Join us at Temple of Art and Music for an unforgettable one-night-only celebration as we honor the legendary Dana Gillespie on her 76th birthday and officially launch her forthcoming release “Andy Warhol.” This is more than a concert – it’s a journey through over 60 years of music history with a true icon of blues, rock, and glam. Dana Gillespie’s powerhouse voice and magnetic stage presence will fill the night with live music, classic hits, deep cuts, and the exclusive debut of “Andy Warhol” Music Video – the song David Bowie originally wrote for her​, now reimagined in a fresh new release. It’s a milestone event that bridges past and present, celebrating a remarkable career and a special piece of rock history in one epic evening.

A 70s Pop-Art Atmosphere – One Night Only!

Step into a 1970s pop-art dreamscape. For this night only, the Temple of Art and Music will transform into a dazzling Andy Warhol-inspired venue, decked out in vibrant pop art décor, bold colors, and glam touches. The entire space will channel the spirit of Warhol’s Factory and David Bowie’s golden era, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the heyday of Art Rock. From the moment you enter, you’ll be immersed in an atmosphere of creativity and nostalgia – imagine the edgy glamour of a Bowie hangout fused with the avant-garde art vibes of Warhol’s New York. Strike a pose, soak in the neon-lit 70s ambience, and get ready for a night where music and art collide.

Why Attend

• Celebrate 60+ years of music – Toast to Dana’s extraordinary career! Experience a living legend who has been rocking stages for six decades, an icon of blues, rock, and glam whose energy is undiminished.

• Exclusive “Andy Warhol” launch – Be the first to hear and see “Andy Warhol” performed live in its brand-new release format. This is the song David Bowie penned for Dana, now finally unleashed in the way it was meant to be heard – a must-see moment for Bowie enthusiasts and music lovers alike.

• Live music, storytelling & nostalgia – Enjoy an evening of electrifying live music paired with intimate storytelling. Dana will share personal anecdotes from her colorful career, making you laugh, reminisce, and feel the magic of eras past. The setlist include her song from the 70s glam-rock anthems, and hot Blues.

• Immerse in a pop-art paradise – The venue itself is part of the show! Wander through a Warhol-esque 70s atmosphere filled with art installations, vintage visuals, and groovy vibes. It’s not just a gig – it’s a themed party where you can dress up, snap photos against colorful backdrops, and truly become part of the art and music experience.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind night of music and art. Whether you’re a lifelong Dana Gillespie fan, a Bowie devotee eager to witness a hidden gem come to life, or simply looking for an extraordinary night out. Book your tickets now and be part of music history – come celebrate a legend’s birthday in true rock ’n’ roll style, and experience the iconic “Andy Warhol” reborn! 🎉🎶✨

Tickets

Early Career Beginnings

Dana Gillespie’s musical journey began in the vibrant London music scene of the early 1960s. As a teenager, she was captivated by American blues – an infatuation sparked by attending the American Folk Blues Festival and watching British Blues pioneers like The Yardbirds and John Mayall. Blues may have been her first love, but Gillespie initially found her footing performing folk and pop songs. She cut her first single at just 15 years old (with folk icon Donovan accompanying on guitar) and became a regular on the U.K. folk club circuit​. In those early days, she mingled with future rock legends – even having a young Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones (later of Led Zeppelin fame) play on one of her first Deca LP 'Foolish Seasons'. These formative years saw Gillespie evolving from a folk-pop singer into an artist with an expanding musical palette, setting the stage for the genre-spanning career to come.

Theater Breakthrough

Dana Gillespie originated the role of Mary Magdalene in the original London production of Jesus Christ Superstar (1972), earning recognition for her performance in the West End​. This role marked her early success beyond music and highlighted her talent as an actress.

