Eternal Starman

There's no doubt that the past week has been a mournful one for the music collective; the sudden news that style icon David (Jones) Bowie passed away "peacefully" aged 69 from cancer last Monday has had a colossal effect with all manner of people. Although I, like many, did not have the pleasure of seeing the legend, I do embrace and treasure his music. Bowie's impact on society with his flamboyant, eccentric lifestyle deserves to be celebrated; an individual who challenged constraints, explored alternative mediums and created historical art in varying forms should be recognised for generations to come. I'm sure that along with being an iconic artist, David was a kind man and my thoughts go out to his friends and family at this time. For now my thanks is extended to the innovative creator of exceptional music who will live on in his art.  

It is extremely difficult to pin Bowie down to one particular style or genre as in more ways than one, he has influenced or been involved in so many; folk, pop, rock'n'roll, new romantic, R'n'B the list goes on, but why pigeon hole his style? In true authentic nature David Bowie never neatly slotted into a trend, he was the instigator of trend, a pioneer for the alternative. In an interview with Six Music David discussed (in his charming English accent) how he didn't want to follow a trend and instead aspired to become a "medium of art" himself. Bowie was a canvas for art which lead to the personas of Ziggy Stardust, The White Duke and Aladdin Sane and their varying musical styles to complete each alterego. Due to this Bowie wasn't simply just a musician, he was the embodiment of music, art, fashion and style; he was culture itself in all its unorthodox glory. 

A bold and influential character, there has been nobody like David Bowie in the past decades which makes his loss even more poignant. It is his prominent, creative stamp on music and culture which has made David so accessible to all generations; who'd have thought that modern day teenagers would have such a connection with a nearing 70 year old man? Yet it was David's timeless creative music that made him resonate with the younger demographic. Sadly, there is a gaping hole within our society for the whole cultural, expressive package; which is why unique artist David Bowie is an icon for young people today and for times to come in ageless hits, such as Heroes and Rebel Rebel. 

 (Image above: Aladdin Sane,1973)

It has been David Bowie's continuous diversity which allowed him to inspire and entertain countless people, from his vast discography there's a style of music for everyone.  A personal favourite of mine, and somewhat overlooked album, is the 1999 creation Hours. Bowie ended the century with an alternative rock, guitar orientated collection with crafty lyrics and a clean cut sound. Bowie's lyrics are part of what makes him notorious; often subjective, sometimes random other times poetic and usually provoking David was a highly impressive lyricist. 

It was David's insightful lyrics after his 10 year silence which aided to the excitement and shock attached to the release of Where Are We Now? in 2014. This stunning single took the nation by surprise as once again Bowie emerged renewed. But this time it was different; the musical frivolity was stripped back and the emotion was raw. A beautifully tender song, Where Are We Now? was the first thing I heard on the 11th of January after receiving the devastating news of David's passing; it is now to me the most heartrending Bowie song.

                                   

It is with no hesitation that I can deem David Bowie to be, to me, a musical and lifelong legend. He was a controversial artist to the end as demonstrated in his last single Lazarus from Blackstar. In true Bowie style, he left this world in a shock,  bringing himself to the center of attention yet again. 

Immortal in his music. May he rest in peace. 

David Robert Jones 1947 - 2016

Laura.