Ground Control to Major Tom…I’ll Miss You David Bowie

musicJanuary 11, 2016Comments: 11

It’s early morning, Monday, January 11, 2016. I’m up late writing when the news comes over my Facebook feed: David Bowie had passed. Apparently he had been battling cancer for over a year, and nobody but those close to him really knew.

David Bowie

Hit me in the heart with a hammer. I didn’t want to believe it, but his official Facebook and Twitter confirmed the news, as did his son Duncan’s Twitter:

I literally grew up with David Bowie, having been born in the late 60s, when Bowie first rose to fame with “Space Oddity.” His music was constantly played in the house by my mother, and one of the first movies she took me to was “The Man Who Fell to Earth” in 1976. Perhaps not the best movie to show a child, but I will be forever grateful to mom for exposing me to this creative artist.

And he was so very creative. His songs often spoke about being an outsider and embracing the strange. They incorporated different music stylings, rather than being straight up rock songs.

He was forever re-inventing himself and his stage persona: Ziggy Stardust, the Thin White Duke. In the 80s, he once again reinvented himself as an unlikely pop star, with hits like “Let’s Dance” and “China Girl.” He was androgynous. He was elegant. He was theatrical. He was the Goblin King. He was an artist in every true sense of the word, not just with sound, but with visuals, as well.

RIP, David Bowie – here he is performing at the Kremlin Palace in Moscow in 1996.(Reuters)

Posted by The Moscow Times on Sunday, January 10, 2016

To see him in concert in the 70s and 80s, when I did, was to see a theater production masquerading as a rock show.

His creativity and willingness to embrace his uniqueness inspired millions to create their own artistic endeavors. Inspired millions to step outside the box. Inspired millions to tap into their own pool of strange.

His music is the soundtrack to many of my life’s memories, and many of my memories with my mom, who passed in 2005. If you could see me writing this, tears are rolling down my face, as I blink trying to see the screen through the watery haze in my eyes.

David Bowie has been a part of my life since I can remember, and I am beyond shattered to hear he is gone.

Bowie just turned 69 on January 8, 2016, the same day he released his new album, Blackstar. He managed to leave us with one last musical gift before passing on.

Thank you Mr. Bowie for the music and the memories. You are irreplaceable, and will most definitely be missed.

I’d like to leave you all with the video for my favorite David Bowie song, “Changes,” from his 1971 album, Hunky Dory. The lyrics always spoke to me.

And the title cut from his last album:

David Bowie Dies at 69BREAKING NEWS: Legendary Artist David Bowie dies at 69 after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Posted by World News Now on Sunday, January 10, 2016

[image courtesy Sony Music]


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About zengrrl

I'm Michelle Snow, the writer and creator of Zengrrl. I write about travel, entertainment, women's issues, health, body positivity, and more, both for this blog and freelance. I have also authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida. If you aren't already following me, the links are below, as well as on the top right of this page. Thanks!

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Comments: 11

  1. Jennifer January 11, 2016 at 11:39 pm

    I remember trying to get into his Serious Moonlight Tour in high school, it was sold out and I couldn’t afford the scalped tickets. I was so jealous of my friends that got to see him live, and so sad this morning when I realized I’d never get that experience. He and his music were really a big part of my high school life. ;(
    Jennifer wrote this post…How to Get Kids to CleanMy Profile

    • zengrrl January 12, 2016 at 4:33 am

      So sorry you never got to see him live. But at least you had the music to enjoy. Thanks for sharing your story, Jen! =)

  2. Rachel Swedowski January 11, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    I loved him from a very young age.His duet of Little Drummer Boy on the Bing Crosby Christmas special was perfection.To mix 2 very different musical genius’ in such a family oriented program, back then was amazing.Went to watch Labyrinth at Humboldt Park this past summer…& it was the largest crowd they ever had..in the thousands.He was loved and always will be by my daughter and me.

  3. Richard Price via Facebook January 11, 2016 at 2:39 pm

    Another tragic loss to the music world. His continual ability to reinvent himself and stay ahead of the trend was so amazing. He will be missed…

  4. Charleen Nicholson January 11, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Ugh, my heart. Very touching tribute, thank you for sharing about his influence on you and your life.

    • zengrrl January 12, 2016 at 4:31 am

      Thank you for reading it, Charleen, and sharing your thoughts. =)

      • Vinnie February 2, 2016 at 10:20 pm

        This post has helped me think things thgoruh

  5. Janette Dorrell January 11, 2016 at 7:33 am

    He was the only one we travelled a great distance to see – his Serious Moonlight Tour in 1983. Amazing concert, open air, under the stars on a beautiful summer evening with that wonderful music. It was well worth the drive home through the night, arriving back with only an hour before we had to go to work.

    He is a legend and now reunited with his mate Marc Bolan. One can only imagine the concerts they will be putting together now.

    • zengrrl January 12, 2016 at 4:30 am

      Yes, he was an amazing artist to see live. I’m glad you had the experience, and thanks for sharing it with me Janette! =)

  6. John Frost via Facebook January 11, 2016 at 6:57 am

    I’m a mess this morning. Had no idea he was so close to death.

  7. Cris Reed January 11, 2016 at 6:36 am

    This sucks…. Had no idea he was ill….