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David Bowie dies aged 69

By Paul Sinclair

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160

david-bowie

David Bowie has died aged 69 just two days after the release of what is his final studio album ★ (Blackstar).

The music legend had been suffering from cancer for 18 months. More to come later, but I wanted to post the news so people could leave comments and tributes in one place.

Did you see Bowie live? What was his greatest album?  Share you thoughts and memories.

 

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160 Comments

160 thoughts on “David Bowie dies aged 69”

  1. David Bowie war ein ganz außergewöhnlicher Künstler, “Ahes To Ahes” ist eines meiner Lieblingslieder. Er war ein sympathischer Mann, großartig.

  2. I’m still reading the tributes and articles and it still feels like an unreality. I keep thinking, “not David Bowie, surely?” Such a wealth of wonderful material and memories. Unbeatable. Last saw him on the Reality Tour, Nov 2003. Favourite album: Low

  4. So, let this sink in. THANKYOU to David for all his wonderful music. I was lucky enough to see him in Melbourne at the old Kooyong Tennis courts, for his Glass Spider tour. I cannot remember if Chalrie Sexton joined him on stage, like in Sydney.
    My Fav album has always been “Scary Monsters”.
    Also really like the instrumental release, compilation: All Saints – Collected Instrumentals 1977-1999
    This also is one of my fav album covers, along with Eart Hil I Ng.
    Fav song,
    well HEROES, always moves me.
    I wrote a list yest, just poured out, without really studying all songs, tracks, albums, and I already hit 20. One day I will do my list properly, but for now, these are what hit the paper, in no fav order:

    It’s No game {Part One}.
    Underpressure (with Queen).
    The Laughing Gnome.
    Hallo Spaceboy. [both versions, but Pet Shop Boys version just adds another twist on it and wins]
    When The Wind Blows.
    Heroes.
    Crystal Japan.
    John. I’m Only Dancing.
    Suffragette City.
    Fame.
    Golden Years.
    Fashion.
    Boys Keep Swinging.
    D.J.
    Let’s Dance.
    This Is Not America.
    Cat People. [original verison].
    Life On Mars.
    Starman.
    Sorrow.

  5. Heard about Bowie’s death yesterday while at work and I’m still amazed how hard the news hit me. I discovered his music back in 1972 when I was nine years old ( I remember hearing “Starman” on the radio ) and since then Bowie has been – and always will be – one of the all time greats for me. I was lucky to see him twice live here in Helsinki, Finland: in 1996 on the “Outside” tour and later in 2004 ( ? ) on the “Reality” tour. Both gigs were fantastic and showed two different sides of Bowie. The “Outside” concert was truly brave and uncompromising: he played almost the entire album ( a criminally underrated album, by the way ), no hits, not many words spoken to the audience. This was clearly David Bowie – the artist. The “Reality” concert was more like David Bowie – the entertainer: obviously much of the new album was played live, but many of the big hits were played as well. I remember Bowie being much more relaxed this time around ( he even interrupted the band at the start of “Ziggy Stardust”, jokingly blamed the band for screwing up the intro and started the song all over again ).

    I have been listening to my Bowie albums quite a lot during these two days. I’m having difficulties listening to the “cheerier” stuff, it doesn’t suit the mood I’m in. I’m playing “Warszawa” from the “Isolar II in the Court” bootleg as I write and I’m definitely feeling a bit LOW. I still have some music from the man to look forward to: I pre-ordered my copy of “Blackstar” from Amazon UK and I’m still waiting for it to arrive. I’ll listen to it in silence and think of all the good memories the music of David Bowie has given me.

    Drifting into my solitude, indeed…

    R.I.P. Mr Jones, a true legend…

  7. 2 Bowie gigs are amongst my best concerts ever ( i have seen hundreds being 52 years old) :

    ELYSEE MONTMARTRE PARIS FRANCE
    very small venue ( burned down to flames some years ago…)
    OCT 14 1999

    1. Life on Mars?
    2. Thursday’s Child
    3. Something in the Air
    4. Word on a Wing
    5. Can’t Help Thinking About Me
    6. China Girl
    (Iggy Pop cover)
    7. Always Crashing in the Same Car
    8. Survive
    9. Drive-In Saturday
    10. Changes
    Encore:
    11. Seven
    12. Repetition
    13. I Can’t Read
    (Tin Machine song)
    14. The Pretty Things Are Going to Hell
    15. Rebel Rebel

    and yes, TIN MACHINE !!!
    at Le Zénith, Paris, France
    OCT 30 1991
    around 2000 people

    1. Bus Stop
    2. Under the God
    3. A Big Hurt
    4. Baby Can Dance
    5. Shopping for Girls
    6. Stateside
    7. Goodbye Mr. Ed
    8. I Can’t Read
    9. Go Now
    (The Moody Blues cover)
    10. Baby Universal
    11. Sacrifice Yourself
    12. I’ve Been Waiting for You
    (Neil Young cover)
    13. Betty Wrong
    14. You Can’t Talk
    15. Debaser
    (Pixies cover)
    16. If There Is Something
    (Roxy Music cover)
    17. Heaven’s in Here
    18. One Shot
    19. You Belong in Rock & Roll

  8. The loss of David Bowie is like taking the heart out of the music industry. His influence on generations of pop/rock artists is as relevant as the Beatles or Elvis .