Collaboration with David Bowie

One of the most pivotal friendships of Gillespie’s career was with David Bowie. The two met as teenagers in mid-1960s London, sparking a close personal and professional relationship that lasted through the late ’60s and early ’70s​. Bowie quickly became a champion of Gillespie’s talent as he penned the song “Andy Warhol” specifically for her, and he invited her to sing backing vocals on his iconic Ziggy Stardust album, and even co-produced with her 1973 record Weren’t Born a Man alongside Dana herself and guitarist Mick Ronson​. During this glam-rock era, Gillespie and Bowie were both managed by Tony Defries (the famed MainMan organization).

Transition to the Blues

In 1980 Dana began fronted her own group, the London Blues Band​, and from that point on, her recordings and performances were firmly rooted in the Blues genre, allowing her powerful voice to shine. She immersed herself in Blues music, touring extensively across Europe and beyond. In 2002, for example, Gillespie and her London Blues Band made history by embarking on the first-ever major concert tour of India by a Western Blues act, filling venues from Mumbai to Calcutta and bringing the Blues to thousands of new fans​.

In the 1990s she was voted “Top British Female Blues Vocalist” four years in a row (1992–1996) and was eventually inducted into the British Blues Hall of Fame​. Dana Gillespie’s dedication to the Blues, and her ability to channel its emotion with grit, humour, and passion, firmly established her as one of the leading voices in Blues world.

Long-Standing Impact

Even after more than sixty years in the business, Dana Gillespie shows no signs of slowing down. She remains remarkably prolific and to date she has been involved in the recording of over 74 albums​ and continues to perform for audiences around the world. In 1995 Dana Gillespie co-foiunded with Basil Charles OBE the now famous Mustique Blues Festival, a Caribbean event that draws international talent and raises money for charity​.

Gillespie’s enduring appeal across generations is evident in the company she keeps. In 1997, none other than Bob Dylan, an old friend from the ’60s, invited her to join him as the opening act on his U.K. tour, including a sold-out show at Wembley Arena. Whether on stage, on record, or even on the airwaves (she has hosted radio shows and podcasts to share her love of music), Gillespie’s passion remains undiminished. Her continued presence and energy inspire both longtime Blues aficionados and new fans alike, as she proves that authentic music only grows richer with time.

Legacy and Significance

With a career that has spanned folk, rock, and blues​, Dana Gillespie has carved out a singular place in music history. She is often hailed as a “multiple award–winning Blues legend”​, an artist who not only mastered the craft of Blues singing but also tirelessly promoted the genre across the world. Few performers can claim her level of versatility, from sharing stages with 1960s folk heroes and rock superstars, to becoming a matriarch of the British Blues scene, Gillespie has done it all. Through changing musical eras, she has continually evolved herself while staying true to the soulful, rebellious spirit that defined her art. Trends have come and gone, but Gillespie’s bold personality, witty songwriting, and powerhouse voice have remained constants, endearing her to generations of listeners.

Today, Dana Gillespie stands as a living link between musical eras, a true embodiment of rock and Blues heritage. Her influence and longevity are a testament to the timeless quality of the music she loves. Celebrating her career at this event is something truly special. It’s an opportunity to honor an artist who has given six decades of music her heart and soul. For both lifelong fans and those discovering her for the first time, experiencing Dana Gillespie’s story and songs in person promises to be an unforgettable celebration of a unique and enduring musical legacy.​

Dana Gillespie has captured her 60 years in music with the release of her memoirs, Weren’t Born A Man, offering fans an intimate look into her extraordinary journey through rock, blues, and beyond. From her early days in the London folk scene to working alongside legends like David Bowie, Jimmy Page, and Bob Dylan, Dana’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and rock ’n’ roll spirit.

For those who prefer to hear it straight from Dana herself, an Audible version of the book is also available, bringing her incredible tales to life in her own unmistakable voice.

🎶 Want a piece of history? You can purchase a signed copy of Weren’t Born A Man at the Temple of Art and Music, a perfect keepsake for any true music lover.

This memoir isn’t just a book—it’s a backstage pass to one of the most fearless careers in music history.