Hard to believe that David died, EIGHT YEARS ago today. This was the tribute I wrote for Bowie, just a few days after he passed away. It was published in my column ‘Rockin’ the Bay’ on 20th January, 2016. Rest in Peace, David ~ the world can never be the same without you…
2016 got underway with the shocking news on January 10 that uber-talented, universally revered musician / actor / artist, David Bowie had died, (just two days after his 69th birthday). 2015 ended with the less surprising announcement that the ace king of heavy metal, Lemmy of Motorhead had died, (just two days after his 70th birthday). All the icons of the sumptuous 70s are now hitting their 70s. Strap your headphones on, folks — we could be in for a rough ride over the next decade, as they head one by one to the great gig in the sky.
Bowie was so different ~ in life and in death. His transition through a plethora of groundbreaking musical styles and guises kept his ever-growing audience intrigued and amazed. His influence is immense across the entire music and art world. Bowie’s kiwi connection involved four tours here (three of which I was very lucky to experience), plus the filming of the movie ‘Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence’, in which he played the part of a New Zealand soldier. His 1983 Western Springs concert holds the record for the largest attendance by a paying audience in the southern hemisphere! There were 80-100,000 fans at that performance and every one of them has their own Bowie story to tell. Roy Brown (Guv at The Cabana) even got to have a two-hour chat with David, alone at a quiet Auckland bar in 1987! We are all affected by his passing…
Bowie had known for 18 months that he was dying, but remained as original and creative as ever. In that time he produced an eerily beautiful farewell album, entitled ★ (Blackstar) and also launched a stage show. Bowie released the album and video on 8th January (his birthday) and then slipped away. Right through to the final act, he staged everything as perfectly as he did throughout his extraordinary career and was still in very fine voice. In “Lazarus” he sings “Look up here, I’m in heaven”. Thanks for the fantastic music and great memories, David!
When a star dies, it brings our own mortality into perspective. Mourn, but move on. Get out there and seize the next day ~ have fun with family and friends, play your Bowie records, do what makes you happy. It’s going to be a golden year!
Geoff Dunn, 2016