  9. “Legend” is the word, and we don’t make them like that anymore… without making any kind of musical comparison, saviour-of-the-record-industry Adele has released 3 albums in the 8-and-a-bit years between her first hit and “25”… in the 8-and-a-bit years after “Space Oddity, Bowie released *11* albums as part of the greatest run ever produced in the name of pop & rock music…

    Space Oddity
    The Man Who Sold the World
    Hunky Dory
    Ziggy Stardust
    Aladdin Sane
    Pin Ups
    Diamond Dogs
    Young Americans
    Station to Station
    Low
    “Heroes”

    … *and* he gave “All The Young Dudes” to Mott The Hoople, toured almost constantly, produced Lou Reed & Iggy Pop, made “The Man Who Fell To Earth”, and brought Kraftwerk to the world’s attention… will that do? Yes it will – sleep well, sir.

  11. In hindsight reading David & Iman’s posts online, he was trying to tell us that he didn’t have long. I’m heartbroken, he was definitely one of my Idols. Blackstar is one of my favorite new albums and it has been since I received it last friday. I have the “Five Years” box Sets on the way and i’m hoping that there will be a “The Next Five Years” and more in the works because I have almost every single CD release already, I don’t have them all on vinyl anymore. R.I.P. Ziggy, i’m gonna miss you

  12. Completely shocking news. Still trying to put in perspective. Having lost members of family to cancer, it’s difficult to not feel cheated – must do the glass half-full thing and really appreciate how brave David was in his willingness to bare his artistic soul for our enjoyment. It cannot have been easy at times. IMHO, the last album confirms David had no regrets up to the very finish of pursuing the creative process to the fullest extent in a fashion which very few (if any) have ever been able or would ever dare to do. What a beautiful & singular legacy he leaves to the world.

  13. That beautiful colour portrait of David, in suit without socks, released for ‘Blackstar’ promotion, fooled us all – so full of life, so healthy.

    The first single I ever bought at 8 years of age was ‘Heroes’, first concert was the Serious Moonlight Tour, then followed up seeing the Glass Spider Tour 5 times in Melbourne and Sydney. His music and life had such a profound influence on my thoughts and actions – like so many here, it’s hard to believe he is no more. While I didn’t always feel close to his music of recent times, he will remain in my heart forever more.

    Favourite 10 tracks today…
    1. Sweet Thing / Candidate / Sweet Thing (reprise)
    2. Teenage Wildlife
    3. Blackout
    4. Modern Love
    5. Five Years
    6. Somebody Up There Like Me
    7. Moonage Daydream (Demo version)
    8. Stay
    9. Rock ‘n Roll With Me
    10. The Width of a Circle

  14. Sad news…utter legend. ….71-81 faultless!….Under Pressure the greatest duet of the 80s ,Dancing in the Street the worst…such was Bowie. Personal faves…..Low, Heroes,Aladdin sane,Ziggy,Hunky dory,Diamond dogs,Scary Monsters,Station,Young Americans……there’s great trx from all over his extensive back catalogue 69-86 then post Outside till present day. Loved your music a long time now Mr Jones. RIP …have fun up there with Mr Bolan…..tanx da slider

  15. I recall hearing Space Oddity on the radio when I was a nipper. I had never heard anything like it before. It’s that kind of thing that his music did to you and the impression that it left on a young mind that will truly last. The first thing I heard on the news this morning (here in Oz) was that he had died. It took a while to sink in. As a previous poster said – he may be gone but his music will live on. So long, it was great taking the journey with you.

  16. My mam and dad bought me a tape recorder for Christmas 1972 and I remember taping Bowie singing Jean Genie on Top of the Pops (4th January 1973). Still have the cassette 43 years later, although only the end of Jean Genie is still audible.

    First single I ever bought was Drive-In Saturday in 1973 when I was 12. First album I bought was Hunky Dory, also in 1973. I remember it was £1.98 from the shop on Salford Precinct. Also remember me dad saying “what a load of rubbish” when I first played it :-)

  17. Saw Mr Jones live on 25 occasions from 1978 at Earls Court through the Reality tour at Wembley. He’s my all time musical hero and influence.

    Fav album: Hunky Dory

    RIP Starman

      1. Thanks Paul, and thanks for your brilliant site. I must admit I was numb yesterday and today I feel bewildered. The heartening thing is reading comments and feelings from all the fans young and hold and how David’s music touched their lives. We have lost a legend but his legacy lives on in every fan.

  20. In the midst of the sad news, isn’t it heartening to see not only so many tributes on here, but also so many different favourite albums between them. That in itself speaks volumes about how creative talented he was. Rest in peace DB.

  21. It’s hard to accept the death of someone who has been on your turntable for decades. Always changing, always taking the listener to some place new, different and exciting .

    Favorite songs (in no particular order):
    Life on Mars
    Panic in Detroit
    Young Americans
    Heroes
    Ashes to Ashes
    This is Not America
    One Shot
    I’m Afraid of Americans
    The Stars are Out Tonight
    Drive in Saturday
    Starman
    Diamond Dogs
    Where Have All the Goodtimes Gone
    Warszawa
    Slip Away

  22. RIP David Jones. Interestingly. Man who managed to change his personna without losing the core of who he was. The word “changes” came to be embodied by his entire career.

