“The truth is of course that there is no journey. We are arriving and departing all at the same time” – David Bowie
On Monday, January 11th, 2016, people woke up to hear the shocking and devastating news of legendary icon, David Bowie having passed away. He had turned 69 years old just two days before. It was a sad and empty day that for most was at a standstill as one of music’s greatest pioneer was now gone.
David Robert Jones was born in Brixton, London, in January 1947. At a very tender age he was highly moved by the power of music, not knowing the kind of power he himself would later have on it. Throughout five decades, he became one of the biggest and most notable influences in all genres of music, fashion, and pop culture.
Since the late 60’s, the eccentric chameleon proved to be the king of reinventing himself via the multiple personas he conquered and the impeccable sense of fashion he owned. He gave birth to the infamous astronaut Major Tom in his very first hit “Space Oddity,” which became one of his many anthems. In the early 1970s, he spawned the ever beloved extraterrestrial Ziggy Stardust to show how glam rock should really be done, while solidifying his breakthrough with “Starman.” He transformed into the sophisticated Thin White Duke and injected intellect into rock.
He worked and shared a stage with some of music’s giants such as fellow legend, the late Freddy Mercury and Pink Floyd vocalist David Gilmour. He became a muse and an innovator to a myriad of today’s distinguished musicians such as Arcade Fire and Nine Inch Nails. Not to mention the numerous who paid tribute to him on their own renditions of Bowie classics, like Nirvana’s “The Man Who Sold the World.” While most artists were riding a wave of traditional rock, Bowie simply abandoned it. He blended hard rock, heavy metal, soul, psychedelic folk, and pop in a concoction that no one had or would ever mix. He released 26 studio albums, sold an approximate 140 million albums and received countless awards and recognitions.
His last album Blackstar, ironically and poetically released on his birthday, two days before his death, was potentially a farewell to his fans. The song “Lazarus” (biblical character who is resurrected) opens with the lyrics: “Look up here, I’m in Heaven!” Musically, the song carries a sad and haunting saxophone hook while the lyrics clearly express his pain and his future departure of this world. The music video depicts him blindfolded in a hospital bed and ends with him vanishing into a dark closet.
Since the tragic news, a myriad of recognized musicians and fans worldwide have come forth to express their massive loss, great appreciation and fond experiences with him. One thing is solidly true; he was a one-of-a-kind human being in all levels. There will never be another that shares the talent, eccentricity and beauty that he possessed.
“We could be heroes, just for one day.” Thank you David Bowie, you will be a hero for many lifetimes.
