The rock world is in mourning today. Late last night the terrible news broke that music icon David Bowie, who’s four decade career influenced untold legions of musicians, had died quietly among family in his home after an 18 month struggle with cancer.
It was a shocking revelation, as the public wasn’t even aware he was sick.
The Ziggy Stardust star had quickly and solemnly left the world out of the blue, and no one was prepared for it to be true. Fans across social media bargained with reality, begging the news to be a hoax, holding out hope that some cruel prank had been pulled upon the world…but it wasn’t to be.
The dreadful news was all too true, confirmed on twitter by the rock legend’s son Duncan Jones.
The late singer was a near jack of all trades, often proving his versatility as an actor, making many memorable film appearances over the years. He earned notable roles as the Goblin King in the 1986 cult classic “Labyrinth” and as the seductive cosmopolitan vampire in the 1983 thriller “The Hunger”. His talents had him in demand for the duration of his life, and he was selective of the parts he accepted, famously rejecting an offer from Steven Spielberg to play Captain Hook in the 1991 family adventure “Hook”, opposite of the late great Robin Williams.
The unpredictable talent was equally fickle with what honors he’d accept, opting for populist fanfare over elitist awards.
Over the years, Bowie amassed two Grammy Awards, and a dozen nominations, and in 1996 he was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a living legend.
But Bowie declined the attempts by the British Monarchy to lionize him, rejecting the title of Commander of the British Empire in 2000, and then in 2003 he even opted to turn down knighthood.
His final album, Blackstar, was released on his 69th birthday, mere days before he bid farewell to us all.
The world will deeply miss you, Starman. “Check ignition and may God’s love be with you…”