  23. I was speechless having gotten a text with the news shortly after getting to work. I’d been listening to Black Star on the drive in and repeatedly over the weekend. It’s an amazing piece of work and the first album from a major act to excite me in ages. I was definitely anticipating more to come.

    Sadly, I never saw him live, but he’s left plenty of amazing albums behind, though I’d be hard-pressed to pick out a favorite. Being born in ’83, I had the pick of the discography by the time I was old enough to start collecting his music. If pressed, I’d probably have to give a list of the Christiane F soundtrack, Outside, Heathen and apparently also Black Star at this point.

    You couldn’t ask for a better piece of work to go out on and while it’s sad as hell there won’t be more, there isn’t a fan living who can claim that, for just being one man, he left behind an awful lot of amazing music for those who care to hear it.

    It may be a bit of a faux paus, but I’m going to be the first to make the joke that he decided he was going to go out like Freddie Mercury only with more style. Who else could have kept declining health a secret while prepping a multimedia release that made the fans want more all at the same time? Both the album and its videos seem like the work of a hungry artist ready to sink his teeth into the future, not someone contemplating his mortality and preparing to shuffle off.

    In any event, I can only offer my thanks. His offering was a generous one.

    1. “… like Freddie Mercury only with more style” – why do you say that? Freddie’s way of saying goodbye in the ‘Days of our Lives’ video was very brave and unique, as is David’s in ‘Lazarus’. Different of course, but both equally moving – at least to me.

  24. Was lucky to be in London between 00-05. Saw him at both Hammersmith Odeon & Wembley, got a meet/greet at HMV (handshake, conversation ,signed Heathen), was at the BBC radio recording hosted by Jonathan Ross in front of only 200 people (incl playing ‘Bewlay Bros’ I believe for the first time), and saw him at the Meltdown Festival he curated, performing Low/Heathen in track order back-to-back. Memories indeed.

  25. Hey Paul, heard the news today (oh boy…) and thought of you. Bowie provided the soundtrack to so many memories for us (and that amazing ‘secret’ gig…). But what I remember most is the cassettes – remember how we put an album on each side of a C90 and then had to ‘get into them’ in order? Space Oddity and The Man Who Sold The World. Hunky Dory and Ziggy… Aladdin Sane and Diamond Dogs (I think we skipped Pin Ups…) and on and on. Happy days. What a gift he gave us. I hope you’re well. I shall put on Station to Station now (my favorite, I think… or is it Hunky Dory? Or Low? Or…) . Great site. A x

    1. Hello stranger. I’m writing a little piece for the blog right now and mention that very point about the tapes, because that’s something I have a very strong memory of too, and I think our ‘discipline’ in terms of doing them in order ended up being very important in building a strong connection with his music and an appreciation of where he started and where he ended up. You’re right, we skipped Pin Ups and the live albums. I’d like to say I still have the tapes, but I think they ended up in Oxfam.

      1. Our loss is Oxfam’s gain. I agree about the discipline/connection point. I think it’s one of the reasons it’s hard to add new artists to one’s perennial faves. I’ve made a real point in recent years of downloading full albums and ‘forcing’ myself to put them on rotation in the car. It’s definitely helped. When you get a sec, drop me a line with your email address. Look forward to reading your piece!

  26. Saw him on 4 occasions – Manchester Move Festival in 2002, St. Anne’s Warehouse in Brooklyn in 2002, then twice on the Reality Tour in 2004 (Austin and Kansas City) All four times were extremely memorable in their own way – just after Suede finished their set at the Move Festival in 2002 the clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the Thin White Duke captivated the audience with an amazing set. The intimacy of St. Anne’s was very special – I like how he jibed the audience before his encore (“I’m 57 and I can make more noise than you.”) He made reference to the bat caves in Austin, and probably the greatest moment for me was when he performed “Station to Station” in Kansas City – which leads me to my favorite album, Station to Station. One of the few rock stars who also deserves to be called an artist.

  27. My dentist is in that same house here in Berlin/Hauptstr. where he once lived and it was so crowded today, flowers everywhere. I hope we have a statue one day, maybe in front of the Hansa Studios? I saw him in Berlin on the Heathen and Reality Tour. On the Heathen show he played the whole Low Album and it was fantastic. My condolences to bis family and friends. R.I.P.

  28. I can’t believe it was only Friday night that I dimmed the lights, put on Blackstar, and took it in alongside a glass of red thinking just what an incredible record it was.

  29. Always fond of the hits but became a much bigger fan after The V&A exhibition. Really liked his cover of ‘Hard to be a Saint in the City’. He’ll be missed terribly.

  31. August 1st 1997.
    Bowie walks on stage with his 12 string guitar and sings ‘Quicksand’ I was in heaven. I can still feel the electricity of that performance to what would have been to about 1500 very lucky people in an old converted church in Birmingham (Que Club).
    January 11th 2016.
    We say goodbye to the ‘vessel’ that was David’s body. His soul and music will outlive us all (me anyway). I feel honoured to have inhabited the same time and space as ‘the man who fell to Earth’… Go easy on your way Starman…
    Everyone says hi
    Everyone says hi
    Everyone says hi
    And the girl next door
    And the guy upstairs
    Everyone says hi
    And your mum and dad
    Everyone says hi
    And your big fat dog
    Everyone says hi
    Everyone says hi
    Hi hi hi hi

    Love and respect

    1. I went to the Hanover Grand gig in London of that Earthling tour and had the same hair-on-the-back-of-the-neck experience because he opened in London with Quicksand and the white guitar. He did two sets that night too, a ‘normal set’ and a drum-and-bass set. Amazing memories.

