David Bowie may be one of the rock icons to live on long past his death. He’s my instagram today because he was more than an artist. He was art. His voice. His face. His body. His eyes. His hair. Head to toe; inside and out.
Today we’re celebrating his life and looking back at his amazing presence because he was pure art and brilliant marketing.
Take it away Alisha.
Rebel, Rebel
I been picking through my memories all morning, but I can’t remember the first time I heard a David Bowie song. I guess he’s been part of the soundtrack of my life.
I have so many memories of people, places and interactions where David Bowie was just a part of everything. I wasn’t old enough to go to the show when he was here in 1990. I guess technically, I’m not old enough to really know Bowie.
The thin white duke
From that iconic riff opening Under Pressure to that life-affirming “wham, bam thank you ma’am,” in Suffragette City to the dark and satirical collaboration with Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails on I’m Afraid of Americans; you could say I’m a Bowie fan.
So today I’m in mourning.
Golden Years
Bowie was one of the most iconic rock stars of the last 40 years. He studied art, music and design, including layout and typesetting. He studied mime and dance. He was political, he was androgynous, he released 25 albums and his reinventions were nothing short of miraculous.
He changed his hair, he changed his face, he changed his clothes. Bowie made music videos before MTV existed. He was an ever-evolving music machine, who marketed the shit out of his alter-egos, but kept his private life private.
He could have been a Mick Jagger, a Neil Young … but he was himself.
Everyone is making shout outs to Bowie today, from Chris Hadfeild and Ricky Gervais, to Cat Stevens and Tilda Swinton and Simon Pegg. So we thought we’d share a few memories too.
“If you’re sad today, just remember the world is over 4 billion years old, and you somehow managed to exist at the same time as David Bowie.”
– Simon Pegg
Heroes
Graphic Designer Sid Williams says he remembers two distinct things about Bowie. One, that he was scared out of his mind by the rock star in 1986 classic Labyrinth, and two, putting the Ziggy Stardust lightning bolt makeup on a lego face for the Toy Factory.
Account Manager Erin Molloy remembers the latest tribute show at the Rockhouse as the greatest singalong and dance party in her life. At her wedding, she recalls that whenever Bowie was played, the dance floor would be packed with everyone from six to 76.
Me, I woke up this morning to my partner telling me that David Bowie had died. I was instantly heartbroken. Before I left the house I gave my cat – Ziggy – a little extra love as he’s not getting any younger either. Then I toddled down the street to work with Suffragette City, Rebel, Rebel, and Golden Years on the iPod.
Ziggy Played Guitar
Let’s wrap it up with these words from Tony Visconti who produced Bowie’s 25th and final record, released two days before he passed.
“His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made Blackstar for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry.”
– Tony Visconti
Thank you David, Ziggy Stardust, my Heathen, my White Duke, my Blackstar, my constant musical companion.
If you’re looking for something to listen to today, hit this up and let’s all take a lesson from this musical hero and be willing to try something new, something completely different, today.
