Flowers left for David Bowie outside his New York apartment. By David Shankbone – Own work, CC BY 3.0.
2016 has been regarded as a devastating year for celebrity deaths.
These have included Muhammad Ali, Alan Rickman, Terry Wogan, Harper Lee and Carrie Fisher.
Deaths also hit the music industry.
For example, Prince, George Michael and Leonard Cohen all passing last year.
The artistic work carried out by many of these celebrities will grace our lives forever.
10th January 2016 was the day we lost the creative force that is David Bowie.
He died two days after his 69th birthday – the same day he released the album Blackstar.
His death had a significant impact in the media.
His career had spanned over five decades consisting of music, fashion and acting.
He also set benchmarks in the expression and representation of sexuality and masculinity.
Being such a key figure in the world of the arts it was no surprise he meant an enormous amount to a extensive number of people.
MESSAGE FROM IGGY:
“David’s friendship was the light of my life. I never met such a brilliant person. He was the best there is.
– Iggy Pop”— Iggy Pop (@IggyPop) January 11, 2016
Talented . Unique. Genius. Game Changer. The Man who Fell to Earth. Your Spirit Lives on Forever! 🙏🏻❤️ #rebelheart pic.twitter.com/k3k3lfL3Bv
— Madonna (@Madonna) January 11, 2016
David Bowie was a true innovator, a true creative. May he rest in peace 🖖🏾#RIPDavidBowie
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 11, 2016
#RIP@DavidBowieReal Your life changed my life. Love forever.https://t.co/yQ3NsCesTHpic.twitter.com/sLH2ZyFSE5
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) January 11, 2016
David Bowie was one of my most important inspirations, so fearless, so creative, he gave us magic for a lifetime.
— KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) January 11, 2016
The one year anniversary of his death this week has resulted in many celebrations of his life.
His personal art collection has been displayed in Sotherby’s in London for a ten day exhibition followed by an auction.
His collection included works by Hirst, Auerbach and Basquiat.
Bowie said:
Art was seriously, the only thing I’d ever wanted to own. It has always been for me a stable nourishment. I use it. It changes the way I feel in the mornings. The same work can change me in different ways, depending on what I’m going through (The New York Times, 1998).
BBC radio stations have dedicated much air time to the late musician and also aired a new programme entitled The Last Five Years with the release of unseen footage and interviews.
The 8th January 2017 saw the Brixton Academy transform into an astonishing David Bowie party.
Members of his old band, Gary Oldman, La Roux, Def Leppard, and others performed songs to the sold-out venue.
They were celebrating what would have been his 70th birthday.
The tour has also continued in America.
New York hosted one show on the 10th January at Terminal 5.
Los Angeles will have one date on the 25th January, and the show will also reach Dome City Hall in Tokyo on the 2nd February.
For the Setlist on the Brixton show follow this link.
Hear Bowie’s latest EP on this link.