  32. Goodbye David.
    He’s been my first concert in june 87 at San Siro stadium in Milan.
    The Glass Spider Tour. Amazing for me.
    My favourite Bowie album is Let’s Dance. My first memory of him was listening to his Heroes on radio in 77. I was 12 years old.
    He has been a true Icon of our times.
    No more to say.
    Thank you David.
    Ciao.
    Francesco.

  33. I don’t think Bowie would have wanted people to be sad on his passing, but to more than ever enjoy and celebrate his magnificent work. Let all the children boogie.

  34. I was around for Elvis’ death in ’77 and Lennon in ’80 but this feels bigger somehow.

    As a daft anecdote, I found out that one line in ‘Changes’ is “Turn and face the strange…changes” where for 40 years I thought it was “Turn and face the strain…changes”. Feeling better than I was this morning when everything just seemed grey.

  36. I got lucky to see him 6 times, on 21st April 1976 I went to my very first rock concert … The Thin White Duke at the Deutschlandhalle Berlin (which doesn’t exist anymore). Further concerts where 1978, 1983, 1987, 1990 and at last 2002, always in Berlin. And I got more lucky, to meet him one night in the 70ies in Berlin, at a bar called … BOWIE.
    Today I am totally shocked, I never expected this, I was so excited about the new album.
    So this album is a great farewell gift to all of us.

    Thank you, David, RIP

  38. I always adored “PinUps”, where he covered 60ies hits and I loved everything up to “Station To Station” – and then I lost contact with his art. That rush-produced “Dancing in the street” video with Mick J. was probably the nadir of both men career. I’ll miss him anyway.
    HDN in Berlin

  39. Very sad day!. I was lucky enough to see David Bowie 3 times; 1977, 1995 and 2003. Very different concerts from the Chameleon of modern music. All his music showed his remarkable talent. Many Highlights including Heroes and Life on Mars etc etc. A real rock star!.

    “We could be Heroes just for one day”

    RIP Ziggy Stardust

  41. Like many I woke up on this rainy day to hear the sad news.

    For me David Bowie always had an incredible knack to determine what many artists were going to end up sounding like. He was an artist that transcended many genres. Sonically he was wizard too, many of his albums were an exercise in listening.

    Favourite projects, I liked the Tin Machine Projects, I will be playing ‘Heaven is Here’ out of my respect and love for this great artist. RIP David you will be missed, never forgotten.

  42. Today the music died so many great songs and albums. Favourite album easy Man Who Sold The World remember taking it to school ( dress cover). When it was cool to walk round with obscure albums under your arm.

  43. This came as a big suprise and shock, as he’s appeared to be vital and energetic lately. with new music published in the last couple of years and I had hoped that there would be more to follow. But, there you have it…

    I’ve been playing “Seven” from “…hours” today. It’s a good reflective song to play while mourning and reminiscing.

  44. My hero. I had a Ziggy poster on my bedroom wall back in 1972 and I still have a signed and framed Reality tour poster on my office wall today. I’ve stayed with him through every album and saw him live four times – firstly in 1976 on the Station to Station/Thin White Duke tour and lastly the Reality show in Manchester.

    I’ve enjoyed all his work, but my favourite albums have usually been:
    Station to Station
    Low
    Scary Monsters
    Outside
    The Next Day

  45. So sad to hear this news and hope he had the chance to read all the positive reviews of his final album release as I am really enjoying it. My favorite Is 1983’s “Let’s Dance” – was the first Bowie cassette (yep I said it) I ever bought and think the first three tracks are one hell of a trio! “Modern Love/China Girl/Let’s Dance” all on Side One – still that love that stuff today and will keep things on AutoReverse today in tribute.

  47. I was lucky enough to meet him briefly once. It was during a signing session for Heathen in HMV Oxford street. As we may know he often incorporated the year into his signature ( in this case 2002 or just 02).
    Anyway as he was signing my CD his hand stopped midway through the signature as he stopped to ask what year it was, the kind of dozy thing we are all capable of. I replied ” don’t worry people often get nervous meeting me” to which he laughed.
    A shake of his hand and seconds later I was gone. Still remember it like yesterday.
    Today still doesn’t feel real.

  48. A sense of unreality for me, hearing this news.

    I have loved his music for over 40 years now. My favourite album is Hunky Dory which I kind of got into via Peter Noone’s version of Oh You Pretty Things (I know, I know – but at least DB put a pic of himself in front of a billboard for that version on the inlay for the 1990 EMI CD). Love Kooks -exactly the song I would have loved to write for my boy. Life on Mars – my mum taking issue with the use of the word ‘writ’. Every track is so creative and musical – wordplay, arrangements, vocals, instrumentation.
    From great pop to soul to rock to really experimental music, he sent me off exploring every genre of music.
    Didn’t need anyone else’s help to get into the albums that followed.
    Only saw him once, at Milton Keynes in 1990.
    Thank you for enriching my life.
    Condolences to his kids who’ve lost their dad, and to his wife, family and friends, and to all of us too.

  49. I saw David in 1976 for the first time at Wembley Arena. His music has never abandoned me always giving me inspirations and emotions and will continue doing so. He will always be near me.

