The loss of David Bowie in 2016 had a profound effect on millions of people across the world, from those familiar with his many chart hits to those dedicated hardcore fans who have poured intensely over every lyric and guise.

Such is the long-lasting impact of his musical and cultural legacy that festivals and events like the Dublin Bowie Festival have not only endured but blossomed in the years since his untimely passing. The last time this reviewer witnessed a Bowie event on the same site as the 3Arena it was to witness the legend himself in the old Point Depot, a remarkable, joyous occasion with the man himself in ebullient form, as can be witnessed on the Reality Tour DVD which captured both of his Dublin dates in 2003, and features a stack of Bowie hits performed with real vim and vigour, with even an enthusiastically playful “Tiocfaidh ár lá” from the grinning Ziggy himself thrown in for good measure.

So, therefore, it is with some trepidation that I approached the 3Arena for the headline event of this year’s Dublin Bowie Festival – Bowie Alumni & the RTÉ Concert Orchestra performing The Songs of David Bowie, will this just be a glorified karaoke session or something far too po-faced and stilted?

Thankfully, it was far from either, and indeed we are treated to a spectacular celebration of the music of Bowie, performed by singers who loved him and those lucky enough to have played with him. Gathered together for the first time since Bowie’s last live shows, we have an impressive array of his alumni, led by Gerry Leonard operating on lead guitar whilst also filling the role of musical director and ringmaster. He is joined by Sterling Campbell on drums, Mark Plati on bass, very special guest Mike Garson on piano, and the mainstay of latter-day Bowie tours, Gail Ann Dorsey, who is a transfixing presence throughout.

Supplementing this impressive gathering of musicians, we have a group of hugely talented vocalists: Faye O’Rourke (Soda Blonde), Dana Masters, Duke Special, and Shobsy. This impressive group of singing talent alternate throughout the performance, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra providing stunning accompaniment. It’s a night absolutely packed with highlights from the outset, a sublime Changes, is sung masterfully by Dana Masters, later in the evening she delivers a gut-wrenching rendition of Lazarus, with Ben Castle (Radiohead) providing mournful sax on what proves to be a requiem to Bowie himself.

Faye O’Rourke lends her polished vocals expertly to Five Years and the first half’s closer, a triumphant Starman, whilst Duke Special adds his stamp of class to one of the ultimate Bowie classics, Ashes to Ashes, and impassioned panache to Rock’n’Roll Suicide, which opens the second half of the show.

The real breakout performance of the night is provided by Shobsy, with Bowie standards such as Moonage Daydream and The Man Who Sold the World providing the perfect platform for the young Dubliner’s natural showmanship and powerhouse vocals. But it is on The Bewlay Boys, a track rarely played live by Bowie himself, where he shines the brightest; it is magnificent, and the crowd let it be known that they are suitably impressed.

Gail Ann Dorsey is mesmeric from her first contribution, a spine-tingling Life on Mars with the legend that is Mike Garson on piano, which climaxes gloriously, with a magnificent orchestral arrangement. Space Oddity sees her vocal and Leonard’s guitar combine in a wondrous dance, Win a rarity from ‘Young Americans’ is all soulful elegance, and Loving the Alien is simply stunning. Garson rejoins proceedings for his own “in the moment” arrangement of Aladdin Sane (a world first) and it is chaotically marvellous, even if sometimes the orchestral elements slightly overwhelm the maestro’s piano.

We’re then in full-on celebratory mode, firstly Shobsy and Duke Special team up for a joyous All the Young Dudes. A beautiful combination of guitar, oboe and strings delicately introduces Heroes with O’Rourke opening the vocals before being joined by the rest of our fantastically talented quintet, and as they have been all night, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra (led by David Brophy) are sumptuous in their epic accompaniment.

Let’s Dance brings a very special night to a brilliantly effervescent conclusion, with Shobsy in particular revelling in the spotlight and the unique opportunity to play with such luminescent musicians and artists. As tributes to a musical icon go, this was an exceptionally enjoyable evening filled with outstanding performances, where the deep affection for Bowie was evident in every note that was played and sung.

Photos courtesy of the legendary Mr Billy Cahill