Bowie tribute act back by popular demand!

Space Junk performing at the David Bowie Tribute at the Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver, Feb. 26 2016. Shannon Steele photo.

In February, Vancouver bands came together to celebrate the life and music of David Bowie. One of the highlights of the night was Space Junk, a group of local musicians who performed songs from Bowie’s final album, Blackstar.

The set was such a success that Space Junk are going to not only repeat the feat but play the entire album.

This is a challenge, since Blackstar is not a run-of-the-mill rock record. It contains some of Bowie’s most complex songs and was recorded by the singer and producer Tony Visconti with some NYC jazz musicians. Technically, it’s a difficult sound to replicate, but Space Junk is looking forward to the challenge.

“We got together to play two songs off of Blackstar, and the chemistry and result were so good that I really wanted to find a way to get everybody together again,” said Space Junk mastermind Joseph Blood, of Vancouver band Bend Sinister.

“So when Mo Tarmohamed from The Rickshaw asked if we would try doing the whole album I jumped at it. It’s a deep and challenging album but this group of players has the strength to pull it off. I can honestly say that I’m a fan of everybody else in the group. Who knows, if this show goes well maybe I’ll be able to rope them into doing some original stuff!”

Space Junk performing at the David Bowie Tribute at the Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver, Feb. 26 2016. Shannon Steele photo.

The Space Junk lineup includes Blood and Jeff Younger on guitars, Cobra Ramone on vocals, Mike Allen on tenor sax and flute, Mike Magnusson on drums, and Matt Rhode on bass.

Space Junk performs Blackstar April 23 at the Rickshaw Theatre (254 E. Hastings St.). Tickets are $12.50 + s/c and are available at Red Cat Records, Neptoon Records, Highlife Records, ZuluRecords Store and online at ticketfly.com.

Space Junk performing at the David Bowie Tribute at the Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver, Feb. 26 2016. Shannon Steele photo.