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David Bowie — Ashes To Ashes (Live)
Album: Fresh From Divorce: The Scary Monsters Chronicles
Avg rating:
8.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 5041









Released: 2000
Length: 5:00
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Do you remember a guy that's been
In [[David Bowie:Space Oddity|such an early song]]?
I've heard a rumour from ground control
Oh no, don't say it's true

They got a message from the action man:
"I'm happy, hope you're happy, too
I've loved all I've needed love
Sordid details following"

The shrieking of nothing is killing just
Pictures of Jap girls in synthesis and I
Ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but this planet is glowing, glowing, glowing, glowing, glowing...

Ashes to ash and funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

Time and again, I tell myself
I'll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh no, not again
I'm stuck with a valuable friend
I'm happy, hope you're happy, too
One flash of light but no smoking pistol

I've never done good things
I've never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue, woh-o-oh
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now

Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low

My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said...
Comments (264)add comment
Never, ever to be forgotten.
Posted 16 hours ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
 aspicer wrote:

Amazing how I still get wistful about his loss; years later does not seem that long ago. What musical pioneer and genius.



I know exactly what you mean: he died two days after his 69th birthday, which was on my 49th birthday.  One I'll (sadly) never forget.
Posted 2 months ago by PatfromXenia    [ Reply ]
superb musicianship 👍
Posted 4 months ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
Great bass !!!
Posted 4 months ago by antonini.duje    [ Reply ]
This gives me goosebumps. Goodness knows what it must have been like to have been there in the flesh....
Posted 7 months ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
 ufamsm wrote:

Here it is, the song I always have to stop what I'm doing and love. Everything about this recording is flawless, especially Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and the creepy overhead speaker in department store from outer space voiceovers.

This recording is my favorite song in all of music. 



Thank you for the link to Dorsey's wiki - it led me to her and Bowie's live cover of Laurie Anderson's 'O Superman' , lovely as well.
Posted 7 months ago by fedtho    [ Reply ]
 bialia wrote:
How can you miss someone so much that you never actually knew? 



Posted 9 months ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Liking that synth!
Posted 1 year ago by Saranghae    [ Reply ]
It is truly staggering, to have done such a freakin' MASTERPIECE track live! and it always hits me every time how far ahead, how fearlessly weird and wild, how incredibly adept at such mastery of every single level of sound and production he and everyone involved was!
Posted 1 year ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
 alvarorb wrote:

What an awesome version. I like it more than the studio one. 




The best version for sure. If you search a bit, you'll find several live versions of Ashes to Ashes. Like this one, the drums & big fat bass line drive the bus. What makes this one special to me are the keyboards/ synthesizers at the end. You don't hear that on other versions. And, you won't find this track on iTunes or Spotify, (why would we go there RP listeners?) you'll have to buy the CD on eBay like I did. William & team have curated and picked the perfect track. Thank you RP for digging deep and finding gems like this.
Posted 1 year ago by linurbug    [ Reply ]
One of my favorites, and this rendition is so in the groove!  Listen to the guitar/bass/drum - definition of "tight".  The video is amazing as well.
Posted 1 year ago by wrevelos    [ Reply ]
Amazing how I still get wistful about his loss; years later does not seem that long ago. What musical pioneer and genius.
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 Lemmes wrote:

It is on the extra disc of the limited edition. Check out the youtube video of that concert!
David-Bowie-at-the-BEEB-1 David-Bowie-at-the-BEEB-2


that link is for Ashes to Ashes. Here's the full concert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp2QaLXbc2M
Posted 1 year ago by rtrt    [ Reply ]
Posted 1 year ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
My absolute favourite version of this song and I would say top five all time Bowie records.
Posted 1 year ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
I've begun to enjoy Bowie more and more. An odd figure for sure, but not in a bad kind of way.
Posted 1 year ago by vatt    [ Reply ]
 sfyi2001 wrote:
           



The Talking Heads lyrics "I changed my hairstyle so many times now, I don't know what I look like" come to mind
Posted 2 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
Gets a 9 just for that bass line.   
Posted 2 years ago by Alastair    [ Reply ]
 njegbers wrote:
Gail Ann Dorsey . Amazing player. Also execellent singer.

