Rock-and-roll legend David Bowie died Sunday after a secret battle against cancer, his publicist confirmed early Monday.
He had turned 69 on Friday.
The singer-songwriter, whose decades of hits redefined rock music and whose gender-bending alter ego, Ziggy Stardust, became a pop-culture icon, passed away at his London home, his loved ones at his bedside.
“David Bowie died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18 month battle with cancer,” read a statement on his Web site.
“While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief.”
Bowie had just released an album, “Blackstar,” and was in New York last month for the opening of an Off-Broadway show based on his music, “Lazarus.”
He had released two albums in the last year or so after not releasing anything for a long time, but did no publicity work around them, no shows, no interviews.
It seemed odd, but Bowie was an odd fellow (and I mean that in a good way) so I just thought maybe that was how he wanted to do things.
Alas with the cancer, it seems that may have been how he had to do things.
I am very saddened to hear this news.
So many good memories with Bowie's music - here's one, with Bowie and Ronson:
Bowie was at the forefront in the glitter scene which was a precursor to the punk movement. He was a total pioneer for sure and this teacher respects all that he did. RIP David.
ReplyDeleteDon't be sad! His death wasn't tragic ... it was dignified and he left behind a massive body of art for you to enjoy. Celebrate it ... listen to something of his you've never heard. In the unlikely event there isn't anything ... go listen to something you haven't spent much time with. I'm going to put on the Berlin albums and smile.
ReplyDeleteA major loss for sure. Bowie was already big by the time I was born but I know he was a heavy inspiration for the movie Velvet Goldmine, which was one of my favorites growing up.
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