  50. I was fortunate enough to see him on his Outside tour. I must admit, I didn’t get into buying his music until 1988, but I was aware of it since ’81 courtesy of MTv. Anyways, seeing him perform on the Outside tour in Dallas was sadly the only time I got to see him as he never passed through this area after that.

  51. Only saw Bowie live once, but it was in Birmingham 1972 as Ziggy Stardust, I feel privileged to have been there before he killed the man and broke up band.

  52. “Fill your heart with love today….gentleness clears the soul, love clears the mind and makes it free…..” What joy he brought….Bowie = Immortal.

  53. Saw him in Chapel Hill, NC on the Sound & Vision tour (1990 I believe). Great stripped down show. Favorite album: tough call-Ziggy or Station to Station? I remember getting the Sound & Vision box in the late ’80’s and eagerly anticipating the next release in the series since I didn’t own any of his albums at the time. What a great musical ride that was!!! I thought Rykodisc did a great job of releasing a cd or so at a time vs. releasing everything at once-certainly made it much more affordable to the college student I was at the time.

  57. Whenever people would ask what kind of music I liked, I’d always answer “it all starts will David Bowie and then all the bands he’s influenced.” In the US, people may not have been familiar with all the bands I loved most but the truth is, without Bowie, there would be no Smiths, including no Morrissey persona. No
    Suede for sure. No Adam Ant, no Nirvana, No Bloc Party. No Pulp. My favorite album was always “Hunky Dory”. The Bewlay Brothers is my favorite song. I fell for Suede in 1993 because I felt that “The Next Life” had a similar vocal and lyric to The Bewlay Brothers. I only saw Bowie Live once in 2003 at the Shrine Audiorium in Holywood. There were whispers at the time that he no longer played the old favorites (this was before people posted set lists on the internet”. He came on with a ripping version of Rebel Rebel.

  62. Was more of a singles fan as I grew up with 80’s Bowie. His classic albums are on my to do list but love Scary monsters, Lets dance and The next day. Was gonna get Blackstar today anyway. Just hope they’ve not sold out.

  63. I’ll always admire him greatly. Like Dylan, he was never afraid to go in the musical direction he wanted to, as opposed to satisfying what the masses wanted spoon-fed to them.

    Saw him twice, both in Toronto. Sound and Vision tour in 1990 and with Tin Machine when they toured their second album.

    Favourite album – Lodger
    Favourite song – Station to Station

  66. saw him on the glass spider tour, the sound & vision tour, 3 times on the outside tour with nine inch nails, and on his final tour for reality… good memories!

    fave album? wow that’s difficult…

    ziggy stardust, scary monsters, hours all come to mind…

  69. Been Crying for Hours,never thought he would die so young!
    We lost Stevie Wright here in Australia only a week or two ago as well,He was the lead singer from The Easybeats and Penned ‘Evie 1 2 & 3’
    Lemmy,Scott Weiland,Robin Williams :(
    Farewell Starman <3

  70. It sounds crazy, but I couldn’t ever imagine him actually dying – the man was and will always be a legend to me. His seventies stuff (plus Scary Monsters) will always be the untouchable stuff (and for me, especially Station to Station and the Berlin trilogy) but stuff after that that really stood out was Outside, Earthling, Heathen and yes, the latest album, which is absolutely brilliant. Bye-bye ta-ta, you wonderful genius you.

  71. I’m devastated with the news of Bowie’s death.
    I missed him when he performed in Tel Aviv in1996, but somehow always hoped I’ll get to see him live sometime… :(
    My favourite album is either Low or Outside I guess.

  73. I thought at first the news of David Bowie’s passing was a horrible tasteless stunt to promote the new album, but that very quickly changed.
    Still can not believe he has gone. The second single I ever bought at the age of 11 was Jean Genie which I still adore. Perfect slice of 70’s glam rock.
    Favorite album is the magnificent Station To Station. Only six tracks but dark, brooding and utterly compelling as Bowie tips his hat to his past whilst stepping out into an unknown future of the Berlin trilogy and beyond.
    RIP Starman, you will be truly missed.

  74. I met one of my favorite musicians in 2002 and we were talking about Bowie. She said that Absolute Beginners was her favorite Bowie song and, being surprised by her answer, I kind of laughed. Immediately I said that’s nothing to laugh at because my favorite Bowie stuff (and I like pretty much everything he’s done) is the Tin Machine period. I also said that i figured that would maybe make her laugh, even though it was true. She turned towards me, looked me right in the eye with a serious look and said that she would never laugh at that, because Tin Machine was excellent. And isn’t Amazing one of the greatest songs he has ever recorded. Yes…yes, it is. And I haven’t “apologized” to any Bowie fan for liking Tin Machine since.

  75. Myself and my family went to the V&A for the David Bowie Is exhibition. Absolutely stunning and my 3 boys, at the time aged 7, 14 and 15 were enthralled. At the end I found myself overwhelmed and almost in tears.

    Today those tears flowed. And telling my 9 year old son that David Bowie had died is the hardest thing I have had to do in his young life.

    Rest in peace Starman.

  76. Blackstar – Its all there – David wrote his elegy and shared it with us. And no-one picked up that is was the work of a man facing his own mortality.

    I smiled like Twig the Wonderkid and turned my face away

  77. Horrible monday morning news to wake up to. He was a musical genius and a decent human being.
    Lucky all who got to see his shows, I missed them.
    RIP David Bowie.