Nope, Mark Plati on this one.


Posted 2 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
Love the turn with about a minute left. Such superb musicians!!
Posted 2 years ago by Montreal_Mort    [ Reply ]
 sub-arctic wrote:

{#Yes} Exactly my thoughts.



Yes.
Posted 2 years ago by reguru2112    [ Reply ]
 aliencat wrote:

Killer bass line. Who is that? Herbie Flowers? Visconti? Lodge?




Gail Ann Dorsey . Amazing player. Also execellent singer.
Posted 2 years ago by njegbers    [ Reply ]
Killer bass line. Who is that? Herbie Flowers? Visconti? Lodge?
Posted 2 years ago by aliencat    [ Reply ]
Great song and I like the prominent bass.
Posted 2 years ago by corydon    [ Reply ]
And God said, "Let there be the perfect live version of a great studio album cut . . . ."
Posted 2 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
 bialia wrote:
How can you miss someone so much that you never actually knew? 



You get to to know them posthumously and regret having waited so long. Like how I feel about Amy Winehouse.
Posted 2 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
How can you miss someone so much that you never actually knew? 
Posted 3 years ago by bialia    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:


Thank you for the link. Awesome video. It made my rating go from 9 to 10. 



The BBC concert is awesome!!
Posted 3 years ago by ForeverJerry    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.


Mark Plati plays bass on this song.   Gail is playing rhythm guitar.
Posted 3 years ago by dougnichols    [ Reply ]
I prefer this version.  The bass player is much faster in this version.
Posted 3 years ago by nelsonha    [ Reply ]
 oppositelock wrote:

You are correct.  Plati was recovering from two broken arms but he had this one down.  You can see them switch at the beginning.  The bass is insane on this one.

https://youtu.be/lNqo0kIR-TU




Thank you for the link. Awesome video. It made my rating go from 9 to 10. 
Posted 3 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
So great
Posted 3 years ago by noe.architecte169    [ Reply ]
The Blitz Kids in the video, he was their hero
Posted 3 years ago by luvinlife    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.


Actually this is Mark Plati.  He switched up with her just for this song.  Just recovering from breaking both arms in a bike crash.  Watch the video!
Posted 3 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
My favorite Bowie song and my favorite version!
Posted 3 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Any more takers on who is playing Bass, we have Mark Plati Gail Ann Dorsey Herbie Flowers I’m going with my mate Dave from our old school band, he had some top twiddly fingers !!
Posted 4 years ago by Pioneer_Sing    [ Reply ]
 ufamsm wrote:

Here it is, the song I always have to stop what I'm doing and love. Everything about this recording is flawless, especially Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and the creepy overhead speaker in department store from outer space voiceovers.

This recording is my favorite song in all of music. 




It's Herbie Flowers on bass.
Posted 4 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
 MinMan wrote:
Is that the correct cover? I thought this was released in about 1979 - 1980.

It is on the extra disc of the limited edition. Check out the youtube video of that concert!
David-Bowie-at-the-BEEB-1 David-Bowie-at-the-BEEB-2
Posted 4 years ago by Lemmes    [ Reply ]
 sfyi2001 wrote:
           




Any photos of him ever smiling?
Posted 4 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
Here it is, the song I always have to stop what I'm doing and love. Everything about this recording is flawless, especially Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and the creepy overhead speaker in department store from outer space voiceovers.

This recording is my favorite song in all of music. 
Posted 4 years ago by ufamsm    [ Reply ]
 sfyi2001 wrote:
           


Love it.  The many faces of Bowie, and still he was so much more.  What a delightful  icon.
Posted 4 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
Is that the correct cover? I thought this was released in about 1979 - 1980.
Posted 4 years ago by MinMan    [ Reply ]
Just the best
Posted 4 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
           

Posted 4 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
For the life of me I cannot find this particular recording on iTunes.  Any suggestions?
Posted 4 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 rpdevotee wrote:
Amazing drum and bass lines really make this song
{#Bananajam}{#Drummer} 
 

Synth as well!
Posted 4 years ago by Sofa_King    [ Reply ]
 whaleboneman wrote:

I apologize. I don't know what I was thinking. 9 to 10 now.
And thank you.
 
