...and if so, will this release include the 'Starman' demo tape sessions? (Auctioned 13th March 2019, £51,000) with a total running time of 44 minutes:

'Starman' (4 minutes 31 seconds)
'Moonage Daydream '(4 minutes 35 seconds)
Hang Onto Yourself (2 minutes 10 seconds),
Also: Five Years, Rock & Roll Suicide, Round & Round, Amsterdam, Holy Holy, Ziggy Stardust, Velvet Goldmine, Soul Love and Lady Stardust.

This of course all depends on who put in the commissioned bids, any ideas who that was? Hopefully it'll be in the hands of the estate.

I spoke to the seller (Kevin Hutchinson) about the tape back in August 2013, Kevin was a close friend to Mick Ronson, who he grew up with. During our conversation he also mentioned owning an Acetate containing recordings made by Mick.

Will such a release also contain the complete Hammersmith gig?

Fingers crossed

I have no insider knowledge, but can't imagine that they wouldn't do something similar, if not even more extensive. It's arguably his biggest album right?

Indeed, quite possibly the extended set we've all been waiting for - probably since '72.

More details on the tapes can be found in Ivor's Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am book. From what it says I would guess it was not the estate who purchased the reel but maybe they have the original multi-tracks on which it was based

Yes, that could be true. Here's a quote from my correspondence with the seller from 2013

"I've been approached by a leading agent who wants to represent me.

He also has direct access to David Bowie and for obvious reasons doesn't want me to sell the tape - not even to David Bowie.

He has asked me not to give any interviews or negotiate with anyone until I have decided what I am going to do with the tape - eg if I want him to represent me or not - because it could jeopardise his negotiations."

So it would appear that negotiations with David weren't successful and Kevin eventually sent the tape off to auction.

Has anyone heard anything further about a Ziggy-based archive release? It's got to be on the cards, and logically it would be next in line after Divine Symmetry. Just seems strange that there's been absolutely no news (that I'm aware of).

It's weird, Divine symmetry was announced at the end of September 2022.

There's probably not enough time left this year to release a new box set before the holiday season which I assumed they were waiting for.

there are rumors about a bigger box set with the next 3 albums
I still don't believe it

Have always hoped for a release of the entire Boston, Music Hall performance (01-10-72) and a Ziggy Stardust commemorative issue would have been an excellent opportunity for such a release.

The four songs from that concert that have already been released as bonus tracks in the past (Sound & Vision 1989) and Aladdin Sane 30th (2003) sound excellent, particularly John, I'm Only Dancing.

Well, it appears the answer to the question I'd posed in the title is an emphatic YES