  78. I can’t believe this, please somebody wake me up!
    Saw him live about 12 times and the best one was when I won a competition to see him live in the Music Plus studio in Montreal, I was 10 feet from him!!
    R.I.P.!!!
    :-(

  80. Bought my first Bowie record in 1969. He’s been a big constant in my life, for a long, long time. The world is going to be a duller, emptier, less vibrant place without him.
    Best gig of my life was Bowie at Glasgow Barrowlands, touring Earthling. He might be know for artistry and experimentation but he could fucking rock when he wanted to too.

  81. I never saw him perform live, which is one of my great regrets, especially over here in Dublin (he was fond of playing live intimate gigs). I was hoping he would have recovered to do some “once off concerts” but alas will never be. Saw his “A Reality Tour” gig in the old Point in Dublin (2003) on DVD at the weekend, what a performer ,such a sad day, so many songs, so many timeless classics, he was truly a once off. RIP

    By the way could anyone recommened a good definitive compliation of David Bowies work, I know there have been many compilations released through the years, but could anyone suugest a good compilation that covers a lot of his good stuff and even obscure tracks??

    Thanks….

  83. So glad I saw him on his final tour – that voice was extraordinary- a genuine legend – his music has been a constant for 35 years since seeing ashes to ashes on totp as a 10 year old and black star keeps up that grand run of ever challenging releases . Radio is very hard to listen to today – so many great tales and tunes for several generations- what a legend

  84. sad sad day.
    I saw him in 2003 in london. got the ticket via his fan club
    was in first 10 rows (5 I think) cost more than a regular priced ticket
    but I was happy to be so close. and have the *chance* to get a ticket
    that close. amazing gig.

    fave songs of his, tough cause I love his 70s stuff. but would have to go with: this is not america. absolute beginners. loving the alien.

  85. just woke up after a nightshift really shocked by this . what with birthday/ album recently just can t take this in yet . what a legacy he s left us all . rip dave.

  86. Devestating news….his music was a part of my growing up. Just picked up Blackstar on Friday and was in NYC Saturday night to see the play Lazarus….and now this. He will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family…RIP Starman!!

  87. It rises to the level of a personal loss.

    Bowie was masterful.

    Saw him live, but the one that sticks with me is Tin Machine in a small club in Washington, DC.

  88. While I owned Scary Monsters first, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was the album I always come back to. Still can’t believe he’s gone.

  89. Glass Spider. Sound + Vision. Tin Machine. Reality. These shows were amazing. I have already cried this morning once. Utterly devastated by this loss….Check Ignition and May God’s love be with you (David Bowie)

  90. Bowie was a remarkable artist who seldomly compromised. He left his mark on the music world. He fused his persona to the music that was forever changing to make art. Brilliant!

    1. Oh yes favorite album Hunky Dory, Scary Monsters and far too early to commit to but I thought Blackstar was fantastic when I listened to it again on Sunday. I bought the vinyl and really enjoyed the cover art and presentation. Listened to it Friday and Sunday and after the second time I said to my wife that’s one of his best Albums. Seems to have taken on a different meaning today.

  93. My feelings on David Bowie were mixed. Genius at times and truly mediocre at others, but the same can be said of most artists including The Beatles, Dylan and The Rolling Stones. But a trendsetter he most definitely was and truly one of a kind who seemed to earn the respect of not just those who listened to his music but those who played it too. Now that is a rare commodity. The music business will be poorer for his loss, but although gone in life, his music will live on forever and for that we must be grateful.

    1. I’m the same, personally his last truly great album was “Black Tie/White Noise”. His following albums mostly followed the Trent Reznor/Nine Inch Nails sound. [and I know that BT/WN is not often on Bowie fan’s best albums list but I love it from start to finish especially You’ve Been Around and Night Flights). Let’s Dance is a great, great Nile Rodgers produced album. A shame his next two albums were stabs at recreating Let’s Dance, but there were some good songs on each of those.

  94. Even though I wasn’t always into him 24/7, he was only artist I would always come back to and rediscover. His wonderful works will live forever and are a testament to musical genius.

  95. I saw Bowie play live just once. The Outside Tour, Wembley Arena – 20 years ago, November 1995. A stunning performance by Bowie, with some brilliantly creative reimaginings of his back catalogue.

    Favourite album? So many to choose from but I keep coming back to the melody, wit and invention of Hunky Dory. On a desperately sad day like today, I know playing it will make me smile.

  96. Swear to God, I came to SDE this morning, saying to myself, “I wonder what they’ve posted about David Bowie today” since he’s been such a hot topic in the past couple of weeks. I did not expect this.
    There are no superlatives to express how much I truly loved this man, his music and his vision.
    Best album for me will always be ‘Let’s Dance”, not only for the songs, but it was the first album of his that was truly “mine”. (Saturating the airwaves of radio and MTV and permeating my life.)
    Saw him in Niagara Falls, NY in 1990 for the Sound + Vision tour. Played every hit you could want (except “Changes” that night) and the band was spot on.
    Thank you, David, for everything.

  97. What a sad day – RIP David – Sacry monsters was my first Bowie record I bought when it was relesed. Saw him in 1983 twice and it was magical when he came on stage – what amazing presents he had. He will be missed.

