Stardust himself. In fact, what separates Brighton from his peers is the fact he worked with Bowie in a TV commercial and on his “Reality” album. He was also cast to play Bowie in a VH-1 television special.
“It was affirming and humbling at the same time,” Brighton said. “When you were a young person and spotted a musician, you aspired to meet your heroes and be their peer. He was very respectful, by the way, and very cool. Also, he was very generous and supportive.
“I never expected to be impersonating anyone, but it was a fit. It’s not the only thing we do musically, but it takes up a whole lot of our time, and we’re really happy to do it. It’s great music. It’s a great show.”
Regarding Bowie’s legacy, Brighton, naturally, feels the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s music will be timeless.