June 21, 2000 – It was one classic song ("Life on Mars," "Station to Station," "Cracked Actor") after another ("Starman," "Golden Years," "Ashes to Ashes") when David Bowie played two sold-out shows at New York City's Roseland Ballroom, June 16 and 19. Each show featured different set lists and lasted well over two hours.

These unforgettable, roof-raising gigs – at the same venue where Frank Sinatra sprang to fame – were in advance of Bowie's upcoming headlining performance on the closing night (Sunday, June 25) of the 30th anniversary of the UK's preeminent music celebration, the Glastonbury Festival (which will have special significance since he performed on the festival's inaugural bill back in 1970).

On hand at Roseland was an eclectic mix of musicians (members of the Cure, Foo Fighters, Blondie and Bon Jovi, plus Thomas Dolby, Glen Branca, Jim Therliwell) and actress Susan Sarandon as well as such trendsetters as artist Tony Oursler, fashion designer Todd Oldham, Jim Cameron ("Hedwig") and Bowie producer Tony Visconti who attended with May Pang.

The June 19 date was a truly special show: in a precedent-setting move that befits the pioneering artist, Bowie performed exclusively for members of BowieNet, the rock legend's official online community, music portal and information resource (at www.davidBowie.com). Fans traveling from as far away as Japan, Australia, Ireland, the U.K, Turkey and Chile obtained tickets via Bowie's acclaimed and innovative award-winning Internet service provider. Those in attendance received a free gift, drawings, door prizes and other special merchandise.

Keeping true to Bowie's quote last month that the Roseland shows would feature "several songs that I haven't sung in years," the set lists included such tunes as "Wild Is the Wind," "Rebel Rebel," "Absolute Beginners" and "This Is Not America," plus two songs he hasn't performed since the '60s ("I Dig Everything," "London Boys"). The gigs also featured such modern Bowie gems as "Survive," "Little Wonder," "Seven," "Hallo Spaceboy" and "I'm Afraid of Americans," alongside even more Bowie classics like "Ziggy Stardust," "All The Young Dudes," "Let's Dance," "Heroes" and "Changes." Bowie's band included returning guitarist Earl Slick, who supported Bowie on tour (both 1974's "Diamond Dogs Tour" and 1983's "The Serious Moonlight Tour") and on albums (1974's Young Americans, 1975's David Live and 1976's Station To Station). The group also consisted of Mike Garson (keyboards), Gail Ann Dorsey (bass guitar), Mark Plati (guitar), Sterling Campbell (drums), Holly Palmer (backing vocals) and Em Gryner (backing vocals).

In other Bowie news, he will receive the "Online Pioneer Award" Monday, July 24 at the Yahoo! Internet Life Online Music Awards. Bowie – who's also nominated for "Best Artist Site" – is expected to make a special performance at the event which is being hosted by John Leguizamo at Studio 54 in New York City.