  99. P.S…best album? How can you choose?!…Ziggy, Hunky Dory, Aladin, the Berlin Trilogy, Diamond Dogs, Let’s Dance, Outside, Heathen, Reality…I literally dont know of any other artist with such a amazing canon of work…

  101. Absolutely stunned…Ricky Gervais rarely says anything laudible, but I have to agree with his sentiments when he said ‘I’ve lost a hero’….

  105. “After All” has remained one of my favourite songs for over forty years.

    I, for one, shall be wearing a small black star pin badge this week, in silent tribute.

  106. A very very sad day. Was lucky to see him 3 times live – firstly on a baking hot English summer’s day in 1983 on the Serious Moonlight Tour at the Milton Keynes Bowl when the whole world had gone Bowie-mad like it was 1973 all over again. A great performer, a great star, a great artist, a great innovator. And the greatest chameleon of them all.

    God bless David. And thank you so much.

  107. I only saw him once, on the glass spider tour in Manchester. Despite the reviews it was a great concert. So many great songs and albums, hunky dory will always be my favourite. Such a shame and surprise to hear the news today.

  108. Amazing life and a incomparable body of work, for which, i’m so thankful – it has truly been (and will continue to be) one of the best aspects of my life.. so many ‘favourite’ moments – but either ‘Station To Station’ or ‘Scary Monsters’ remain my most played albums.

  109. Saw the news this morning coming into work and I’m shocked.

    Like many here, Bowie was one of the first artists that really captured my imagination. I was fascinated by Ashes to Ashes, both watching the video (with the also departed and much missed Steve Strange) and trying to figure out what the lyrics were all about (I had yet to discover Ziggy and Bowie’s rich 70s catalogue).

    I never got to see him live, but his musical presence has been there in my life for much of my 45 years, and the influence he has had over so many of my favourite artists is clear (Numan and NIN to name but two).

    With Lemmy and Bowie going within a fortnight of each other, I’m realising that my heroes are all too mortal, but that their legacies will live forever.

    RIP David Bowie, you will always be a hero.

  110. Hi Paul.

    This is truly and sad and depressing day with the news of Bowie’s passing. I saw two of his concerts here in Singapore, Serious Moonlight tour and The Reality tour. Both were excellent! I met him in 1983 here and I must say that he’s one of the nicest person/celebrity I’ve met. Very friendly and super nice! My favourite Bowie albums – top three will be Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs & Hunky Dory. I still can’t accept
    the news that he’s gone. We have lost a very Talented, Artistic Individual that’s always in the cutting-edge arena in terms of creativity!
    RIP – Mr. David Bowie (my favourite Hero)

  111. This is such sad news. Incredible musician; undeniably the greatest solo star Britain ever produced. A very sad day. What strength he must have had to still produce his new album and create music videos during the last 18 months. Thanks for the music David. RIP.

  112. May he rest in peace. Mr. Jones was a true genius. The most influential artist of the late 20th Century. His influence on music changed the landscape of popular music as we know it: It will never be the same, not because of his death but by what he accomplished in his life. If I had to pick a favorite it would be Hunky Dory, “Kooks” is perhaps my favorite song, of all time, a tune good enough to bring a smile and a tear to the eye. He has my complete respect.

  113. Bowie along with Marc Bolan were my childhood and life long idols. When David released the Reality album he did a signing at hmv Oxford Street in London, a first for him i think.
    Those lucky enough to meet him and get their albums signed were wearing a coloured bracelet. I never had one but I was very close to the front of the stage where David was standing. I stood there for 90 minutes just looking at him..
    I said to a friend afterwards that any fan who had waited 40 years to meet him would not have been disappointed, David was so friendly and polite to every single person he met at that signing, big beaming smile from ear to ear.
    Unfortunately it was the days before camera phones.
    What a true legend he was, absolutely unique.

    1. I liked a few songs, like Heroes is a great pop single. What i am always surprised about is the shock people feel when someone of a certain age fades away. David Bowie was 69 after all. Which makes me wonder…is there such a thing as an untimely death for an artist? Would Brian Jones, Jim Morrison or Elvis have made another good record? I doubt it. They kind of choose to die. And Lennon was mercifully shot. Otherwise he would have ended up like His brother Paul…making album after album after album with no one there to tell him to stop. no-one gets out here alive, as we all know, but for artists, timing is more crucial than for us mere mortals.

  116. I haven’t felt like this since I heard about John Lennon, sad, tragic news.

    R.I.P. David Bowie – one of the truly great influences on popular music, a true legend of music.

  117. Very,very sad news since sitting on the steps of the Worcester Gaumont 4/6/73 (couldn’t get a ticket,was only 14) To say David Bowie has been a inspiration on my life, Lucky I can say 73 was the last time I missed a bowie tour,so I spent many a happy hour in his company.We all know the man was a genius and listening carefully to some of the lyrics on a few of the tracks of the last 2 albums,don’t you think he was telling us of his illness?
    Rest in Peace DAVID BOWIE

  119. Devastated but glad I was alive during his physical reign. Changed my musical horizon (the Berlin trilogy encouraged me to explore their musical influences). Great music lives forever and Bowie continues to have a huge cultural impact both musically and culturally.

