This lot will be auctioned on Thursday, April 30th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM (BST) / 10:00 AM (EDT) / 7:00AM (PDT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace.

A rare collection of 27 black-and-white 35mm negatives taken during David Bowie and The Spiders from Mars' historic last performance at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, on 3 July 1973. This landmark concert marked the onstage farewell to Bowie's iconic Ziggy Stardust persona and the Spiders from Mars, a moment later immortalised in D. A. Pennebaker's concert film Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

Following the encore, Bowie invited his friend Jeff Beck to join the band onstage for three songs, including a medley of "The Jean Genie" and The Beatles' "Love Me Do." Prior to the final song of the evening, Bowie delivered an unexpected announcement to the audience: "Everybody, this has been one of the greatest tours of our life. . . not only is it the last show of the tour, but it's the last show that we'll ever do." The statement stunned fans and media alike, with many initially interpreting it as Bowie's retirement from music.

In reality, Bowie was signalling the end of the Ziggy Stardust era and his collaboration with The Spiders from Mars. Guitarist Mick Ronson was the only member of the backing band informed of the announcement in advance. The concert concluded with a powerful rendition of "Rock' n' Roll Suicide," after which Bowie bowed and left the stage, bringing one of the most influential chapters in rock history to a close.

The lot comprises seven strips of original negatives, housed in a protective paper sleeve. It is accompanied by a Tracks Ltd. letter of authenticity, a transfer of copyright document signed by the original owner and photographer, Richard Sacks, and a sheet featuring printed copies of the included negatives. Dimensions (longest strip): 12.75 cm x 3.5 cm (5" x 1.5")

This lot is sold by the seller with certain copyright and/or design rights; see notice in the Terms and Conditions. For further details on those rights and the terms of the agreement the seller will transfer them to the buyer, please contact us.

Estimate: £5,000 - 10,000 M