I just did the same thing 9---->10!  I have so many Bowie songs rated as 10 that one or two should get just a 9.  Nah, 10 across the board!
Posted 4 years ago by Larrygrrl    [ Reply ]
 grexe wrote:
if this is not 10 god-like I don't know what is 😉
 
I apologize. I don't know what I was thinking. 9 to 10 now.
And thank you.
Posted 4 years ago by whaleboneman    [ Reply ]
Godlike, for sure.
Posted 5 years ago by BebePassiflora    [ Reply ]
Great performance, great version..
Posted 5 years ago by jasko    [ Reply ]
That was so cool, never heard that  live version, thanks RP..
Posted 5 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
 jsjunk wrote:
 Wrong album cover! This is clearly Sterling Campbell drumming, who would have been 8 years old in '72. 
 
In 1972 "Ashes to ashes" wasn't even written. But it is probably the 3rd CD of the "limited edition" of this record, which contains further recordings made on June 27, 2000.
Posted 5 years ago by Carlo9151    [ Reply ]
Best version of this song!  10+
Posted 5 years ago by pgoode708    [ Reply ]
Not a fan of the song, but really it's the videos chosen for this one. AWFUL! I listen at work with it on my screen and seeing cigarettes and ashtrays is very gross.
Posted 5 years ago by emcibulka    [ Reply ]
Wrong album cover! This is clearly Sterling Campbell drumming, who would have been 8 years old in '72. 
Posted 5 years ago by jsjunk    [ Reply ]
 msymmes wrote:
Just to reiterate a year later...
 
msymmes wrote:

Outstanding recording.   Both from a performance and technical perspective.

 

 

But is it me or is the drummer making them go faster?


 
 
The bass is driving the speed....and I LIKE IT!
Posted 6 years ago by rgio    [ Reply ]
 alanthecowboy wrote:

I think Mark Plati played on this version.  For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
 
I bet Mark said to Gail, "this song and your part are just way too cool. Can I please please please play the bass this time??"
Posted 6 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
if this is not 10 god-like I don't know what is 😉
Posted 6 years ago by grexe    [ Reply ]
I thought his ashes were scattered around his upstate NY home in Mount Tremper/ Boiceville area.
Posted 6 years ago by IamEncharma    [ Reply ]
Bass and drums so tight, chills
Posted 6 years ago by rascal    [ Reply ]
Solid bass playin here
Posted 6 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
my sister bought this as a single when i was into punk, was very uncool at the time but i absolutely loved the song and this live version is terrific. 10 for me.
Posted 7 years ago by gbt    [ Reply ]
 CyrusPaul wrote:
Gail Ann Dorsey killing it on the bass....

 
It's Mark Plati on the bass. On this concert Mark was in the guitar but for this one they switched instruments
Posted 7 years ago by xamonix    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this rare version of one of the best songs by my favorite artist.
Posted 7 years ago by jvhalbrooks    [ Reply ]
Thank you for playing this rare version of one of my favorite songs by my favorite artist ever.
Posted 7 years ago by jvhalbrooks    [ Reply ]
Fantastic! One of his best songs. Great live recording too!
Posted 7 years ago by Tom_Price    [ Reply ]

(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
{#Notworthy}
Posted 7 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
{#Clap}{#Music}
Posted 7 years ago by Joanna91540    [ Reply ]
Gail Ann Dorsey killing it on the bass....
Posted 8 years ago by CyrusPaul    [ Reply ]
Literally out of time.
Posted 8 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
I feckin love this.
Posted 8 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
Yep, I think this was my all-time favorite run on RP.  An amazing way to start the day.
 
AKMacAddict wrote:
Nice three-fer...  Major Tom, Space Oddity, and now Ashes to Ashes.  Why I keep coming back.  

