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Singing old songs we loved...

The David Bowie performance on VH1's Storytellers from almost ten years ago is due to be released on CD, DVD and Digital formats on July 6th.

Originally taped in front of a small audience of lucky fans and contest winners on August 23rd 1999, the show was primarilly a showcase for a handfull of songs from 'hours...' with a couple of handfulls of Bowie classics thrown in.

The eight song broadcast version from October 1999 has long been a favourite among Bowie fans, not only for the great music but also for some hilarious anecdotes between the songs.

However, the good news for us is that the DVD includes four songs not originally aired which are: Survive, I Can't Read, Always Crashing In The Same Car and If I'm Dreaming My Life.

Here's the official doo dah from EMI...

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David Bowie - VH1 Storytellers CD/DVD and Digital version
Released: 6th July 2009 - EMI

VH1 Storytellers began in 1996 with intimate TV performances by Ray Davies and Elvis Costello. Over the next few years many singer/songwriters appeared on the show, performing in front of a live audience while telling stories of their music and memories. From Garth Brooks to Smashing Pumpkins, many of the most memorable episodes featured British rock acts, and David Bowie appeared on the show on August 23rd 1999.

Bill Flanagan, Executive Producer of the show explains, "We were used to dealing with legendary musicians. Still, landing David Bowie was more than a big booking. There's no way to say this without being corny: it was an honour. Bowie has a unique place in rock & roll. He is not only one of the most influential musicians of the era, he does nothing unless he is fully committed. He never phones it in."

CD:
01 Life On Mars?
02 Rebel Rebel (truncated)
03 Thursday's Child
04 Can't Help Thinking About Me
05 China Girl
06 Seven
07 Drive-In Saturday
08 Word On A Wing

DVD:
01 Life On Mars?
02 Rebel Rebel (truncated)
03 Thursday's Child
04 Can't Help Thinking About Me
05 China Girl
06 Seven
07 Drive-In Saturday
08 Word On A Wing

DVD bonus performances:
09 Survive
10 I Can't Read
11 Always Crashing In The Same Car
12 If I'm Dreaming My Life

Digital audio version:
01 Life On Mars?
02 Rebel Rebel (truncated)
03 Thursday's Child
04 Can't Help Thinking About Me
05 China Girl
06 Seven
07 Drive-In Saturday
08 Word On A Wing

Digital audio bonus performances:
09 Survive
10 I Can't Read
11 Always Crashing In The Same Car
12 If I'm Dreaming My Life

He continues, "Bowie's STORYTELLERS was a unique theatrical event, a sort of off-Broadway "Evening with the Artist" in which a great songwriter used bits and pieces from his life and career to show us all the roads leading up to a single moment, a complement to his current album but also a performance strong enough to stand on its own: a compelling introduction to David Bowie for the uninitiated and a fresh experience for the long time fan.

It was a highlight of the series and a good lesson to those of us behind the camera who sometimes think the artist needs our help. When dealing with an artist of the stature of David Bowie, we can help best by getting out of his way."

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As you can see, the four bonus tracks are also available as digital audio but aren't included on the CD release.

Of the original songs performed, only The Pretty Things Are Going To Hell has never been aired. But, who knows...perhaps it wasn't even taped.

Stay tuned for a BowieNet contest to win CDs and DVDs ahead of the release in July.

It seems a few of the older episodes are all getting the cd/dvd treatment lately. I hope Mtv ever releases George Michael's Unplugged set...

I absolutely LOVED his TV performances from around this time.