On 11 February 2002, it was announced that Bowie had accepted the role of Artistic Director[1] at the Meltdown Festival, an annual music and arts event held at the South Bank complex in London, England.

David Bowie's Meltdown 2002 ran from 14 to 30 June, with a schedule of concerts and events including performances by The Legendary Stardust Cowboy, Coldplay, The Waterboys and a London Sinfonietta performance of Philip Glass's Low and Heroes symphonies.

The Heathen Tour proper began at the Meltdown Festival with Bowie embarking on a series of European performances including a link-up with Moby for the 12-date North America Area:2 Festivals with a return to Europe for a further six performances.

[2] The following set list was obtained from the concert held on 11 October 2002 at The Music Hall at Snug Harbour in New York City.

From David Bowie From Hunky Dory From The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars From Diamond Dogs From Young Americans From Station to Station From Low From "Heroes" From Lodger From Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) From Let's Dance From Outside From Earthling From Hours From Heathen Other songs: