This weekend, Vancouver's music community will gather to celebrate a decade of glam rock and philanthropy. The annual Bowie Ball, a tribute concert honouring the late music icon David Bowie, marks its tenth anniversary on January 10, 2026—exactly ten years after the artist's death from liver cancer.
A Decade of Music and Meaningful Fundraising
The event was born from a fan's desire to commemorate a profound loss. Founder Dave Bowes was moved to act following Bowie's passing in 2016, which came just two days after the release of his final album, Blackstar, on his 69th birthday. "It was quite a sad time for me and a lot of other people," Bowes recalls. He saw the tribute as a way to honour the end of an era, choosing Bowie's vast and collaborative catalogue over a tribute to another lost hero, Motörhead's Lemmy, which he felt might be too niche.
From its inception, the Bowie Ball was designed as a fundraiser for the B.C. Cancer Foundation. Its success has been staggering, selling out every single year. Most importantly, the event has channeled fan passion into tangible support, raising more than $100,000 in donations for cancer research over the past decade.
A Vancouver Music Scene Collaboration
Held at East Vancouver's iconic Rickshaw Theatre, the ball is a true community effort. Owner Mo Tarmohamed, a devoted Bowie fan, immediately agreed to host. "It was a no-brainer," Tarmohamed states, noting the overwhelming interest from local musicians across genres. The first event in 2016 featured an ambitious 20 acts, a number later refined to a more manageable dozen to ensure a smooth show.
This year's lineup showcases the diversity of Vancouver's talent, from soul group The Van Rays and power-pop band Star Collector to dedicated Bowie acts like The Bombshells and Space Junk. The latter band is a particular point of pride, having formed specifically for the Bowie Ball to tackle the complex jazz-rock of Blackstar. "It's a real musical highlight," says Bowes, noting the group's high-level jazz chops have impressed so much they now headline other Bowie events.
More Than a Concert: A Glamorous Night Out
The Bowie Ball transcends a typical concert, offering a fully immersive fan experience. Attendees eagerly arrive dressed in their finest Ziggy Stardust-inspired regalia for a costume contest. A popular attraction is the face-painting station, where fans can get the iconic Aladdin Sane lightning bolt applied.
Mellow Friesen of The Bombshells, who provides both face-painting expertise and music, helped establish this tradition. She even honoured Bowie's early career as a mime with elaborate costumes and masks. Getting audience members "glammed-up" for their Bowie night out has been a big hit, she confirms, adding to the event's unique, celebratory atmosphere.
As the Rickshaw Theatre prepares to welcome another sold-out crowd, the Bowie Ball stands as a powerful testament to art's ability to inspire community and drive change. It successfully merges a heartfelt musical tribute with a critical cause, ensuring Bowie's legacy continues to make a positive impact in Vancouver, ten years on.
