It's very sad. I wonder were the last three years spent busily (by his standards) recording in the knowledge that time was running-out. I know they said he's only been battling it 18 months but he was quiet for a long time before the comeback this time three years ago.
As for Pulp, I can imagine Zig Webber and Jarvis in particular will be most affected by the news. Jarvis wrote a piece for the Evening Standard a couple of years ago when Bowie at the V&A exhibition was on, was quite good as I recall.
It's very sad. I wonder were the last three years spent busily (by his standards) recording in the knowledge that time was running-out. I know they said he's only been battling it 18 months but he was quiet for a long time before the comeback this time three years ago.
He was rumored very sick for the last album already. It was all very mysterious even back then, and some say he's been battling cancer since 2004... I wouldn't be surprised if it was a lot more than 18 months.
Absolutely devastated. Bowie - my favourite solo artist, Pulp - my favourite band. Cannot believe it. RIP David and condolences to friends and family.
There had been rumours all throughout the 2004-2012 period of relative inactivity but when he came back with the Next Day in 2013 it put my mind at rest completely. This is a complete shock. Having said that, much of the material on Blackstar now makes sense. Absolutely shocked and devastated You never think this day is coming. You think your heroes are immortal Rest in peace David and thank you for quite literally changing my life.
I heard the news today, oh boy!
That was a big shock this morning. I still can't believe it. I didn't know, that he was that ill. Last week a friend of mine said, that "Black star" was like a promise for more interesting stuff, maybe a tour. And now this.
I agree with Andy, I think his final illness may have occupied these past 18 months but wonder it was an eventual return of one that had been diagnosed and battled much earlier.
I honestly can't believe it. Cried my eyes out. Bowie was one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century, in any medium, not just music. And I just can't believe how performative has death has been- the video for Lazarus, the lyrics on most of Blackstar, and then actually dying two days after both the album's release and his birthday. Bowie is the antithesis to the faded rock star that time forgot.
Also, as much as I think the public outpouring of grief and the celebration of his back catalogue is wonderful and very important, I hope it doesn't overshadow Blackstar, which is his best album in 30 years, a stunning piece of work.
Blackstar, which is his best album in 30 years, a stunning piece of work.
It is superb. Best since Scary Monsters for sure, stands alongside his 1970s albums. Was listening to it over the weekend before the news came through. Have to admit, it is one hell of a way to bow out. I know a few artists have made albums when confronted with the grim reaper, but this one is like having him in the band.
Russell's memories of Bowie (along with other people's memories of him): http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/what-s-on/music/what-david-bowie-meant-to-me-writers-artists-and-musicians-remember-a-hero-1-7668234