contrary to common reports, the band's first live performance together wasn't at the international rock awards show on 31 may 1989. prior to that show, the band played an unannounced show in nassau. bowie recalled "we showed up at a club in nassau where we were recording and did four or five songs. we went down to the club and just did 'em." added gabrels, "we just walked up on stage and you could hear all these voices whispering, 'that's david bowie! no, it can't be david bowie, he's got a beard!'"