It's time to take your protein pills and strap on your helmet... a hilarious rock & roll ride awaits when extraordinary entertainer Sven Ratzke presents his dazzling new rock show, Starman, inspired by the music of the legend that was David Bowie.
Enter the hyper-real world of '70s glam rock. Ratzke inhabits Bowie’s multiple personas; a mad, bizarre, androgynous universe of incredible music and outrageous costumes.
The show you have created, Starman; how do you showcase the incredible life of David Bowie?
Being a performer, I've always been intrigued by other artists, especially by David Bowie. In the '70s his career was like roller coaster of mask-wearing, playing new characters all the time. Who was the real Bowie? What was reality and what was fantasy? There is a lot room for personal interpretation. And as a performer I can take something that already exists, recreate, reinvent and make it completely my own. So Starman is a Ratzke show! With a beautiful selection of Bowie songs re-envisioned and stories that take you to places that are both mine and his. His soul is everywhere.
How much have you changed the show in the aftermath of David's death?
We've changed nothing. The only difference is now, he watches us from above, and I think he would smile at us.
Bringing the show to Australian audiences must be an exciting opportunity for you?
Yes it is! This isn’t my first time at Adelaide Cabaret Festival, and I’ve always had a blast. The audiences are great. I think that Australian audiences are very smart, have a wicked humour and love great music. They are open for things that are a bit unusual, out of the box and can enjoy when styles are mixed.
When on stage, do you channel Bowie's presence/ demeanour to remain in character?
No, when I'm on stage I'm Sven Ratzke, but on a wild acid trip. I don’t need the drug by the way, just the audience. They will be entertained and touched, that’s my goal.
How did David's death affect you?
I was very sad, it was as if I had lost a friend. The last two years I had done so much research, met with so many of his friends and collaborators. I feel like I almost knew him. He created art till the end, and his last album almost pre-empted his death. His work is strong and beautiful, he's a hero.
David Bowie's star was universal; but do you find different parts of the world had more love/ passion for different eras of his music?
I think in Berlin there is a different connection; he lived there a few years and it’s where he created his most exciting albums. That’s why I wanted to have the premiere there. On opening night in Berlin a few of his old lovers were in the house. New York City is of course also very important, the city where he lived and died. There, the audience knows his music word for word and a lot of his musicians came to our show. I'm also very curious to bring to show to London, where it all started for Bowie.
Twenty years from now, will Bowie still command the same attention in the afterlife that he does in 2016?
Yes he will, he was a re-inventor, the first real pop star and he paved the way for many artists after him. He's like the Picasso of pop.
What did David Bowie do for pop culture, do you think, that will never be matched?
I think that he took so many risks, in changing his style and reinventing himself, he was very daring and inspiring. What he did was new for the industry, for example his concerts were completely different to what audiences were used to.
Before his death, did you witness Bowie live in concert?
No, unfortunately not. But I’ve researched so much of his work and life that it feels like I did.
Your itinerary is a little crazy. In fact, a lot crazy. Your bio states you spend 48 weeks annually touring the world. That's madness Sven. But how do you maintain such a hectic schedule?
I love what I do, I exist by what I do. I'm not a guy that wants to lay on the beach and sleep. I want to create and the audience gives me strength. But I also know how to relax and I know what I need to have to keep going: good food, baths, lots of love and sometimes flying first class.
What's been the most embarrassing moment for you on stage? Have you ever forgotten your lines?
Of course, but I always make something up. Because I travel so much and do the show in so many languages, I once started a show in German… when I was performing in England. Hahaha, but I realised very quickly what I had done.
Starman: The Music Of David Bowie Tour Dates
Wed 15 Jun - His Majesty's Theatre (Perth)Thu 16 Jun - The Vanguard (Sydney)
Sat 18 Jun - CTC Playhouse (Canberra)
Sun 19 Jun - The Capitol (Bendigo)
22-25 Jun - Adelaide Cabaret Festival
Thu 30 Jun - Bennetts Lane (Melbourne)
