Cancer Claims David Bowie At 69

1947-2016

Days after releasing a critically acclaimed album on his 69th birthday, innovative rock legend DAVID BOWIE has died from cancer, his manager confirmed to the L.A. TIMES.

A statement posted on his FACEBOOK page said, "DAVID BOWIE died peacefully today surrounded by his family after a courageous 18-month battle with cancer. While many of you will share in this loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy during their time of grief." The same message was posted via TWITTER.

BOWIE was born DAVID JONES in JANUARY 1947 but rebooted himself as DAVID BOWIE in 1966, in order to avoid confusion with the MONKEES' DAVY JONES. He is survived by his son DUNCAN, wife of 24 years IMAN, and their daughter ALEXANDRIA.

Below are what were likely the first and last songs most know from BOWIE, "Space Oddity," released in 1969, and "Lazarus," released just last week.

COLUMBIA RECORDS released this statement, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of DAVID BOWIE. It was an honor and a privilege to release his music to the world."

MUSIC BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MUSIC BIZ) Pres. JAMES DONIO commented on BOWIE's  passing: “MUSIC BIZ is deeply saddened by the loss of DAVID BOWIE, a truly iconic artist, spectacular entertainer, and visionary innovator. From Rock to Folk to Glam to Dance, BOWIE’s songs had a profound impact on the musical landscape. He had a dedicated following in popular culture and reinvented and developed striking visual presentation in his work for more than four decades. In fact, nearly every genre of music would not be the same without his contributions. His final album, Blackstar, is a fitting endpoint to his legacy, allowing him to go out on a high note while pushing at the boundaries of what Pop music can be. His legions of fans of all stripes around the world should remember him the way he would have wanted… through the amazing music he continued to create through his entire life.”

Celebration Of Life

BOWIE's life will be celebrated with a service in LONDON's UNION CHAPEL in ISLINGTON on SUNDAY (JANUARY 17th).  The event -- “Starman: A celebration of DAVID BOWIE” -- will provide an opportunity for people who have been inspired, influenced or touched by his work to pay tribute to the visionary musician.

Musicians and bands will perform BOWIE tracks live, while people who knew the man or loved his work will read lyrics, poems and talk about what he meant to them. There will be projections, song sheets for the congregation and, hopefully, a number of surprises. The list of performers and participants is currently being prepared and organizers are appealing to anyone who would like to get involved or to help out to get in contact.

Said event coordinator STEFAN SIMANOWITZ: "The world would be a very different place without DAVID BOWIE and many people feel a distinct need to say goodbye to him. This event is intended for everyone whose lives have been touched by his music. We appeal to anyone to get in contact and help ensure that this event is a fitting tribute to a man who has meant so much to so many.”

Added UNION CHAPEL venue manager PETE STAPLETON: “We are honored to be hosting this celebration for one of the outstanding musicians of our time. The UNION CHAPEL will provide an ideal setting to celebrate the greatness of his work and bid farewell to a very special man.”  The event will take place from 5-8.30p local time.

« see more Net News