 


Posted 8 years ago by indiasbelly    [ Reply ]
Nice three-fer...  Major Tom, Space Oddity, and now Ashes to Ashes.  Why I keep coming back.  
Posted 8 years ago by AKMacAddict    [ Reply ]
about a month ago I got this cd set with the bonus disc, used but in excellent condition
it sounds super good through my JBL's  
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
TIGHT
Posted 8 years ago by rhbphoto    [ Reply ]
{#Music} Hummmmm que c'est bon !!! Merci
Posted 8 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
Amazing drum and bass lines really make this song
{#Bananajam}{#Drummer} 
Posted 8 years ago by rpdevotee    [ Reply ]
Tout simplement superbe!  {#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
And technicians !!! Don't forget them
Posted 8 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
This is simply one of the best live tracks I've ever heard.
Posted 8 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
It's true than the bass is wonderful !!! and percussions to ! and guitars to ... in fact all of musicians
Posted 8 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
Le meilleur, the best, l'unique, l'extra-terrestre !!!
Posted 8 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
 alanthecowboy wrote:

I think Mark Plati played on this version.  For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...

 
You are correct.  Plati was recovering from two broken arms but he had this one down.  You can see them switch at the beginning.  The bass is insane on this one.

https://youtu.be/lNqo0kIR-TU


Posted 8 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
 coloradojohn wrote:
Truly, one of the best grooves ever. Earth-shaking bass...dark, sinister lyrics...mind-bending guitar and keyboard work: MASTERPIECE

 
...and drums!

Couldn't tell this was live. So polished. 
Posted 8 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
Love this version!
Posted 8 years ago by SFine    [ Reply ]
David Bowie — Ashes To Ashes (Live)

This set made my morning-  Thanks, Bill!

 


Posted 8 years ago by IrieTom    [ Reply ]
Nice tribute Bill.
Posted 8 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
Truly, one of the best grooves ever. Earth-shaking bass...dark, sinister lyrics...mind-bending guitar and keyboard work: MASTERPIECE
Posted 8 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
God I was in school when this Bowie album was out. Seems like yesterday sometimes. RIP BOWIE-A LEGEND.
Posted 8 years ago by reverb890    [ Reply ]
A lovely end to the Major Tom trilogy. Thanks, Bill!
Posted 8 years ago by CrispyDruid    [ Reply ]
 ecomaniac wrote:


Gail Ann Dorsey, I believe.

 
I think Mark Plati played on this version.  For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
Posted 8 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
Thank you ecomaniac!!! Gail Ann's Awesome
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 fgiberti wrote:
Anybody Can tell me who's playing bass here?
 

Gail Ann Dorsey, I believe.
Posted 8 years ago by ecomaniac    [ Reply ]
Anybody Can tell me who's playing bass here?
Posted 8 years ago by fgiberti    [ Reply ]
 boontonite wrote:
This version was from a concert that was recorded at the time the "Bowie at the BEEB" discs were released. It was included on a bonus disc that came with the original package. The entire disc is worth checking out!

   

Skydog wrote:

ah yes, the bonus disc, that explains everything
also I am very impressed with Bowie pulling this off live sounding this good,
another excellent job Mr Jones 

 
The performances and recordings of various "Live at the BBC" discs (the Beatles, Led Zep, Dire Straits) that I've heard are almost uniformly outstanding. Why the hell they were kept from the public for so long is beyond me. It reminds me that the Beeb was about to throw away all of its recordings of Monty Python's shows before someone thought to ask the Pythons if they wanted them. If the Beeb hadn't asked, most of us would never have seen the shows...
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
The band sound mighty tight on this one. Outstanding!
Posted 9 years ago by SchoepTone    [ Reply ]
Incredible live performance. Better energy than the original studio version. Wow.
Posted 9 years ago by Mikey1    [ Reply ]
Wow - A "Major Tom" Trilogy Only on RP
Posted 9 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
 OHMish wrote:
I doubt that this is from any 68-72 BBC session, as the cover states.
It's most likely 2000-ish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU

 
The 2000 bbc session (BBC Radio Theatre, June 27, 2000) was a bonus cd on the first release of this double cd set from 68-72. All very good.
Posted 9 years ago by EddieBaby    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:
can't help repeating myself but I love this recording, 
Bowie and the whole band are scoring big time here

 
...absolute agreement
Posted 9 years ago by zedstation    [ Reply ]
can't help repeating myself but I love this recording, 
Bowie and the whole band are scoring big time here
Posted 9 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I doubt that this is from any 68-72 BBC session, as the cover states.
It's most likely 2000-ish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
Posted 9 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
I remember when I was a teenager and the video for this song was in heavy rotation on MTV.  I hated it then.  I groaned every time the video came on.

