This is my tribute to David Bowie, who passed away on 10th January 2016, two days after his 69th birthday. Today my partner & I went to his little memorial in Brixon, south London where he was born, thousands of fans have gathered there since his death a week ago, leaving flowers, candles and messages. Here I'd like to share some pictures I took with you.
I was just a long-term Bowie fan, nothing more or less. I'm not particularly an intuitive guy, but that morning I sang "Five Years" to work, switched on a radio only to hear another Bowie song, and I knew - or sensed - he may have died. I immediately checked the BBC's Breaking News and, thank God I was alone in the office. I started to sob as all my teenage memories rushed through my mind.
Was I shocked? No, he was 69 and had suffered from cancer for the last 18 months, it was hardly a surprise. Was I sad? I'm not sure. Yes maybe I was sad, I'm still sad that someone I adored, someone who kept giving me inspirations and encouragement throughout my teenage days is now gone.
One simple message among the flowers read "Thanks for everything, RIP".
Yes, thanks for everything, Mr. Bowie. That's what I would like to say to him too. Everything. Exaggerated may it sound, didn't your favourite pop stars mean everything to you when you were 15?
I didn't know Ziggy Stardust or Hunky Dory real-time. I became his fan when I was 14 in 1978. I listened to his albums thousands of times until my Walkman wore out. I glued myself to the TV when he was on - a video player wasn't an ordinary household item at the time.
That's all I did. And David Bowie saved me.
I was saved from all sorts of demons that the adolescence would bring about. Frustrations, anger & resentment, bad friendships, bullies & high school politics... Every teenager struggles to find a way to deal with all that. They may find answers through football, through religion, arts, video games... I found mine through rock music, and David Bowie helped me get through the darkness of my juvenile years.
I soon found other Bowie fans outside the school. We would sing along together, watch his films together, discuss him endlessly, older fans would interpret his lyrics for me. Going to see his "Serious Moonlight" gig back in 1984 was probably the highlight, although how I wished I was older to have seen his earlier tours. Through these experiences, it seemed as if Bowie had given me an opportunity to see the whole exciting new world ahead me.
Among all the punk, new-wave and new-romantic artists, David Bowie was undoubtedly the star that everyone wanted to be, wanted to meet, wanted to sound like and look like in the early 1980's. Bowie's global chart success had its peak around that time.
Everyone has their own favourite Bowie eras and favourite Bowie albums. "Scary Monsters" is the one I'm probably taking to my grave with me, and David Bowie is my all-time pop hero. So thank you, thanks for everything, to my Starman.
David Bowie Album Selection
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I think we are all mourning the loss of David Bowie, and this page captures the true essence of how devastating and heart breaking his passing was. He was taken way too soon, but luckily there are amazing people who will continue to care for him for years to come. You not only mentioned his story and reason for his death, but you brought so much raw emotion into it as well. R.I.P. Starman
Thanks for your comment, some fans feel devastated by the news for sure. Perhaps I should have been to Brixton earlier – when I was there yesterday morning, the atmosphere was very calm. Many people bringing more flowers in, I could tell from their face expressions that everyone was holding emotions.
There are a lot of “Bowie Celebration” events throughout London at the moment, some of which I’m going to attend.
Dude, awesome post. I’m a big David Bowie fan as well. Listening to his music brings me back to the good old days. One of my favorite David Bowie quotes is, “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.†Thanks for the post and great pictures!
Thanks JP for your comment, and your favourite Bowie quote – I like that! Very clever, sounds simple but so difficult to achieve (for some, anyway). Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.
Rest in Peace David Bowie. Even though I didn’t know him because by that time that he’s rock n’ rollin, I’m still non existent in this world.
But because of this blog of yours I have quite grasp how he live his life to greatness. I relate much to this blog of yours as I have also experienced a roller coaster ride when I was still at my teenage. I have resorted to being in a band to escape the demons that your pertaining to.
He would forever live in the hearts of his fans like you though.
Thanks for your comments, the news of Glenn Frey’s death from yesterday makes me sad too, I guess it really shows my age…! Yes being in a band at young age gives great opportunities to express yourself to different directions, I was too and I loved the experience. And the music you loved when you were at teenage will definitely stay forever. I’ve loved so many other artists, albums and other genres of music since, and only now I appreciate how Bowie influenced me in great deal, that was long time ago.
I’m a long-term fan of DB also and was lucky enough to see him “live” on a number of occasions over 30 years ago. Like any death, it is sad. His daughter is so young …. he had so much more to tell us. But his handling of the event was wondrous. Just like him.
Hi Julie, thanks for your comment. Which gigs did you see and which one was your most favourite? (I get excited when someone tells me DB’s live tours in 1970’s, I would have loved to see the The Low / Heroes World Tour!) Yes I agree, his handling of the event was just like himself.
Hi Raymondo,
What a poignant and heartfelt article on your site about the recent passing of David Bowie. As you personally went to his memorial one could tell the reverence that you had for this musical giant just through the words penned in your article.
The images that you took the time to take and share with your viewers helped capture the true spirit that existed inside the building.
One of my favorite Bowie songs was “Ground Control” from several decades ago. When I heard of Bowie’s passing back in Jan., and listening to a sports-talk radio show where I live the host played Bowie songs in the background and added in lyrics taken from the musicians most popular songs to bring across his point – and he was discussing sports!
We have lost a giant in the music industry and may David Bowie, afflicted with cancer during his latter years now rest in peace.
Thank you for this article, Raymondo!
Sincerely,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for sharing the story of sport radio DJ, I think that’s quite a clever idea using one singer’s lyrics to discuss something else, you can try that as a game, though you need to know the lyrics very well!
Thanks again Jeff for your comment, I appreciate it!
Ray
Thank you for your contribution I’m so touched. My most favorite album of David Bowie is also Scary Monsters. He’ll live in our hearts forever.