I've been listening to David Bowie for years, and have been a huge fan since being a teenager. Since then, my friends have known me as the guy who won't shut up about David Bowie. I was lucky enough to see him on his last tour in 2003, right before he cut it short due to health issues. I've been in tears on and off the last few weeks, which is very odd for me. I've never felt any kind of real loss of a celebrity before this, and I honestly probably never will again. David Bowie was a big deal to me. Every other artist I really love and relate to either collaborated with, was supported by, or was influenced by Bowie. In my opinion, we lost the greatest star in rock music and one of the true visionaries of our culture.
He left us an amazing parting gift. If you haven't done so yet, listen to his new album, Blackstar, and watch the videos he created it. It is absolutely haunting and mesmerizing, and absolutely Bowie. The album is great. All of the reviews came in just before he died, so you can trust that it clearly stands on his own even without Bowie's death. Now that he has died, Bowie has pulled back the curtain and made clear the message and purpose behind the album. Now the rest of us are finally in on the plot. Not even those working with him in the studio knew Bowie had cancer. He kept this secret from everyone, and managed to work 6 hours a day on this record while undergoing chemotherapy. His vision and work ethic is absolutely inspiring. I'm so sad that Bowie is gone, but so happy that he was able to go out on such a high note, and in such a way that was so original and artistic.
Watch the video for
Blackstar. It has so many layers of meaning and imagery that it makes my head spin. (I've found at least 4, and think you should analyze it for yourself.) I can't imagine a more mesmerizing tapestry about celebrity, cults, religion, humanity, and death - and all of it is buried just deep enough that it remains difficult to fully grasp.
Watch the video for
Lazarus. I dare you not to love Bowie. Even in his last days he created a character for himself, and used a name which suggests that he will return. In many ways, I think he thought he would. Always a showman, even in his last act.