How time can change things.  I love this song.  It also brings with me that nostalgic longing of my youth.   
Posted 9 years ago by TampaPurple    [ Reply ]
I just watched a thing on Bowie this weekend. As they were talking about this era, (and this track specifically), it just hit me how incredible and ingenious this song is. I mean, I know that's not a great revelation, because of course, Bowie. There is something that just reaches out and grabs me about this track. 

Bowie was one of those who did things with calculated aplomb. Most of the time it just plain worked.
Posted 9 years ago by Wilfrue    [ Reply ]
 boontonite wrote:
This version was from a concert that was recorded at the time the "Bowie at the BEEB" discs were released. It was included on a bonus disc that came with the original package. The entire disc is worth checking out!

 
ah yes, the bonus disc, that explains everything
also I am very impressed with Bowie pulling this off live sounding this good,
another excellent job Mr Jones 
Posted 9 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
OK, Thank You! Nothing like original material! {#Cheers}
Posted 9 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
love love love it!   3 Major Tom songs in a row and great versions.
Posted 9 years ago by Oxen1morale    [ Reply ]
This version was from a concert that was recorded at the time the "Bowie at the BEEB" discs were released. It was included on a bonus disc that came with the original package. The entire disc is worth checking out!
Posted 9 years ago by boontonite    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:

if like the album cover says 68-72 then no
which brings up the question
Bowie was doing this about a decade before it's 1980 release on 'Scary Monsters'? 

 
Isn't it this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
Posted 9 years ago by OHMish    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

The bass player kicks ass on this version - I wonder if it's Gail Ann Dorsey.

 
if like the album cover says 68-72 then no
which brings up the question
Bowie was doing this about a decade before it's 1980 release on 'Scary Monsters'? 
Posted 9 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Fabulous. Great idea to do the Major Tom Trilogy and to highlight one particular artist. You should do this more often: find an artist to highlight and do three or four songs in a row that highlight that artist.
Posted 9 years ago by stangalbraith    [ Reply ]
All Bowie: 10
Posted 9 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
It's the Major Tom trilogy. Nice.
Posted 9 years ago by Wilfrue    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

I'd always sorta consigned the album version to the "Yeah, I know...classic rock," but this one absolutely cooks.

 
The bass player kicks ass on this version - I wonder if it's Gail Ann Dorsey.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 9 years ago by kanga311    [ Reply ]
how in the world did Bowie pull it off?
he still amazes me
how could so much creativity come from this skinny little dude? 
Posted 9 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Hope RP plays more live versions of DB songs.  I need it, since I never had the chance to see him in concert - these albums will have to do, I guess (sniff).
Posted 9 years ago by guthrieandme    [ Reply ]
 zoopmama wrote:
Bowie's the man for freaky, surrealistic pop culture imagery. This was one of the first videos I ever saw on MTV, in a motel room in southern Utah in the early 80s... Sitting on the bed transfixed — a minor adolescent revelation seeing the thin white duke rising from the water in a clown suit! (But nothing compared to seeing him as Ziggy Stardust on a TV special a few years prior... "Is he crazy? Is he really an alien?! Are people allowed to do that?")

coloradojohn wrote:
Yes, indeed...some of the best and funkiest bass action ever in a song!  (Both the Scary Monsters and this version seem to jam equally well in such regard.) George Murray, you really ROCKED it, for sure!  And I can't help but remember that shockingly SURREAL video from way back when...
 

 
Bowie

Transcendant Artist 
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Thanks Bill. We want more Bowie.
Posted 9 years ago by juliobombarda    [ Reply ]