New mural in celebration of music legend David Bowie completed in Peterborough

The colourful new artwork- which is located on Wentworth Street- commemorates Bowie’s concert at The Palais, on the same street, on March 10, 1966 with his short-lived band, The Buzz.

The performance took place long before Bowie became the global superstar we know today – and in those days you could have got in to see him for just five shillings – that's 25 pence. The Palais on Wentworth Street was a significant live music venue in Peterborough during the 1960s and played host to some of the era’s biggest acts including The Who, The Kinks, The Hollies and Manfred Mann.

The venue opened in 1964 as a 2,000-capacity entertainment venue and is regarded as having played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s live music scene before later becoming a bingo hall. The site is now a car park.

The mural, called Starman, has been created by renowned local artists Nathan Murdoch and Tony Nero.

The artwork captures the iconic musician in a bright and colourful style, honouring his legendary status in music history.The Palais

Pep Cipriano, Chief Operating Officer at Peterborough Positive, said: “Peterborough has a fantastic musical heritage, with venues past and present playing host to incredible talent and unforgettable performances over the years.

"Music has always been an important part of the city’s identity, and by using an instantly recognisable figure such as David Bowie artwork creates intrigue while helping to tell the story of Peterborough’s rich entertainment history.

“It celebrates Bowie’s visit to the city, while giving people the chance to reminisce, connect and celebrate the cultural heritage that has helped shape Peterborough over the decades.”

Just three years after his Peterborough performance, Bowie rose to fame with ‘Space Oddity’ and went on to set the 1970s glam rock era alight with his alter ego Ziggy Stardust.

There are also plans to add a QR code to the mural this week to allow passers-by to scan and learn more about the mural and the area’s musical history.