  121. This is a bad day….
    I grew up with him; ‘Rebel Rebel’ was one of the first singles I bought when I was 10. Actually I wanted to buy ‘Amsterdam’ as it was playing on Belgian radio, just to realize it wasn’t a single. I think I own almost everything Bowie has officially released up to the last box set released a few months ago and of course the new album I bought last Friday.
    I saw him 4 times live; 1st time during the ‘Let’s Dance’ tour in 1983, then the ‘Sound & Vision’ tour (1993?), with Tin Machine and finally at the end of the 90’s. I missed him when he played in Belgium in 2003 for his final tour as both dates were completely sold out before I even knew. I also had the chance to visit his exhibition in London in 2013.
    Bowie was unique. He was always able to feel the musical trends and adapt to them; always proposing something different from one album to another. His best albums are for me the period from ‘Space Oddity’ to ‘Scary Monsters’. ‘Let’s Dance’ was his biggest seller but not his best album; then followed by a few minor albums like ‘Tonight’ and ‘Never Let Me Down’. After that, he basically did what he wanted to do without giving a toss about what people would think and he was right. He’s no longer with us but he’s timeless.

  122. Words, typed or spoken sometimes help,sometimes don’t.
    Whichever, whatever, what is unquestionable is the beauty of the music you gifted us.
    Sleep well Dame, I will miss you every day of whatever time I might have left.

  123. Saw him in 1987 at Platz der Republik on his Glass Spider tour! It was a magical experience for me as a 11 year old kid in Berlin. Bowie became a true hero for me and continued to amaze me in the following years with his diverse and fascinating records. I will truely miss him….:(

    1. I have never met anyone who had a good word to say about Tin Machine.
      I did not leave after 30 minutes but it should have. TM shows that great artists can make big mistakes too. And they break their promises too, like you and me. “I will never play the old songs again”…next thing we know, after the TM disaster, he’s doing a Greatest Hits tour! He may be a black star now, but whilst he was amongst us, he was only human. Which is the way I will remember him.

          2. I always thought of Tin Machine as “i’ll part-destroy my career so i can be a human being again”, like John Lennon/Yoko Ono, Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music, Bob Dylan’s motorbike accident (combined with Nashville Skyline), Neil Young’s Trans etc. The strategy clearly worked. I agree the album was better than their live shows (because you didn’t have to see the band…they were a sight to behold, to put it mildly), but neither Tin Machine album will ever be discovered as the Great Lost Bowie Album, although i can see a box set coming our way….

  124. Sound and Vison Tour 1990 in (then still East-) Berlin. A great open air concert on a wonderful summer day. Then 1 or 2 years later a gig with Tin Machine. I was so unhappy with the music that I left after 30 minutes. He was a part of my musical life and I never stopped listening to his music (and probably never will). Favourite album: Ziggy Stardust

  125. Just ordered new album last week after hearing stunning title track….so sad to hear this news today. Thoughts with family and friends… Genius is an over used word but in this case, there is no argument. Thank you for all the incredible music.

  126. When my sons ask me what does the tag ”artist” means, i’ll show them his picture. He was the greatest among the best. A bright (not a black) star among the stars. This is a truly sad day for me. I feel like someone just wiped out my adolescence. David, you will surely be remembered FOREVER.

  127. legend. too many words to give to such an inspiration.
    Ive been listening to Blackstar this weekend and woke up to this terrible news.
    Im so sad, and even more so that I never ( and always wanted to) to see him live.

  130. He was an integral part of my life.
    Bought my first Bowie record (and my first record ever) back in 1987 aged 12. Bought my 350th Bowie record last friday.
    I’ll miss him.

  131. I was lucky enough to be front row at his Melbourne concert in 2004. He veered away from most of his hits, played some of his more obscure stuff, did a great Pixies cover, and still kept the audience captivated. Great show.

    The Thin White Duke, Aladdin Sane, Jean Genie, Ziggy, Major Tom – the guy kept reinventing himself and was often way ahead of his time. He was a great star, never mind a Blackstar. I have all of his music on Repeat most days while working. He’s going to be sorely missed by three generations, never mind one.

    RIP Mr. Jones.

  133. I loved David to bits, his physical body might have expired but David Bowie will never die.
    Thank you so much David for all that you gave us. Your legacy will continue.

  135. Historic day for those of us who grew up with him – his music has always been part of the fabric of my life. What a terribly sad end – I’ve been playing Blackstar and enjoying the anticipation of more to come. I hope you had a great life, David.

    1. I was shocked when I heard the news. So sad. I saw him only once in ’74. October 31st Radio City Music Hall. The stage was bare except for a square on the floor that had a lighting bolt on it if I’m not mistaken. Other than that, there was a screen behind him that was used only to cast his shadow on. Just him and the band. I remember we were a little disappointed at first that it wasn’t the Diamond Dogs set ( the person I was with had seen that show earlier in the tour) – but it was a great show anyway. I’m glad to be able to say I got to see him. May he rest in peace.

    2. David Bowie was one of the most versatile and talented Rock musicians ever. He was never afraid to go in a new direction musically. My favorite album is Hunky Dory. What a voice! I was lucky enough to see him 3 times. The best show was at The Benedum in Pgh PA for The Reality Tour.It is a grand old theatre. Between the intimacy of the venue and the performance of Bowie and band, I consider it the best concert of my life. I went down to the floor towards the end of the show. I was 15 feet away from Bowie for the final song Ziggy Stardust. I will never forget that night. DJ Berexa Pgh PA

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