Regent Street Polytechnic 1970

Regent Street Polytechnic, London, UK on 7 Mar 1970

Disc and Music Echo - 12th March 1970

BOWIE'S BOW

By Gavin Petrie

DAVID BOWIE, in ten-league boots and groovy gear, presented his new backing group line up Hype, at London's Regent Street Polytechnic on Saturday. He needs an expert on sound balance who should effectively solve the teething problems of the new line up.

   David had much more confidence and stage presence with this backing group, and as his songs are suitable for grooving to as well as just listening to, the brightest hope could well change categories.

   This show was a disaster. The volume on Mick Ronson's lead guitar was so high that not only did he block out David's singing but also completely overpowered John Cambridge's drums. The volume also cleared the seats in a direct line with his speaker.

   That magic that makes for greatness is there but suppressed, sometimes even hidden. If my ears ever recover I expect to see David plus Hype in a few months time... shining through.