Thirty years ago to the day (May 22, 1989), Tin Machine released its first LP. While the band's charismatic frontman was pictured alongside his nattily-dressed bandmates Reeves Gabrels (guitar), Tony Sales (bass), and Hunt Sales (drums), the name of David Bowie was nowhere in sight on the album's front cover. For two albums and two live sets, Bowie remained committed to the concept of Tin Machine as a back-to-basics, largely democratic, hard rock outfit.
To promote the debut, the band enlisted director Julien Temple (The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle, The Secret Policeman's Other Ball) to film nine brief performances of songs from the album at New York City venue The Ritz (located inside Webster Hall). This 12+-minute medley has remained commercially unreleased until now. Parlophone has just issued the video today to digital download and streaming services to mark the 30th anniversary of Tin Machine, the band and the album.
The band delivered Tin Machine II in 1991 and the concert album Tin Machine Live: Oy Vey, Baby the next year, recorded in venues including New York, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo, and Sapporo. A live video was also released from a German concert. Though a third studio album was mooted in the press, the group ultimately disbanded amidst personal issues and Bowie returned to solo recording.
Yet, 30 years later, Tin Machine's music still remains some of the most interesting (and divisive!) of Bowie's career. Nine Track Compilation can be viewed below!
Tin Machine, Nine Track Compilation (Parlophone, 2019)
- "Pretty Thing"
- "Tin Machine"
- "Prisoner Of Love"
- "Crack City"
- "Bus Stop"
- "Video Crime"
- "I Can't Read"
- "Working Class Hero"
- "Under The God"
Total running time: 12.37
Dave says
Unfortunately, the video is "unavailable" (in Canada, at least).
Joe Marchese says
Sorry about that, Dave. Regional restrictions...
Dave says
I feared as much, Joe... sometimes I wonder if the "world" wide web is truly "world wide"... but good news – the link that Jeremy posted does indeed work (from Canada)!
Jeremy Shatan says
Your link got broken or something - this one should work: https://youtu.be/3H0hS1lxq4I
Joe Marchese says
Apologies if the original link isn’t working for some. I’ve just tried it again on two different browsers (one mobile, one desktop) and it worked both times for me.
Dave says
Success, Jeremy, and thank you! It does indeed work for me in Canada. Much appreciated.
Markschlesinger says
Use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN), such asNorton or Nord will bypass region restrictions.