David Bowie - Rest In Peace

Dateline 2.30am Eastern Standard Time, Monday, January 11, 2016

For some reason, I could not sleep. Got up to get a drink. By habit, checked my emails and Twitter, then FaceBook. David Bowie Dead! Screamed one message. A dear friend in another time zone had sent me a wire feed from the New York Times: “David Bowie, the infinitely changeable, fiercely forward-looking songwriter who taught generations of musicians about the power of drama, images and personae, died Sunday, two days after his 69th birthday.”

I sat stunned, staring at my computer screen, not moving. I had just completed a birthday tribute to Elvis and David for the latest edition of Life Elsewhere. Part of the tribute was a review of Blackstar, David Bowie‘s 25th studio album, released officially, just two days ago on his 69th birthday. Chris O’Leary, who wrote, Rebel Rebel the definitive book on Bowie songs (volume one), gave his critical opinion of Blackstar. And, he also answered my question as to the rumors of perhaps David was ill. In retrospect, it’s chilling to hear what Chris says. The news is devastating. It’s way too early (literally) to organize my thoughts in making a fitting tribute.

Yet, already, social media and news channels are full with remembrances and spontaneous eulogies. Undoubtedly, David Bowie was a true cult hero, a living legend, a hugely influential icon. His passing will take much time to realize and understand. Personally, his death touches me in ways I would rather not go into here, but I can say, I was honored to have met the man and portions of our intimate conversations were recorded for posterity. Rest in peace, David. Much love.

Norman B