Remembering Bowie: from David Jones to Ziggy Stardust
Anthony Devlin from Tribune News Service subscription
Flowers and tributes are left below a mural of David Bowie on the wall of a Morley’s store on Jan. 11, 2016 in Brixton, London, the singers birthplace, after the rock star died following an 18-month battle with cancer.
January 12, 2016
The iconic David Bowie, celebrated for his hit songs, influence on the music industry, and original alter egos- along with their corresponding fashion senses and unique sounds- passed away from cancer on Jan. 10. He had just turned 69.
“I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring,” he once said.
His life was a perfect depiction of this statement. Ever since his song “Space Oddity” landed a top five entry on the UK Singles Chart in 1969, Bowie became one of the biggest names in the industry. In 1972 he began his Ziggy Stardust phase, epitomizing the new glam rock era. With his 1975 album “Young Americans,” he found major success worldwide.
The Berlin Trilogy of “Low,” “Heroes,” and “Lodger,” created in the late 1970s further demonstrated Bowie’s aptitude for versatility while his collaboration with Queen, “Under Pressure,” revealed the influence he maintained on other artists. Throughout the 80s, he worked with stars like Tina Turner, Iggy Pop, and Mick Jagger.
While he was an immeasurable presence in the music industry, his career in acting thrived as well. 1976 marked Bowie’s first major film role with him starring as the lead in “The Man Who Fell to Earth.” He also took leads in “The Elephant Man,” a critically acclaimed Broadway production, the vampire drama “The Hunger,” and most famously, Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth.”
He was not only a brilliant musician but also a visionary. He has inspired me throughout my life, in my artistic endeavors and in not being afraid to express myself.
— America Perez
Bowie remained active up until his final days. The multifaceted performer portrayed several characters in smaller rolls, lent his voice to other productions, and continued producing music. He released his final album, “Blackstar,” two days before his death.
Fans around the world have spent the past few days in mourning, paying tribute to his music and life. Covers of his songs have overtaken YouTube. Radio stations are doubling the frequency at which his pieces are played. According to BBC, in Bowie’s birthplace of Brixton, south London, crowds have been gathering in front of a mural dedicated to him to pay their respects.
“David Bowie was one of the greatest artists of our time,” senior and lifelong Bowie fan America Perez said. “He was not only a brilliant musician but also a visionary. He has inspired me throughout my life, in my artistic endeavors and in not being afraid to express myself. He will be forever missed by me and millions of others whose lives he’s touched.”
