Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage – note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. “Think of it as a recital,” says Martin, “these albums are historic and stand the test of time.” Forgoing costumes and impersonations, Classic Albums Live has found success in concentrating solely on the music. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. We just stand there and play. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” says Martin.

With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success in performing arts centres and theatres. Fans in Texas, Las Vegas, Florida, New York and central and east coast Canada have all continued to support the series and make it a sustaining, successful show. “We grew while others withdrew,” says Martin, commenting on the decline of concert ticket sales, “We created something that endures and connects. These albums are sacred to people. We deliver exactly what we promote – ‘note for note, cut for cut’ accuracy.”

“Wham bam thank you ma’am. Ladies and gentlemen that was David Bowie and oh we miss him! Luckily, he left behind some of the most defining work of the 20th century and we’re going to pay Ziggy Stardust the ultimate respect and perform it note for note – cut for cut.

Looking back at clips of Bowie during this time, you see a man in complete control rewiring what you thought was entertainment. David’s arrangements, coupled with his technicolour lyrics, denote genius – a man on his own path taking on the world, and the only way for him to do this was via Mars.

David Bowie is the one historical figure that I’d like to have dinner with. We’d start with tea then perhaps some brandy, and I’d ask him, ‘who does your make-up’?”

Craig Martin

Founder,
Classic Albums Live